Favorite lens, or lenses, and why?

[Nimrod]

Let's hear what everyone's favorite lens is and why.

I currently own 5 lenses and each of them is pretty much a tool for a specific job. I really can't say any of them are a favorite because they each have their own nitch. 3 of my lenses are primes (50mm f/1.4, 85mm f/1.8 & 400mm f/5.6) and although they all great lenses I don't ever use them except for specific jobs. The other two are zooms. The 70-200mm f/2.8 is too big and bulky to carry around for a fun day of shooting. And the 18-55mm f/4-5.6 is the stock lens that came with one of my cameras and it's OK, I just haven't cultivated any great love for it. I recently sold a Canon 17-40L f/4 lens. It gave stunning colors but it lacked the sharpness I expected. So my next purchase will be a walk around, fun type lens. I would like a Canon 24-70L f/2.8 but unless I sell a boatload of photos over the next couple of weeks I don't see a $1,200 lens in my future. I think I may go with a Sigma lens, either a 24-70mm f/2.8 macro or a 24-60mm f/2.8. I'm leaning towards the 24-70mm as it is a bit more versatile than the 24-60. So, what is everyone elses favorite?

 

[John in Florida]

Nim:

I don't think there are more than 4 or 5 guys on here who have Digital SLR's.

Last week I finally got rid of all of my film camera equipment. Had a Nikkormat which only lasted 30 years with a bunch of nice Nikon lenses.
It never failed me and when I sold it, it was like losing a good friend.

I'm guessing my next camera will be another Canon Digital SLR.


John

 

[Brian(upstateNY)]

<center> well Im liken the 70-200L 2.8 IS a lot
just picked that lens up only clicked a few with it so far
Im outdoors shooting so that benefits me a lot
the canon 100-400L IS is another of my sweets
that has to be a more open or air shot lens tho around where I live.
The canon 17-85 IS really surprised me a lot I can say that
it has the L quality but not the price really Nimrod
That one now is left on one body all the time
It shoots well in clouds and overcast also but shines in the better sun lit days

I still have the 70-200F4 L glass also thats a gret lens in the sun also
I wont sell it tho even tho I have the other L's
its been a favorite of mine and still can use it on one the the canon bodys
Have a few small primes as well but they are used less also

Next thing for me will be the 400L 5.6 like you have
I have seen awsome shots with that but just have not had the time or place to use it yet so held off on that one

 

[Nimrod]

Probably should have asked what camera everyone has first.

 

[Mr.Bill]

Well I guess I fit into this a tad. I do use an Olympus C2500. That's a thru the lens viewing unit. Just doesn't have the ability to change len's.

I used it a lot because of it's great close up shots it could do. You can touch the lens with the object, and get a good photo.

Mr. Bill