I’m thinking of replacing most of my F4.0 lenses from ultrawide to 70mm and getting lenses with wider apertures that are better for night photography. I've done some research, but I thought I’d ask for recommendations before I overhaul everything. Or if anyone has lenses along these lines they're looking to sell, I'll consider it.
If you were looking to buy new lenses up to 70mm with apertures f/2.8 or larger for a Canon 5D II what would you buy? Or perhaps there are new lenses coming out that I should wait for?
Here’s what I’m thinking of buying:
Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8G w/ Canon EOS adapter
Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L
Zeiss 50mm f/1.4 ZE or Canon 50mm f1.2L
I currently own the Canon 24mm F1.4, which I’d keep. I’d sell my 17-40L F4.0, my cheap mid-range zoom, and my Canon 50mm f1.4. When shooting the Canon 50mm at night, the stars on the edges of the images tend to grow wings rather than appear as points of light. But based on reviews I’m not sure whether the Zeiss would be much better. I think I'd need an aspherical lens to get good quality at the corners with the lens wide open. The Canon 50mm f1.2L seems to be the best option there, but it's expensive. So I may just hold off on the 50mm for now.
I've got a pristine Canon 35mm f1.4 L, that I would consider parting with due to low usage.
However, I can't tell you what stars on the edges would look like with the lens wide open.
Thanks for the offer, Bill. Since I already have the 24mm f1.4 L, I think I'd just want a 50mm. FYI, the 24mm (version I) is not perfect but is pretty darn good wide open with stars. So I assume the 35 would be comparable.
Grant, I have the Canon 24-70 F2.8L and the 5D Mark II body. I have used the Canon 24-70 F2.8L for several years on my old 5D body and I really like it for night photography. I have made a few shots with the new body and it works even better. The key with this lense is to get a good copy. The guy I bought it from tested it against some of the best prime lenses and it held up well in all cases. You may ask why he sold it? He switched to Nikon bodies.
I don't do night photography, but the 24-70mm was one of my favorite Canon lenses. I'd start there. If it doesn't work for you, it's one of the easiest lenses to sell (great resale value). The 14-24mm is an awesome lens, and the front element hasn't been an issue for me. It's got a nice hood/cap. The only issue might be getting your hands on the adapter. It would probably be worth the wait.
I'd probably do the same thing you're considering, for what it's worth.
Discussion
5 repliesIf you were looking to buy new lenses up to 70mm with apertures f/2.8 or larger for a Canon 5D II what would you buy? Or perhaps there are new lenses coming out that I should wait for?
Here’s what I’m thinking of buying:
Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8G w/ Canon EOS adapter
Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L
Zeiss 50mm f/1.4 ZE or Canon 50mm f1.2L
I currently own the Canon 24mm F1.4, which I’d keep. I’d sell my 17-40L F4.0, my cheap mid-range zoom, and my Canon 50mm f1.4. When shooting the Canon 50mm at night, the stars on the edges of the images tend to grow wings rather than appear as points of light. But based on reviews I’m not sure whether the Zeiss would be much better. I think I'd need an aspherical lens to get good quality at the corners with the lens wide open. The Canon 50mm f1.2L seems to be the best option there, but it's expensive. So I may just hold off on the 50mm for now.
However, I can't tell you what stars on the edges would look like with the lens wide open.
I hope that helps some with your decision.
I'd probably do the same thing you're considering, for what it's worth.