Advice from Brian on Canon lenses

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you may already know a lot of this and I’m sure you’ll get opinions from others, in any case, here’s my 2 cents:

D90 v. 50D - for technical comparisons, you can look up reviews on dpreview.com etc. When it comes to just choosing between Canon or Nikon, it really is your own preference. When I first started I went to a store and played with both Nikon and Canon bodies and decided right then that Canon bodies just felt better in my hands. I preferred the button/dial layout etc, it was just more intuitive to me and I’ve stuck with it since. All the “don’t go Nikon” talk is tongue and cheek, I know plenty of photos shooting Nikon and producing amazing work. Secretly though, I still think you should stick with Canon, just because I shoot Canon.

As for lens, depending on your budget, the Tamron AF 28-75 F/2.8 XR Di LD Aspherical (IF) is a quality lens at a reasonable price. it’s sharp, has good contrast, color, and the build is also solid for its class. The only thing I don’t like about it is the AF is a little slow (for my purpose of documenting fast action), but it’s perfectly fine for normal use. If budget allows, the lens you want is Canon 24-70 f/2.8L. This is what the pros use and it was my bread and butter lens for while until I got bored with zooms and decided to shoot all primes (very happy with the decision btw).

You pay a premium for the L, but you also get top optics. The L lenses are built to last but they are also beasts to carry. I have the Tamron 28-75 which my assistant uses, I like that it’s significantly smaller and lighter than the Canon, and I generally use it along with the 5D as my walk-around lens when I travel. Although lately I’ve been carrying only a G10 and leaving the dSLRs in the hotel. It’s stealthy, does not intimidate and it shoots almost like a rangefinder. It’s funny that when I was in HK, everywhere I go (sightseeing), EVERYONE, I mean all these Uncle Bobs and Cousin Sallys were carrying big fancy SLRs, 5D Mk II etc. and there’s me with my little G10…

Anyway, another lens suggestion would be Canon 50 1.4. I believe every photographer should own the 50 1.4 (regardless Nikkor or Canon). On a full frame body (5D etc.) the 50 1.4 is a good, fast, general purpose lens to accompany a wide lens. It’s great for portraits, candids, and details. I use it a lot for available light shots during the reception to retain the ambiance of the place (shoot wide open on 1.4). For travel, it’s nice for available light street photography, night market people etc. On a cropped body like dRebel, 50D etc, it’s a nice semi-tele to give you the reach you want.

For wide, when it comes time to replace the stock 18-55, I’d suggest the 17-40 f/4L. And the upgrade after that would be the 16-35 f/2.8L or 24 1.4L.

For a long lens, you can start with the Canon 85 1.8 (85 1.2 L would be the upgrade), or go with 135 1.2L. If you MUST have a zoom, the Canon 70-200 f/2.8 (non-IS) would be the start and the IS version would be the upgrade. The 70-200 L are distinctly white, and they are monsters to carry. I only bring it out for a little bit during the ceremony and maybe use it for some portraits but that’s about it (10-15% use).

For a desert island wedding, the 24 1.4L, 50 1.4 and 135 1.2 L would be all I need. It used to be 16-35 f/2.8L, 24-70 f/2.8L, and 70-200 f/2.8 L IS.

If it’s up to me, and if budget allows, I’d go 50D (new or used) plus either 50 1.4 or the Tamron 28-75. If I absolutely have to go with just one, I’d say Tamron 28-75 (with full intention that it will be replaced later). For now, the Tamron 28-75 will give you the range to help you make more diverse images than what the 18-55 alone offers. (I’d keep in mind that this range is also dangerous for being very “normal” on a cropped body.)

It may feel good to carry a 50D just because it is a better camera than the dRebel in terms of build, technical specs etc., the 50D is limited in helping you push your creativity and see things differently. Plus for travel, most people (pros at least) tend to prefer equipments that are light and small.

so, there you have it, good luck with your decision. :)