Which Canon and Nikon lenses on a $2,000 budget?

[havoc315]

I'm seriously contemplating switching systems to Canon or Nikon full frame.
After unloading my current system, buying either the D750 or 6D or 5diii, I estimate, maybe supplementing my budget a bit, I estimate I'd have about $2000 for lenses and accessories.

Actually, I'd probably want a good speedlight -- So starting with about $250-$350 for a flash... and then lenses..

Canon and Nikon users, how would you spend the budget? (full frame lenses + flash)
I'm perfectly willing to consider Sigma/Tamron alternatives, I'm willing to consider buying used. But I strongly prefer stabilized lenses.

 

[Skywise]

I'm seriously contemplating switching systems to Canon or Nikon full frame.
After unloading my current system, buying either the D750 or 6D or 5diii, I estimate, maybe supplementing my budget a bit, I estimate I'd have about $2000 for lenses and accessories.

Actually, I'd probably want a good speedlight -- So starting with about $250-$350 for a flash... and then lenses..

Canon and Nikon users, how would you spend the budget? (full frame lenses + flash)
I'm perfectly willing to consider Sigma/Tamron alternatives, I'm willing to consider buying used. But I strongly prefer stabilized lenses.

If you go Canon you might look at a cropped camera and go with the 17-55 f2.8 IS.

If you stick with FF then I'd look at the new 16-35 F4 IS and the 24-105L F4 IS

 

[havoc315]

If you go Canon you might look at a cropped camera and go with the 17-55 f2.8 IS.

If you stick with FF then I'd look at the new 16-35 F4 IS and the 24-105L F4 IS

If I go cropped, I'll go mirrorless.

Those are definitely 2 nice lenses. Anyone compare the Sigma 24-105 to the Canon L? Could save a few dollars with the Sigma...
It would be a tough decision for me, priorities beyond the basic walk-around lens: Ultrawide like the 16-35.. a telephoto, fast primes. Though I do sometimes shoot ultrawide (mostly just on vacations), I think telephoto zoom is a higher priority for me (sports, portraits, wildlife). And I do feel like I need a prime in my bag for low light. That's a lot to squeeze into a $2,000 budget, lol.

 

[Skywise]

If I go cropped, I'll go mirrorless.

Those are definitely 2 nice lenses. Anyone compare the Sigma 24-105 to the Canon L? Could save a few dollars with the Sigma...
It would be a tough decision for me, priorities beyond the basic walk-around lens: Ultrawide like the 16-35.. a telephoto, fast primes. Though I do sometimes shoot ultrawide (mostly just on vacations), I think telephoto zoom is a higher priority for me (sports, portraits, wildlife). And I do feel like I need a prime in my bag for low light. That's a lot to squeeze into a $2,000 budget, lol.

Yeah, the FF lenses definitely push up the $$$. I've heard really good things about the EOS-M cameras but I don't think the lens quality is quite there yet. I had shot with a T2i/T4i and a 17-55 F2.8 IS and it was just phenomenal (better in some cases then my 6D with a 24-70 F2.8 NON-IS because I can get a few more shots with the IS)

Now Canon did just announce a non-L 24-105 IS with STM (and variable F -3.5-5?) which should come in sub $1000 I think and should be out shortly but there are no reviews out there for it yet.

 

[havoc315]

Yeah, the FF lenses definitely push up the $$$. I've heard really good things about the EOS-M cameras but I don't think the lens quality is quite there yet. I had shot with a T2i/T4i and a 17-55 F2.8 IS and it was just phenomenal (better in some cases then my 6D with a 24-70 F2.8 NON-IS because I can get a few more shots with the IS)

Now Canon did just announce a non-L 24-105 IS with STM (and variable F -3.5-5?) which should come in sub $1000 I think and should be out shortly but there are no reviews out there for it yet.

I'd go M4:3, or Fuji, or Sony if I was going mirrorless.

Reviews I have seen suggest the Sigma 24-105/f4 is just as good, if not better than the Canon 24-105L, and about $300 cheaper, so I'd probably go that route for Canon or for Nikon.
Though actually, I'm not sure about the price comparison.. I see Canon 24-105 IS USM listed on Amazon, some listed at around $700, and some at $1150... Are there 2 different lenses, or are they all the same lens?

 

[xlxo]

I estimate I'd have about $2000 for lenses and accessories.

Actually, I'd probably want a good speedlight -- So starting with about $250-$350 for a flash... and then lenses..

Canon and Nikon users, how would you spend the budget? (full frame lenses + flash)
I'm perfectly willing to consider Sigma/Tamron alternatives, I'm willing to consider buying used. But I strongly prefer stabilized lenses.

Some thoughts...

• it depends on what type of photography you want to do. Are you building your lenses to be a pro? Are you into landscapes and need to go wide? Are you into macro and close-ups?
• Building your pro arsenal get a 24-70mm f/2.8 all around zoom lens
  http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/520637-USA/Nikon_2164_AF_S_Nikkor_24_70mm_f_2_8G.html
• Ideally go for a premium flash for bounce lighting and range.
  http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/832699-USA/Nikon_4809_SB_910_AF_Speedlight_i_TTL.html
  The SB700 is a good compromise
  http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/734997-USA/Nikon_4808_SB_700_Speedlight_Shoe_Mount.html
• after bad experience with a slow focusing Tamron... I demand brand genuine lenses.
• if you like zoom... consider the 28-300mm one a one lens wonder for travel. With the money saved, you can still afford the SB-910.
  http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/729950-USA/Nikon_2191_AF_S_NIKKOR_28_300mm_f_3_5_5_6G.html
• do compared lens prices... Canon likes you charge you nearly than TRIPLE for the same lens.
  http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/319784-USA/Canon_9322A002AA_28_300mm_f_3_5_5_6L_IS_USM.html
• Nikon offers 2yr warranty on the body and 5 years on most lenses. What does Canon offer and want you to pay extra for extended warranties? Shame!
• Check out DxO mark's camera sensor ratings.... pay attention to which brand shows for the top 30 spots
  http://www.dxomark.com/Cameras/Ratings

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W89_nifuric

 

[nbaresejr]

I just picked up a 6D

My current lineup is:

Flash: 430exii - I find this plenty of flash. I think its around $230

Lenses: 24-70L F4 IS- Got this in the 6D package. Its normally $1000 but purchsed with body there is a $250 rebate so it will be $750 when all is said and done. I really like this lens after 1 day of use. Very sharp and have a nifty macro mode.

70-200L F4 IS- Picked this up over a year ago from Canon Refurbished. It was on sale for 20% off. I think I paid $870 for it.

As for what you should spend the 2k on: Buy Canon Refurbished. They run sales frequently and while it may be hard to get some of the more popular lenses they are much cheaper then new and have the same 1 year warranty.

The 24-105 is a good multipurpose lens and can be had for $650-700. My 24-70 f4 usually goes for $800. The 70-200 f4 IS is a good bang for the buck lens and much much lighter then the 2.8 version. Honestly with the high ISO performance of the FF camera i dont think a 2.8 is a must. I would say you need a good prime like a 50 1.4 to handle situations when you really need it.

Good luck. After 1 day of FF shooting just my son I am blown away with the difference is image quality and high ISO performance.

Photo Chick has a 6D and should be able to comment on it much better then I can.

 

[bob100]

I'm seriously contemplating switching systems to Canon or Nikon full frame.
After unloading my current system, buying either the D750 or 6D or 5diii, I estimate, maybe supplementing my budget a bit, I estimate I'd have about $2000 for lenses and accessories.

Actually, I'd probably want a good speedlight -- So starting with about $250-$350 for a flash... and then lenses..

Canon and Nikon users, how would you spend the budget? (full frame lenses + flash)
I'm perfectly willing to consider Sigma/Tamron alternatives, I'm willing to consider buying used. But I strongly prefer stabilized lenses.

$2,000 might be tough on the budget for a full frame model and lens and flash system.
But first I would ask why the switch from Sony - are you dissatisfied with the lens? image quality? features?

For Canon I probably would go with a refurbished 6D (which includes one year warranty) and one of the cheaper 70-200 2.8 zooms and yongnuo flash. and maybe squeeze in a large aperture prime

 

[havoc315]

$2,000 might be tough on the budget for a full frame model and lens and flash system.
But first I would ask why the switch from Sony - are you dissatisfied with the lens? image quality? features?

For Canon I probably would go with a refurbished 6D (which includes one year warranty) and one of the cheaper 70-200 2.8 zooms and yongnuo flash. and maybe squeeze in a large aperture prime

$2000 left after buying the body. So $2000 for lenses and flash.

I have decided not to switch -yet.-

I'm not dissatisfied with very much at all about my current system (we can all nitpick little things of course ). My dissatisfaction is a suspicion that Sony may be abandoning the system altogether. And I'd rather get out while I CNS get some value for my current glass, as opposed to being forced to start from total scratch is 2-4 years when my current camera becomes obsolete/broken/whatever.

 

[havoc315]

As to type of photography --- I'm an enthusiast, and honestly like to dabble in a bit of everything. Family, portraits, landscapes, wildlife, sports (though talking my kids sports mostly), some macro (though I can live without it).

I am thinking f4 zooms make more sense than 2.8 on fullframe given size, price and DOF. (I do currently have a 28-75/2.8, but it's a cheaper one, and I really have to stop it down for great results... So I'd probably rather have a f4 that's sharp wide open). I don't have a 2.8 tele zoom, but I have a 200/2.8 prime. That lens doesn't look very replaceable in Canon or Nikon on my budget.

 

[Pixel Dust]

I currently have a D600 and the 24-120mm f/4 VR. It's a pretty good setup and the lens is reasonably sharp. I use it a lot for parades and stage shows at Disney.

Looks like there is a kit deal with the D750 and 24-120mm f/4, for ~$3,600. I would think they would keep that kit deal around for a while, hopefully when you decide to make the jump. Good Luck! Maybe there'll be some good Amazon black Friday deals this Christmas holiday.

Other equipment I have are in my signature.

 

[xlxo]

A good lens to get is a 50mm f/1/8. They are very affordable with what money you have left over. This prime lens is popular because there is no distortion, great for low light, bokeh and a priced right.

BTW... many Nikon lenses will work cropped and full frame bodies. You need to pay attention with Canon because not all of their lenses are interchangeable.

 

[bob100]

A good lens to get is a 50mm f/1/8. They are very affordable with what money you have left over. This prime lens is popular because there is no distortion, great for low light, bokeh and a priced right.

BTW... many Nikon lenses will work cropped and full frame bodies. You need to pay attention with Canon because not all of their lenses are interchangeable.

LOL !
BTW actually 'many' Canon lens work with both cropped and full frame bodies - including the affordable 50mm 1.8

 

[xlxo]

LOL !
BTW actually 'many' Canon lens work with both cropped and full frame bodies - including the affordable 50mm 1.8

To clarify... you don't want to ram a Canon EF-S lens into a Canon EF body. Are you prepared to hacksaw the lens to fit the body to avoid smashing the mirror?

 

[bob100]

To clarify... you don't want to ram a Canon EF-S lens into a Canon EF body.

LOL ! never heard of it !

I have seen a nikon user with a chart trying to determine what screw-drive lens fits certain models. I thought the screw-drive stuff was an urban myth

 

[xlxo]

Nikon is phasing out the old screw drive or AF-D lenses. AF-D lenses will work on ALL Nikons. However entry body models will just have manual focus like in the old days. There are those who like to use manual focus instead of having Auto for everything.

Here's a video on how to Canon users fit EF-S lenses onto their EF bodies...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5nN4EMdIAi8

 

[MICKEY88]

$2000 left after buying the body. So $2000 for lenses and flash.

I have decided not to switch -yet.-

I'm not dissatisfied with very much at all about my current system (we can all nitpick little things of course ). My dissatisfaction is a suspicion that Sony may be abandoning the system altogether. And I'd rather get out while I CNS get some value for my current glass, as opposed to being forced to start from total scratch is 2-4 years when my current camera becomes obsolete/broken/whatever.

what system are you concerned they will discontinue ?

 

[havoc315]

what system are you concerned they will discontinue ?

A-mount.... It's already dead. They *might* continue releasing new bodies every couple years for a few more cycles for the existing market..
But they haven't released a new or updated lens all year. The entire lineup has been shrunk to 3 cameras, 2 of which are getting old.
Zero marketing behind it.
They have a brand new A77ii, which should be a very good 7dii competitor, but they didn't even bother displaying the model at Photokina.
I was at Best Buy the other day -- a large custom display for Sony interchangeable lens cameras, clearly designed by Sony -- On display, were the A7, the A6000, the A5100, and several E-mount lenses. Nearby, they had the Canon 6d and Canon 70d (but no 5diii), they had the Nikon D610 and a sign about pre-ordering the D750, they had the D7100 and the lower level bodies.
But they no longer carry any Sony A-mount in the stores.

And when pressed for answers, Sony management gives vague answers like, "at this time, the A-mount is still important to us and we will continue to develop it" -- I guess technically someone is still developing VCRs too?

 

[rdunative]

Here's a $2,000 lens for less than half right now.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/201187490844?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649