Questions on lenses

[Rocketpig]

My work has a Canon D20 and we need two lenses for it.

One needs to be for indoor shoots of large machines. Often times, light will not be very good and given the size of these machines (20+ foot), a nice lighting setup is not an option. They're also stationary so moving them outdoors would be a logistical nightmare. What lens would suit that type of work well?

The other lens just needs to be a decent adjustable telephoto for general purpose use (both recreational and a little work-related stuff).

I'm completely out of the loop when it comes to good lenses nowadays so any help would be appreciated. Money isn't a big hindrance here and the owner is willing to spend up to $1k per lens.

[Two-Toe Tom]

hmm, i'd think you want an ultra-wide angle lens and a tripod for the large machinery.

[Rocketpig]

Any recommendations on brand? I know Sigma used to make reasonably high quality lenses for a decent price but it's been 5+ years since I really looked into SLR cameras.

[DesignVHL]

you cannot go wrong w/ a canon lense. :) I have 2. a 1.4 50mm prime (GREAT for low light and versitatily), and the other is this one:

http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&fcategoryid=149&modelid=7337

both have been treating me well for years. :)

*Also depends on your budget too. :)

I've used a 300 sigma zoom on the 20D and on my Rebel, and its been pretty nice also...but the quality of canon you can't beat imho. :)

[Tyger]

large machines? do you want a zoom? or prime?

Prime you'd want something fast like a Canon 28mm 1.8 or 35mm f2, 50mm 1.4, Sigma 30mm 1.4
Zooms look at Tamron 17-50 2.8 very good lens for the price also the tamron 28-75mm 2.8 is a jem but may not be wide enough on a crop camera.

On the expensive side there is the Canon 24mm 1.4 and 35mm 1.4 or the 17-55mm 2.8 IS, 24-70mm 2.8

How much space do you have to work with? Have you considered getting say a zoom lens like the Tamron 17-50mm 2.8 and a flash like the Canon 430EX or 580EX? The zoom should be able to handle all your needs and rather affordable. The tamrons don't have USM focusing like the canons and some say it's a bit loud and at 2.8 the lens tends to hunt a bit.

What kind of lighting are these machines under?

[Tyger]

here's a link to a site I frequent, their reviews are usually pretty informative.

http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/

[sppe123]

There is a deal about Canon EF-S 60MM f/2.8 USM Lens for Digital SLR Cameras, looks decent to you

http://www.dealstudio.com/searchdeals.php?deal_id=100037&ru=290

[Rocketpig]

Tyger, thanks for the link. I'll check it out.

I don't have that much room and usually have to conserve space as much as possible. I won't be able to stand 50 feet away from the machine and shoot it.

Lighting is typical industrial warehouse. Some ambient light from the bay doors and some neon lights 20 feet or so in the air.

[Tyger]

Tyger, thanks for the link. I'll check it out.

I don't have that much room and usually have to conserve space as much as possible. I won't be able to stand 50 feet away from the machine and shoot it.

Lighting is typical industrial warehouse. Some ambient light from the bay doors and some neon lights 20 feet or so in the air.


what lens is on that camera now? if it is a zoom say an 18-55mm you could use that just for composition purposes, see which lengths you are using to determine how wide you need.

If you get a wide angle zoom you would need a f2.8 lens...in fact I think that's as fast as zooms go but I could be mistaken. You could always use a tripod and use slower shutter speeds.

Prime lenses will probably be your best bet, but may have to pay a premium for something like a Canon 24mm 1.4, but you say your company is going to pay for it so, no worries :)

As I said, get whatever lens that is on that camera or if any others available and see what lengths you are using at your widest focal length.

[Rocketpig]

what lens is on that camera now? if it is a zoom say an 18-55mm you could use that just for composition purposes, see which lengths you are using to determine how wide you need.

If you get a wide angle zoom you would need a f2.8 lens...in fact I think that's as fast as zooms go but I could be mistaken. You could always use a tripod and use slower shutter speeds.

Prime lenses will probably be your best bet, but may have to pay a premium for something like a Canon 24mm 1.4, but you say your company is going to pay for it so, no worries :)

As I said, get whatever lens that is on that camera or if any others available and see what lengths you are using at your widest focal length.

Thanks. I haven't used the camera yet but I will test it out with its current lens to find out what it has and how well it works for this sort of work. I believe it currently has a zoom lens on it but I can't confirm that.

In your opinion, how well would that 1.4 work outside? Some of the shots may be taken outdoors and living in Southern California, you can bet that the sun will be out most of the time.

Anyway, thanks for all the help. I haven't bothered with this sort of thing in 6-7 years now and I'm pretty out of touch with current tech.

[Tyger]

Thanks. I haven't used the camera yet but I will test it out with its current lens to find out what it has and how well it works for this sort of work. I believe it currently has a zoom lens on it but I can't confirm that.

In your opinion, how well would that 1.4 work outside? Some of the shots may be taken outdoors and living in Southern California, you can bet that the sun will be out most of the time.

Anyway, thanks for all the help. I haven't bothered with this sort of thing in 6-7 years now and I'm pretty out of touch with current tech.

Both the Canon 24mm 1.4 and 35mm 1.4 are considered some of canon's best in their "L" series line up, on a crop camera the 35mm lens will feel similar to the standard 50mm film cameras. These lenses perform well indoor and outdoor but since they are primes you'd have to zoom with your feet :)

you be the judge....Lens archive pics (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=141406)

check out the link for some example pics. From the info given and if they are willing to spend 2K on some quality glass I would look into either the Canon 24mm 1.4 or 35mm 1.4 (though be careful with your perspective since the closer you are the more distortion you may get) for indoor shots of the machinery, it should give you enough space to work with...if not a wide angle zoom like the Canon 17-55mm 2.8 or 16-35mm 2.8. The Zooms make great walk around lenses too, so you may just even need one zoom lens.

[onestyle]

you'll love the 10-22mm on a 20D. It is one of the sharpest lenses I've ever owned. Unfortunately, I had to sell it when I upgraded to a 5D... otherwise, I would have kept it. on the flip side, the distortion it creates makes it difficult to photography people without making them look unnatural. But if you're going to be shooting interiors, this is the way to go.