Mixed

Use of different lenses with the D30 / D60 / 10D / 1D / 1DMkII

by Wheelie

D30/D60/10D/1D/1DMkII

On this page , I display pictures taken with the lenses I own or owned . My intention was not to prove or to show one is better than the others . In fact , I'm more than happy with the results I get with each of them . I'm not out to test them on MTF or making curves tests .

I need lenses I can rely on and that are predictable in their performances for what I need .What would be THE best overall lens will not necessarily meet my needs or finances . Nor could it meet yours ....

The pics I display are not artworks as I took most of them in my immediate reach and are only showed to prove or not the quality of

these lenses . I'm not overly critical as all these lenses range from excellent to outstanding quality .

I need to add I get no sponsorship of any kind and I have to buy ALL my lenses at the high European prices from my very own thin wallet !

Don't miss Adam-T's lens page

Petteri Sulonen's Pontification

The digigital-picture.com

W. Castleman's Equipment Review Index Page

My actual stable of lenses : EF 24-85mm 3.5-4.5 Gold

Samples of pics I shot with the lenses I own(ed)

EF 50mm 1.8 ser II ( 1 )

EF 50mm 1.8 ser I ( metal body ) ( 4 )

EF 70-200mm 4 L ( 1 )

EF 28-135mm IS USM ( 1 )

EF 28-70mm 2.8 L ( 2 )

EF 24- 85mm f3.5-4.5 ( 2 )

EF 70-200mm 2.8 L ( 3 )

EF 20-35mm f3.5-4.5 ( 1 )

EF 300mm 4 L ( 2 )

EF 300mm L 4 IS ( 2 )

Sigma 28-70mm f 2.8 EX ( 2 )

EF 85mm 1.8 ( 4 )

EF 100-300mm 5.6 L ( 1 )

EF 70-200mm 2.8 L and x1.4 Extender

EF 200mm 2.8 L Ser I ( Prime Pipe ) ( 3 )

Sigma 15-30mm 3.5/4.5 ( 3 )

EF 80-200mm 2.8 L ( Magic Drain Pipe ) ( 4 )

EF 28mm 2.8 ( 2 )

EF 17- 40mm 4 L ( 1 )

EF 70-200mm 2.8 L IS ( 1 )

EF 70-200mm 2.8 L IS + EF Extender x1.4 II

Zenitar MC 16mm 2.8 Fish Eye ( 1 )

MC Zeiss Sonnar 135mm 3.5 ( 4 )

EF 24-70mm 2.8 L ( 1 )

EF 200mm 2.8 L Ser II ( 3 )

EF 35 - 350mm 3.5/5.6 L ( 1 )

EF 135mm 2 L ( 3 )

EF 300mm 2.8 L ( 2 )

EF Extender x1.4 ( 3 )

EF Extender x2 ( 1 )

EF 50mm 1.8

My 50mm f 1.8 is a great lens for all purposes . I use it when I know what I want to shoot . Also, when I'm alone to carry my material

or when I know no wide-angle or tele will be needed . For portraits and indoors , it gets my vote . Due to the lack of an USM motor , the AF isn't the fastest but it performs well , even in low light conditions .

EF 50mm 1.8 ser I / D30

The 50mm 1.8 ser I is identical to the ser II , except it's metal built . Optical performance is the same . Outstanding !

EF 50mm 1.8 ser I / D60

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EF 70-200mm L f4 / D30

My 70-200mm L f4 is the one I prefer but the one I use least .It's not an all-around lens but as I'm a ' compression lover ' , I'd use it all the time . When going out for landscape pictures , it's always with me . On many occasions , I can't get close enough to the subject and this one is very helpful . The quality is outstanding and the control on DOF , despite its relative small aperture of f4 , helps a lot . Although I shouldn't say it's better than my other lenses, it gets my preference . But, that's because of my particular shooting conditions

EF 28-135mm IS USM / D30

The 28-135mm IS USM is an all-around lens I use most of the time , when I take my camera just in case of ...Also when I know I will need a ' wide angle ' . When shots in low light conditions are scheduled , this is the one I choosed for its ability to shoot at very low shutter speeds ( down to 1/8s , handheld ) .

EF 28-70mm L 2.8 / D30

My 28-70mm L 2.8 is another great favourite . I love it for indoor portrait sessions . It's for me , the perfect focal length . A must for who is serious about photography .I sold my first one due to it's limited range but , as soon as it was possible , I bought another one .

EF 24- 85mm 3.5/4.5 / 10D

When I bought this lens , my intention was to keep it till I got an opportunity to buy a 28-70mm L .

Given it's performance on my 10D , I decided this one was a keeper . Light to carry , offering plenty of contrast , sharpness and

good colors , I think I'll learn to live with its only shortcoming : its color is champagne ....

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EF 70-200mm L 2.8 /D30/D60

The 70-200mm L 2.8 is the most difficult to comment about ... It gets my preference as the f4 got in its time . Built like a tank and , almost as heavy ! Definately not the all purpose lens but , when it comes to have an outstanding tele lens , I think this one will be difficult

to beat ( perhaps the 100-400mm L ? ) . A friend of mine named her Elle ... I call her the same . With much respect and admiration .

One of the very best lenses out of the Canon range and , probably , their best zoom !

EF 20-35mm f3.5-4.5 / D30

The 20-35mm f3.5-4.5 is a good performer . Should be interesting to compare with the 20mm f2.8 prime . It has become , naturally , my

standard lens . Photodo results were fair and I felt , somewhat , scared about the picture quality . I'm comforted now as , 8x10 prints are

tack sharp and well exposed . I love it .

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EF 300mm L 4 USM and IS / D60

The 300mm L f 4 is an outstanding piece of glass . So far , the sharpest lens I used . But , at 50 old , being an avid ISO100 user , I'm better off with the IS version . This one turned out to be sharper than the IS version but , to be honest , I need to add the USM was broken and I focused manually . This statement may , thus , be considered as subjective ....

EF 300mm L f4 USM IS / D60

Got my 300mm L f 4 IS and after several hundreds of shots , I'm really impressed by its sharpness and contrast . Using a prime is much more challenging to get a good frame than a zoom lens . Anyway , I like it . I bless Canon for the IS .....

More , it can easily be used as a macro lens . Where the non IS version's minimal focus point was 2.5 m , the IS version can go as close as 1.5 m . IS allows me shots at 1/15th of a second , handheld .

Sigma 28-70mm f 2.8 EX / D60

As I missed my Canon lens but was not sure I would use the focal range more than in the past , I went for the Sigma EX 28-70mm 2.8 .

At 1/4th of the Canon's price , I didn't expect the same quality and .... didn't get it ! But almost and , certainly , when stopped down .

Fortunately , from f 5.6 it proves to be a good all around lens and very useful for close-ups . Well worth considering !

Tip in case you're considering a Sigma lens : look for the auctions of the-great-sellers on e-bay . Only new lenses and a great , great

service . Fast , effiscient and very good communication .

EF 85mm 1.8 / D60 / 1D

My 85mm 1.8 produces similar , tack sharp and nicely contrasted photographs as the 50mm . Also , the bokeh is incredible !

EF 100-300mm L 5.6 / D30

The 100-300mm L 5.6 , although discontinued offers a real bargain ! It's current low price doesn't reflect it's high optical performances .

I loved to own it despite the pump action to zoom , feature which I liked the least .No USM doesn't mean it cannot be used for action shots ( as shown below ) . I regret its sale and will buy one back as soon as I'll find a new/mint condition one in Europe .

EF 70-200mm L 2.8 and x1.4 Extender / 10D

The x1.4 Teleconverter offers a usefull - but expensive - alternative to tele lenses . Maybe I was expecting too much from this combo but although the results are not bad at all at 280mm , they don't come near the quality I got from my 300mm L 4 .

I know , I shouldn't compare apples and oranges...

EF 200mm L 2.8 Ser I ( Prime Pipe ) / 1D

Although I loved all of my three 70-200mm L 2.8 , I choosed the 200mm prime pipe for it's size , weight and .... black color .This lens gives fantastic results but the incorporated lenshood is ridiculously short . Maybe , it's there only to carry the red stripe ? Anyway , this is the sharpest lens I owned so far . Colors and contrast are outstanding as well . I used it together with the 1.4 extender and , amazingly , there was no deterioration at all of the image quality ! Sold it and ordered the Magic Drainpipe 80-200mm L 2.8 ....

Sigma 15-30mm 3.5/4.5 / 1D

I admit I was rather skeptical about this ultra-wide zoom but as so many users praise this lens , I decided to give a go . Well , all I can say is I second those who found it to be very sharp from corner to corner and nicely build . Optical quality is excellent and flare can be kept under control , except when the sun is in front of the lens , which is quite normal and no exception for a lens of this type . All in all in a wonderful tool to use , giving uncommon perspectives and allowing great creativity for the user . Highly recommended !!!

Same great results with the 10D

EF 80-200mm L 2.8 ( Magic Drain Pipe ) / 10D

Many owners of this lens claim it's sharper than the newer 70-200mm models which followed from 1996 - the 80-200 was introduced in 1991- and , having sold my last 70-200mm , I decided to give it a try . So far , I'm not disapointed . It's tack sharp at all apertures and offers good contrast and neutral color rendition . It's long , heavy ( some grams less than the 70-200mm IS ) and ... black . The zoom ring is much smoother than on the 3 samples of 70-200 2.8 I previously owned ( maybe due to some wear considering its age ) and a real joy to use . No continue MF as there is a switch to use that function but it's not a problem . No USM but the Micromotor is fast enough for my purposes even if it's noisier than current models . Beautiful lens which will be given a Kenko TC as the Canon TC's can't be used on this model . And , at the current prices they're going for ( $600 for a mint sample with tripod collar ) , they're a steal . But , don't wait : demand is high and this affects the asking prices .... Just bought my 3rd sample as I wanted a MINT one , with everything working like new and I believe I found it . This one , if it lasts , will stay with me forever .

Blacks & Whites with the EOS 1DMKII

And some colours ( with my 3rd sample )

I' ve been searching a lot but eventually found the ONE I will keep . A truly splendid lens .

EF 28mm 2.8 / 10D

From the lenses I owned , I feel sorry to say this one is the one I liked the least . Not because it's not a good performer but rather because I didn't ' feel ' it . Maybe , I was spoiled with my previous wide angles , all zooms .

Second sample and second conclusion

Still in need of a small , light prime wide ( not too wide ) lens , I took the risk to try another sample of this lens .

After my first shots , I find myself liking this lens . Good contrast , colors and very sharp . These small wonders are cheap and easily found on the second-hand market . A joy to use and ... to pay for !

EF 17- 40mm 4 L / 10D

I sold my Sigma in an attempt to go ' all ' Canon . My first impression is I didn't make a mistake ! This lens is lighter , less obstrusive and has a wonderful feel of construction quality. As far as optics are concerned , my (short) experience with it is very positive , although it doesn't outperform the Sigma 15-30 . Also , 2mm less is a lot on a 10D but I don't regret the expense . It gives the best results between 5.6 and 11 .This wide angle zoom is simply fabulous ! So much , I can't decide which one of my 70-200 IS or 17-40 I'll take on my camera .Maybe the 50mm ?

EF 70-200mm 2.8 L IS / 10D

I'm still not sure the optical performance of this lens is on par with the 80-200. I can't get rid of my mixed feelings about it . But ... what sold me to it is the IS . This function allows my old shoulders to get sharp pictures without requiring the systematic use of the widest aperture or high ISO . I'm amazed I can get sharp pics at 1/10h at 280mm ( lens at 200mm + 1.4 Extender ) .Nor that the images look worse than those shot with the 80-200 but they miss that magic touch the older lens provides .At least with my copy as when I used the one of a friend , the difference was much less obvious . Anyway , I get sharp images where otherwise I should get nothing . And , I decided to buy another 80-200 to use in good light conditions when high shutter speeds are possible . So , I'll own a good zoom to countreact my weakness and another that will replace several primes ...

EF 70-200mm 2.8 L IS + EF Extender x1.4 II / 10D

Zenitar MC 16mm 2.8 Fish EyeZ/ 1DMkIIe

It's a well known fact , fish eyes and very large wide angles give distortion ( in this case a lot ) as soon as the horizon is not kept horizontal . To put this right , there is the defishing method .

To me , the easiest software to use is the plug-in Panorama Tools which comes for free .

Some users already have explained their workflow and this one I found excellent and easy to follow :

Razzi's Photolog How to defish for a Canon D30, D60, 10D and 300D

Conclusion : I find this lens AMAZINGLY cheap

solid

small

sharp

fun to use


Out of the camera	Defished	Out of the camera	Defished

Some beautiful samples send in by my friend YanniG from Athens

MC Zeiss Sonnar 135mm 3.5 / 1DMkII

I am very , very amazed with the quality of the pics my 1DMkII produces in combination with the Sonnar . I was fortunate to get mine with an M42/EOS adapter already fitted and ready to go . Ok , it doesn't AF and you need to set your camera to Av to keep the automaic light metering ( aperture set to 1.0 ) . Also , you will have to select the max aperture in order to focus correctly , then choose your desired aperture , meter on the area you want and shoot . Not as fast ( 1 to 10 ) as with the EF lenses but a great quality at unknown prices in the EF range . Also , I (re)discovered the joy of composing , focusing and metering carefully before to push the trigger .I have to admit it's not really adapted anymore to street photography , sports or candids . But I started photography some 32 years ago and everything had to be done manually then .... For info , I paid my 135mm ( new ) with adapter ring € 110 on ebay . Beat that....

A very interesting article to read : Manual lenses with EOS cameras

EF 24-70mm 2.8 L / 1DMkII

Wow !!!! That's the word that comes to my mind when working with this lens . It's truly superb . I got the 28-80 2.8-4 L which was only a little inferior but had slower focus . Also , I owned two samples of the 28-70 which were every bit as outstanding but the added 4 mm make a huge difference ! Comparing it to my 17-40 , I'd say the image quality is superior . To my tastes , the focal lenghts are also more practical . In many cases , 24mm is enough ( for me ) while the 70mm does allow portrait photography and is very practical as a short tele . My sample does not show any FF or BF .It's fast , tack sharp , has lovely colors and contrast . The focal range does the job for street photography . I love it ! Yes , it's bulky . Yes , it's even more heavy than it looks . But , it's so well balanced on my 1DMkII . No doubt and no shame to say it's the best wide zoom I owned so far .