I think I'm ready to sell my 17-85IS lens and get something else. It's a nice lens given its size, weight, price and features (like range, IS), but it does have some compromises (slightly soft at 17mm, not fast f4-f5.6, etc.).

I find I like doing close-ups and long distance shots (not zoom from long distance, just distance and getting a lot in the shot).

I'm finding my lil 50mm MkII is nice for close-ups (assuming *I'm* willing to move to get the right distance away) but too long for long distance shots (not wide enough angle)

Maybe I should look at a 17-40 f4 L? The 24-70 is widely praised but maybe 24 isn't wide enough given the 1.6x crop???

Thanks for any advice.

Paul, if you're willing to spend the money, I'd go for the 17-40 L. I've heard nothing but great things about that lens.

Here's what everyone's said about it on Fred Mirranda's site.

http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/showproduct.php?product=3&sort=7&cat=27&page=1

Currently, I'm looking for a new lens as well. The one that has caught my eye is the Tamron 28-75mm lens. It's supposed to be close to the quality of an L series lens but for $350-400. I need a good replacement for my 18-55mm kit lens -- but keeping it only for the 18mm wide angle shots.

Paul, this could be a great choice for you if you're still thinking of the 24-70 L ....

http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/showproduct.php?product=187&sort=7&cat=43&page=1

I need some help guys. I have a Sony DSC-F707 5mp it takes descent pics but now
I want to get more out of it or upgrade. What do you suggest?

Thanks in Advance
Bernard

I need some help guys. I have a Sony DSC-F707 5mp it takes descent pics but now
I want to get more out of it or upgrade. What do you suggest?

Thanks in Advance
Bernard

Hey Bernard, when you say you want to get more out of it, can you be more specific? What do you feel you can't do with your current camera or it doesn't do well?

I want to be able to increase telephoto and wide-angle shots.
Unfortunately I can't use interchangeable lens. The only
substitute I found are the 2X lens that will attach to my
current len's.

Bit,

The Tamron comes really close to the Canon L lenses. I found it very hard to believe until the guy that I was helping with the Maxim style shoots did a head to head comparo. The L lenses are slightly sharper and have better saturation. Contrast was close with both lenses. As for focusing and mechanics...well, Canon takes the cake on both. The Tamron was about a year old, and it felt like it was very loose and going to fall apart. My 28-70 2.8L is nearly 10 years old and still going strong. Plus the focusing with the USM can't be beat.

You get what you pay for, even if it counts down to mechanics of a lens and their longevity.

Percy

I think I'm ready to sell my 17-85IS lens and get something else. It's a nice lens given its size, weight, price and features (like range, IS), but it does have some compromises (slightly soft at 17mm, not fast f4-f5.6, etc.).

I find I like doing close-ups and long distance shots (not zoom from long distance, just distance and getting a lot in the shot).

I'm finding my lil 50mm MkII is nice for close-ups (assuming *I'm* willing to move to get the right distance away) but too long for long distance shots (not wide enough angle)

Maybe I should look at a 17-40 f4 L? The 24-70 is widely praised but maybe 24 isn't wide enough given the 1.6x crop???

Thanks for any advice.

Bit,

The Tamron comes really close to the Canon L lenses. I found it very hard to believe until the guy that I was helping with the Maxim style shoots did a head to head comparo. The L lenses are slightly sharper and have better saturation. Contrast was close with both lenses. As for focusing and mechanics...well, Canon takes the cake on both. The Tamron was about a year old, and it felt like it was very loose and going to fall apart. My 28-70 2.8L is nearly 10 years old and still going strong. Plus the focusing with the USM can't be beat.

You get what you pay for, even if it counts down to mechanics of a lens and their longevity.

Percy

Great info from the man himself!
I'll be purchasing that lens this month.

:thumbup: :thumbup:

Great info from the man himself!
I'll be purchasing that lens this month.

:thumbup: :thumbup:

You mean the 28-75? I guess I think I'd like a wider angle than 28. But then again, I've got so many other expenses right now I may not be buying anything until I can ask Santa for it. :D