Favorite must have lens?

Zeiss · 11-29-2014, 01:33 AM

Post one lens you can't live without. For me, my new love is my zeiss 135mm, I've seemed to fall in love shooting manual!

Zeiss 135mm 2.8 by ϟKPhoto, on Flickr

Roaming Spyder by ϟKPhoto, on Flickr

M_Six · 11-29-2014, 09:52 AM

My EF 24-105mm f4. Easily the most versatile lens ever made. Always sharp. Anytime I travel I take a bunch of gear, but the vast majority of my shots for the trip end up being taken with the 24-105.

Itsed65 · 11-29-2014, 05:06 PM

That's a very hard question. The reason I have a DSLR in the first place is so that I can change lenses for the situation. I'm with Mark on the 24-105 in that it is indeed a fantastic do it all type of lens, but since I also do a lot of nature and railroad photography, I find myself using longer lenses more often than not. I guess if I had to pick just one I guess I would say my 100-400L(although it is currently broken). I already have the new version on pre-order and look forward to putting it through its paces on the new 7D2.

Sample using the 1DMK IV

4067 East making waves by lennycarl08, on Flickr

bosstones · 11-29-2014, 07:27 PM

Hmmmm......I'd have to go with Canon's 16-35L. I mostly shoot wide. However, depending where I am going, anticipated need, and how much gear I want to bring, I may just bring the 24-105L. If I do, I inevitably miss having the 16-35L, though.

P1 · 11-30-2014, 10:41 AM

The 24-105mm is indeed a very nice "do it all" lens. But I find that my cheap 50mm f/1.8 produces some wonderful pictures with seemingly little effort.

ddk632 · 11-30-2014, 11:07 AM

I find for my photography the one lens I choose most often has been the TS-E 17mm f/4L tilt-shift lens. It's been my favorite lens since the day I got it.

Allows for landscape, automotive, cityscape, all kinds of scapes... Plus tons of creative possibilities with both shift and tilt functions. Further, it's one of the most challenging lenses to learn to use properly to its full capability. Love that about it! I can't imagine ever parting with this lens.

Sammael on the Town by ddk632, on Flickr

Las Olas River House Condo Tower by ddk632, on Flickr

Starry Night on a Mountain Road by Canon EOS 6D by ddk632, on Flickr

Bayside Miami Architectural by ddk632, on Flickr

Rickenbacker Night Shift Panorama by ddk632, on Flickr

Christian Science Church, Boston by ddk632, on Flickr

Beyond the Sky by ddk632, on Flickr

Although I also have many landscape shots at 24mm and one of these days will add the TS-E 24mm f/3.5L to the gear bag.

Mik3ymomo · 11-30-2014, 01:37 PM

I have lenses I like image quality better but it's a telephoto prime and it has limited uses.

The lens I use the most hands down is the 24-70 F2.8

I've shot landscape and people. Plenty of cars with it also. It's on my camera 90% of the time.

Dalecan · 11-30-2014, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ddk632

I find for my photography the one lens I choose most often has been the TS-E 17mm f/4L tilt-shift lens. It's been my favorite lens since the day I got it.

Allows for landscape, automotive, cityscape, all kinds of scapes... Plus tons of creative possibilities with both shift and tilt functions. Further, it's one of the most challenging lenses to learn to use properly to its full capability. Love that about it! I can't imagine ever parting with this lens.

Sammael on the Town by ddk632, on Flickr

Las Olas River House Condo Tower by ddk632, on Flickr

Starry Night on a Mountain Road by Canon EOS 6D by ddk632, on Flickr

Bayside Miami Architectural by ddk632, on Flickr

Rickenbacker Night Shift Panorama by ddk632, on Flickr

Christian Science Church, Boston by ddk632, on Flickr

Beyond the Sky by ddk632, on Flickr

Although I also have many landscape shots at 24mm and one of these days will add the TS-E 24mm f/3.5L to the gear bag.

Fantastic pictures!

ddk632 · 11-30-2014, 11:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dalecan

Fantastic pictures!

Thanks man!

panicos81 · 12-01-2014, 02:45 AM

35mm 1.4. I like the 56 1.2 better but i use the 35 more and if i only had one lens it would be the 35mm

druu · 12-01-2014, 03:09 PM

The 50mm 1.2L for me. So ridiculously useful that the size and weight isn't an issue.

P1 · 12-01-2014, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by druu

The 50mm 1.2L for me. So ridiculously useful that the size and weight isn't an issue.

Definitely a list I'd love to have one day...

128Convertibleguy · 12-01-2014, 03:41 PM

My 600mm F7.5 for my Sony NEX. Sample pictures below. They're really not very good, I just got the lens, and I took them at night <grin>. The lens:

http://alag3.mfa.kfki.hu/astro/giant..._f600mm_02.jpg

dcstep · 12-05-2014, 01:13 PM

Addicted to the EF 500mm f/4L IS USM (1.4x TC-III is attached for this shot):

Right after take-off by dcstep, on Flickr

Jonesing for the Series II version at 1.5-lbs. less.

dcstep · 12-05-2014, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 128Convertibleguy

My 600mm F7.5 for my Sony NEX. Sample pictures below. They're really not very good, I just got the lens, and I took them at night <grin>. The lens:

Great pix.

That lens is huge. I'm surprised that it's only 600mm. No hand holding that booger.

Dave

don 147 · 01-08-2015, 09:05 PM

I'm a sports photographer and I have 2 Canon 1D MKIV's. My go to lens on one is the 24-70 L II and the other that stays mounted is the 70-200 2.8 L. Can't do without these especially for indoor work like gymnastics. For out side I go with with 100-400 L on one body and the 24-70 on the other.

90c4 · 01-09-2015, 03:21 PM

The 85mm f1.2 II is my favorite and I'd be sad to give it up. I'm a concert photographer. For festivals my bread and butter lenses are the 24-70 2.8 and the 70-200 2.8 IS II. I rarely use my 24-70 though for smaller shows, mostly the 24 1.4 or the 16-35 2.8.

If you're into concert photography, feel free to follow my work at www.facebook.com/stageshooter

TurboSid · 02-04-2015, 06:19 PM

I would pick my 70-200 2.8 Nikkon

2nd place would be my most often used 24-70 2.8.

And I shoot mostly video so when I catch some nice shallow dof w/ nice lens flare on my 50mm 1.4l its amazing.

Trijicon · 02-10-2015, 03:53 PM

I would agree with the 16-35 when I shot with the 5D3. Now I shoot Sony A7 and the 55/1.8 is amazing.

55/1.8

16-35L

Trued · 02-11-2015, 06:22 AM

My absolute favorite is for taking static pictures of cars at car shows and meetings is the Sony 20mm f2.8 on a Sony A7r + a Sirui Carbon fibre tripod.

For light telephoto with butter smooth bokeh there is only one unique in he photo world that is the Sony 135mm STF Smooth Transition Focus

GarenM · 02-12-2015, 02:40 PM

Liz Ashley by Garen M., on Flickr

Perfection in glass form.

https://500px.com/photo/86325689/lav...m=user_library

dcstep · 02-12-2015, 02:53 PM

Trued, that file is HUGE. Could you downsize it to something like 1024p?

11-29-2014, 01:33 AM	#1
Zeiss Lieutenant Colonel 346 Rep 1,864 Posts Drives: Bicycle Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Vancouver iTrader: (0)	Favorite must have lens? Post one lens you can't live without. For me, my new love is my zeiss 135mm, I've seemed to fall in love shooting manual! Zeiss 135mm 2.8 by ϟKPhoto, on Flickr Roaming Spyder by ϟKPhoto, on Flickr
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

11-29-2014, 09:52 AM	#2
M_Six Free Thinker 19211 Rep 7,544 Posts Drives: 2016 MB GLC300 4matic Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Foothills of Mt Level iTrader: (0)	My EF 24-105mm f4. Easily the most versatile lens ever made. Always sharp. Anytime I travel I take a bunch of gear, but the vast majority of my shots for the trip end up being taken with the 24-105. __________________ Mark markj.pics "Life is uncertain, eat bacon now." -UncleWede
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-29-2014, 05:06 PM	#3
Itsed65 Brigadier General 2613 Rep 3,535 Posts Drives: 2014 X1 28i Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Midcoast Maine iTrader: (0)	That's a very hard question. The reason I have a DSLR in the first place is so that I can change lenses for the situation. I'm with Mark on the 24-105 in that it is indeed a fantastic do it all type of lens, but since I also do a lot of nature and railroad photography, I find myself using longer lenses more often than not. I guess if I had to pick just one I guess I would say my 100-400L(although it is currently broken). I already have the new version on pre-order and look forward to putting it through its paces on the new 7D2. Sample using the 1DMK IV 4067 East making waves by lennycarl08, on Flickr
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-29-2014, 07:27 PM	#4
bosstones Lieutenant Colonel 1245 Rep 1,594 Posts Drives: o_0 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Suburbia iTrader: (0)	Hmmmm......I'd have to go with Canon's 16-35L. I mostly shoot wide. However, depending where I am going, anticipated need, and how much gear I want to bring, I may just bring the 24-105L. If I do, I inevitably miss having the 16-35L, though. __________________ - Jeff bosstones' flickr
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-30-2014, 10:41 AM	#5
P1 Lieutenant General 11727 Rep 11,191 Posts Drives: 2004 3/4 ton Duramax Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: United States iTrader: (1)	The 24-105mm is indeed a very nice "do it all" lens. But I find that my cheap 50mm f/1.8 produces some wonderful pictures with seemingly little effort.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-30-2014, 11:07 AM	#6
ddk632 Chief Senior Executive Managing VP of Orange Sales 598 Rep 2,578 Posts Drives: 17 BMW F87 M2 6MT MG HBDGR ! Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Aventura, FL iTrader: (2)	I find for my photography the one lens I choose most often has been the TS-E 17mm f/4L tilt-shift lens. It's been my favorite lens since the day I got it. Allows for landscape, automotive, cityscape, all kinds of scapes... Plus tons of creative possibilities with both shift and tilt functions. Further, it's one of the most challenging lenses to learn to use properly to its full capability. Love that about it! I can't imagine ever parting with this lens. Sammael on the Town by ddk632, on Flickr Las Olas River House Condo Tower by ddk632, on Flickr Starry Night on a Mountain Road by Canon EOS 6D by ddk632, on Flickr Bayside Miami Architectural by ddk632, on Flickr Rickenbacker Night Shift Panorama by ddk632, on Flickr Christian Science Church, Boston by ddk632, on Flickr Beyond the Sky by ddk632, on Flickr Although I also have many landscape shots at 24mm and one of these days will add the TS-E 24mm f/3.5L to the gear bag. Last edited by ddk632; 11-30-2014 at 11:16 AM..
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-30-2014, 01:37 PM	#7
Mik3ymomo Lieutenant 210 Rep 472 Posts Drives: 540i XDrive Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Mount Laurel, NJ iTrader: (0)	I have lenses I like image quality better but it's a telephoto prime and it has limited uses. The lens I use the most hands down is the 24-70 F2.8 I've shot landscape and people. Plenty of cars with it also. It's on my camera 90% of the time. __________________ 18’ 540i XDrive M Sport https://www.flickr.com/photos/mik3ymomo/
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-01-2014, 02:45 AM	#10
panicos81 Colonel 234 Rep 2,327 Posts Drives: a white bmw Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Cyprus iTrader: (2) Garage List 2010 BMW E92 [8.54] 2007 e90 [0.00]	35mm 1.4. I like the 56 1.2 better but i use the 35 more and if i only had one lens it would be the 35mm __________________ E90post E9x photo game= 67[70-3] COTM 06/11 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=531094 My webpage. Feel free to visit My 500px
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-01-2014, 03:09 PM	#11
druu Second Lieutenant 52 Rep 298 Posts Drives: 2020 M8 Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: NYC iTrader: (0)	The 50mm 1.2L for me. So ridiculously useful that the size and weight isn't an issue.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-01-2014, 03:41 PM	#13
128Convertibleguy Captain 60 Rep 704 Posts Drives: 2010 128 Covertible Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Mountains iTrader: (0)	My 600mm F7.5 for my Sony NEX. Sample pictures below. They're really not very good, I just got the lens, and I took them at night <grin>. The lens: http://alag3.mfa.kfki.hu/astro/giant..._f600mm_02.jpg Attached Images Last edited by 128Convertibleguy; 12-01-2014 at 03:53 PM..
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-05-2014, 01:13 PM	#14
dcstep Major General 1296 Rep 7,389 Posts Drives: '09 Cpe Silverstone FR 6MT Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Colorado iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 M3 [8.40]	Addicted to the EF 500mm f/4L IS USM (1.4x TC-III is attached for this shot): Right after take-off by dcstep, on Flickr Jonesing for the Series II version at 1.5-lbs. less. __________________ Flickr Photos Ucm, Inc.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-08-2015, 09:05 PM	#16
don 147 Private 9 Rep 50 Posts Drives: z4 Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: texas iTrader: (0)	I'm a sports photographer and I have 2 Canon 1D MKIV's. My go to lens on one is the 24-70 L II and the other that stays mounted is the 70-200 2.8 L. Can't do without these especially for indoor work like gymnastics. For out side I go with with 100-400 L on one body and the 24-70 on the other.
	Appreciate 1 Quote

01-09-2015, 03:21 PM	#17
90c4 First Lieutenant 65 Rep 301 Posts Drives: 2009 335i xdrive coupe Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Boston iTrader: (0)	The 85mm f1.2 II is my favorite and I'd be sad to give it up. I'm a concert photographer. For festivals my bread and butter lenses are the 24-70 2.8 and the 70-200 2.8 IS II. I rarely use my 24-70 though for smaller shows, mostly the 24 1.4 or the 16-35 2.8. If you're into concert photography, feel free to follow my work at www.facebook.com/stageshooter
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-04-2015, 06:19 PM	#18
TurboSid Brigadier General 1147 Rep 3,269 Posts Drives: 2022 M4Cx BSM/FR Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Florida iTrader: (4) Garage List 2008 335i [0.00]	I would pick my 70-200 2.8 Nikkon 2nd place would be my most often used 24-70 2.8. And I shoot mostly video so when I catch some nice shallow dof w/ nice lens flare on my 50mm 1.4l its amazing. __________________ 2022 BSM/FR M4 Competition X-Drive 2017 MW/SO M4 ZCP [SOLD] • 2015 MW/SO M4 M-DCT FBO [SOLD] • 2011 AW/CR 335is DCT FBO [SOLD] • 2008 AW/CR 335i 6MT FBO [SOLD]
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-10-2015, 03:53 PM	#19
Trijicon Second Lieutenant 49 Rep 280 Posts Drives: BMW 335i Join Date: May 2010 Location: Bay Area, CA iTrader: (0)	I would agree with the 16-35 when I shot with the 5D3. Now I shoot Sony A7 and the 55/1.8 is amazing. 55/1.8 16-35L
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-11-2015, 06:22 AM	#20
Trued Trued 128 Rep 231 Posts Drives: Saab 9-3 AERO Convertible Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Stockholm, Sweden iTrader: (0) Garage List 1978 SAAB 99 TURBO ... [10.00] 1977 SAAB 99 TURBO ... [0.00] 1978 SAAB 99 TURBO 3D [8.50] 1966 SAAB 96 MonteC ... [0.00] 2004 SAAB 9-3 AERO ... [0.00]	My absolute favorite is for taking static pictures of cars at car shows and meetings is the Sony 20mm f2.8 on a Sony A7r + a Sirui Carbon fibre tripod. For light telephoto with butter smooth bokeh there is only one unique in he photo world that is the Sony 135mm STF Smooth Transition Focus __________________ Jörgen Trued, Stockholm Sweden
	Appreciate 1 Quote

02-12-2015, 02:40 PM	#21
GarenM Enlisted Member 4 Rep 40 Posts Drives: 2015 435i Gran Coupe Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: United States iTrader: (0)	Nikkor 85 mm 1.4 Liz Ashley by Garen M., on Flickr Perfection in glass form. https://500px.com/photo/86325689/lav...m=user_library Last edited by GarenM; 02-19-2015 at 05:12 PM..
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-12-2015, 02:53 PM	#22
dcstep Major General 1296 Rep 7,389 Posts Drives: '09 Cpe Silverstone FR 6MT Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Colorado iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 M3 [8.40]	Trued, that file is HUGE. Could you downsize it to something like 1024p? __________________ Flickr Photos Ucm, Inc.
	Appreciate 0 Quote