for those who didn't think to take notes while watching this: Preliminary for everyone: Canon 40mm f/2.8 STM (small+light, street & evironmental portraits) 01:56 or for more shallow DOF: 50mm f/1.8 (any version) 02:55 ~~ Budget kit: 17-40 f/4L 04:53 & 50mm 1.8 (any version) 04:55 later on, adding on the 85mm 1.8 05:08 35mm f/2 IS 05:20 or maybe Sigma 35 f/1.4 ART 05:25 ~~ go for more expensive lenses after figuring out what focal lengths you work with best 05:35 new to doing weddings & budget kit? add Canon 24-70 f/2.8L (mark 1, first version) 06:03 or perhaps the 24-105 F/4 (first version) 06:09 ~~ mid-range kit: EF 16-35 F/4 IS 06:22 (only if you do a lot of landscape, otherwise still the 17-40 F/4) 07:15 portraits: Sigma 35mm f/1.4 ART 07:40 Stick to the 50mm 1.8, unless 50mm is your loved FL 08:00 if so: Canon 50mm f/1.2 (original) 08:26 85mm 1.2 (but only if 85 is your primary FL, otherwise 1.8) 08:55 weddings & portraits? EF 70-200 F/2.8 Mk2 (used) 09:45 ~~ Higher end kit: 16-35 F/4 IS 10:12 Pick two (or all?) of Canon's 35 1.4, 50 1.2, 85 1.2 10:36
Very good advice. It's great to see someone talking about photography who is actually a photographer. I don't see that too often here on RUclips. Keep up the good work.
portrait photographer here, i love the canon 50mm 1.8 but i also really love the rendering of the canon 50 1.4. the colors are vivid and the subtle softness is flattering to subject.
I’ve got the Canon 5D Classic and Mark ii with the 50mm f1.8 (and 1.4 but it’s currently missing a piece that allows it to focus overall) 75-300mm, and recently acquired (yesterday) 85mm f1.8 usm. I’ve also got a few vintage lenses.
I'm a hobbyist mostly doing landscapes and wildlife for my own enjoyment and occasional families and small weddings. I have a 6D and a 7Dii. My lens kit consists of a 24-105 f/4L IS, 28-70 2.8L, 14mm 2.8 rokinon, 40mm 2.8, 50mm 1.8, 85mm 1.8, and 70-300 4-5.6L IS. When I'm doing my landscape/wildlife thing I'll usually take the 7D and 70-300 and I'll throw either a zoom or whatever prime I'm feeling that day on the 6D. I haven't done a wedding or family shoot since I got the 7D, but I would put one of the zooms on it and then swap primes on the 6D as they are needed. I think it's a very versatile kit, and didn't cost all that to build over the last few years as I found good deals. I would like to swap one of the all purpose zooms for a EF-S 17-55 2.8 for the 7D. I used to have that lens when my only cameras were aps-c and it is a gem. I'd like to get a large aperture 35mm lens as well.
Making this comment actually lead me to getting a quote from mpb swapping my 28-70 for a 17-55, and with the option I chose I will get the lens plus they will pay me $40!
Great video Martin! I would add the ef 28 f1.8, a little soft wide open and some funky flaring in the sun, but it’s relatively small, fast focusing and love for street photography and environmental portraits
Solid advice. I would add that the Canon 16-35L f4.0 IS USM is good for hand-held vlogging on a 6D mk2 with the flip screen. That's the main reason I bought it… At protests and events with lots of crowds I can do a bit a vlogging, and then use it to get images right up close in the crowd. Paired with a 24-105, at events, I'm literally ready for the world.
Excellent video Martin. Iam a novice to photography at this time, I already have acquired G.A.S.. Thank you for pointing out to use one lens for a year. I have those lenses for my full frame canon 6D.. I will try the one year with the 40 or 50mm lenses. Thanks again. Great advice. I truly enjoy your videos, with straight talk.
I have to say that your advice is really the most solid I have seen in a while. Really good advice indeed. Back when I started every slr came with a 50mm. I was forever wanting the fastest I could afford because it allowed me to shoot in lower light. I never thought much of the "look" of the bokeh except when I was deliberately looking to isolate something, in that case it was more about DOF than the look of the bokeh. It was not like I could afford to be too choosy. I once had a zoom that came with a dead fly in it, I am sad to say I did not notice right away since I was just happy to have a zoom. I think it was a Vivitar? Now that I think about it, it was soft :) It was the damnedest thing that fly! Stuck right inside there! Recently got a used 5dsr that is quite a specialist camera with those giant sized files, depending on your settings etc. I find I am reluctant to shoot too freely when doing landscapes because the larger files have a cost in storage, so it makes me slow down and delete as well. Kind of like film, you ask yourself, or at least I do, is this shot worth my money? Well, not with a fly in the lens I can tell you that! Very good video, people would be wise to follow your advice. For now, for what I do, I am sticking with the EF mount and dlslr's I have all I need for all practical purposes between the 5d, 5dii and 5dsr, 6d . They all work so well, for what I do or need. There's going to be a nice sweet supply of reasonable prices for EF glass for years to come. Best wishes!
@@MartinCastein That fly came direct from the factory. Honest to God it was like half way down in the lens and stuck there. Man was I annoyed, pissed off actually, pretty sure that lens is long gone, I can't even remember what mount it was, I think m42 screw mount? I had it on an SLR back in the 1970's. You would think I would have noticed immediately, but no! Why is this lens so damn soft? People have little appreciation today as to how pricey things were back then for what you got. Now there's all kinds of fabulous equipment used or refurbished (new if you want) and no dark room or enlarger needed. Although there is something quite nice in film work. Your advice is right on. I mean who is shooting landscapes wide open? F4 as the widest is more than fine, only downside is if you are shooting people in low light and no flash or lighting. But so what, you can probably pull that off depending on the camera, that 6D does nicely in low light. Damn flies! Pretty sure it was a Vivitar. Best wishes for you continued success!
I think if you are shooting people in low light the 1.8 primes or 1.2 if budget stretches are perfect people don’t know how good they have it today really. While the latest top end gear is really expensive there are loads of really good lenses for much less
Great video; thankyou. I only have the 40mm 2.8 and 50mm 1.8 with my 5D Classic. I have had a few cameras since the dawn of digital photography but none have taught me as much as using the 5D. I love the 40mm as a walk around lens; suits my general photography really well.
It's gorgeus Martin. I'm about to kick-off from film 50mm f2.0 camera to digital. It's overwhelming how large portion of community follows market needs to get the lastest greatest kit, leaning on any con of old hardware. Your photo experience is shared so calmly that you even put your feedback in harmony and composition. It doesn't take much to give up on choosing a digital starting kit, because many of the reviews - literally leave you even more concerned. Thanks for humble content, wish you the best!
You can do landscapes with telephoto too.. On a budget? Use Takumars with a adapter. You might be shocked how well they work, especially for the price. For mirrorless, the Canon FL/FD are really good and cheap!
When I got into photography proper it was down to winning a Canon G7 X, the presets like “ Background Defocus “ which I soon learnt was Bokeh, sparked my interest. I then bought the Canon 1300d with the 18-55mm, not a great lens but it was the 50mm 1.8 I bought as my first lens only purchase which literally lived on my camera unless I was shooting Landscapes. I bought the Sigma 70-300 and the Canon 10-24 but then unfortunately I had an accident and the lot, including my G7 X were ruined, insurance paid out quickly and as I predominantly shoot Street Photography I bought the Fuji XT-3, had it coming up to two years and though I’ve had some great images from it I’ve never felt completely comfortable with it. I was looking at upgrading and as I’m on a tight budget, I’m unable to work due to various health issues so I was looking at the 90d since it was just a rumour but for some unknown reason I discounted it, would have bought the Canon R but just couldn’t stretch to it at that point, even used as it was quite new still and R Lenses were way out of range but I still wanted a Mirrorless Camera due to the size and weight as I use a walking stick and sometimes need to shoot one handed. Now though, I’m really looking at going back to Canon, I’d love the R6 but would have to wait a year more I reckon to see if any used ones come on the market at a price I can afford. Anyway, sorry for boring you, loving the channel already from the two video I’ve seen and look forward to catching up on your older videos as well as eagerly waiting for new ones.
I mainly use the Canon 35mm F1.4 L Mark 1 - this lens has some mystical quality to me - the shots are creamy. The Mark 2 is no doubt sharper but has less emotion. Other lenses are the 16-35 f4 and 85 f1.2. Don’t need anything longer. The fast RF lenses are simply too big, esp. for the smaller mirrorless bodies. Great advice BTW !
Outstanding advice. I started out with film and developing in the dark room in my high school in a decade I’d rather not to mention. That was with, I believe, a Canon AV-1 and a 50mm 1.8 (FD). I happen to believe that living with a prime for a while allows you to see an image before you even bring the camera to your eye and allows you to compose much more creatively. To this day, if i’m walking around, I get best results with just a 35 and 85. I love your advice of everyone starting out on a 5D (c) with a 50mm 1.8. I also love your advice on the 17-40F4 and some basic primes. I agree that the 70-200 version 1 for cheap is a perfectly wonderful lens. It’s not really the arrow, it’s the Indian.
Hi Martin, I've just tried a used copy of the EF 50mm 1.4, because the focus accuracy of my 50mm Mark II became erratic after 14 years of use (no complaints regarding cost per year!). I usually follow your advice, but I thought the 1.4 must somehow have the edge over the 1.8 STM since it still retails for £404 full retail. I returned the used 1.4 after one day. Even using the reliable centre focus point on my 6D, around 10% of the photos were clearly out of focus. Admittedly my experience was with just one used copy of a lens, but the lens was in very good condition with no obvious signs of use. I've just ordered a new EF 50mm 1.8 STM...
Haha, I went through the same experience, once I was told by a wedding photographer don’t get the 1.4 and I was thinking “it must be better it’s a 1.4” but yeah…. Live and learn don’t we 🤣
Hi been a fan of your work for a while especially when you started using a 5dclassic.i own one with a 50mm1.8yn,thinking of getting Tamron 28 to 75 2.8 the old version .I shoot portraits and do events..what's your advice
The hard thing with third party lens is will the focus work, that lens might be fine, but if its focus is off you have no focus adjustment on the 5d classic. So if you buy it can you buy from somewhere you can return it to easily. Thats the question really.
About wide-angle... There's one f/2.8 lens that is rarely talked about - *EF 17-35mm f/2.8 L USM* . It's "L" all the way with good build quality and our beloved fast USM focusing. BUT! It' around the same price, sharpness, size and weight as 17-40mm f/4! Being 1 stop brighter. Isn't it nice? I recently switched to the original and just slightly bigger *EF 16-35mm f/2.8 L USM* due to two reasons only: MFD of 28cm vs 42cm of 17-35 (important for artistic close-ups\vlogs, no matter for landscapes) and 1mm wider is quite noticeable (but more expensive, of course). So EF 17-35mm f/2.8 is the cheapest and smallest fast wide-angle zoom lens. Very decent model.
You can do everything with a good 24-70 70-200 2.8 combo. Prob 90 recent of my work. 70-200 is amazing portrait lens at 200 the compression and bokeh give a look that cannot be replicated
For sure, thats the best simple setup probably. But as always depends on what you shoot. Ive often thought i could probably do everything with a 35mm 1.4. Sometimes I think about that, just owning a single lens like that would be fun for the simplicity but probably wouldnt actually do it.
A couple of other budget options that will let you grow into the more expensive glass as you learn are the 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM and the 28-80mm f/3.5-5.6 USM. Both are in the $100 range, both are extremely sharp, and both are extremely versatile and flexible.
I acquired the 28-135 as part of a camera purchase (all used, just a few years ago). For many years had always wondered how that wildly popular lens performed. I was pleasantly surprised at how well it did, so long as you do *not* lazily back-light the subject or subject it to other poor lighting. Yes it is heavy and bulky, but really is extremely versatile and super cheap, especially for someone wanting to LEARN what focal lengths they like. The trick today is finding one not completely beat up due to age and neglect. I would however be very cautious with a 28-80 ... those were (IMO) cheap kit lenses and performed like it in my experience for both film and digital. My least favorite Canon lens ever.
@@thenexthobby I'm referring specifically to the Mark I 28-80 f/3.5-5.6 USM, i.e., the first they made. The Mark II-V got progressively less impressive.
Yeah I'm now seeing a few supposedly in good shape for under $100. I already have a mint 28-135 but I consider that heavy, and I don't often need 135mm. I've never been much interested in normal-range zooms no matter how good, but for under $100 I can see doing that. I'd be using is potentially across 3 gens, film to RF camera.@@philrmcknight
Tried loads of lenses over the years. The one that most disappointed me was...the 24-70 F2.8. It goes from slightly wide to kind of what the eye sees. No use to me as a zoom range unfortunately. I kept the 28-105mm F4 instead. Big 70-200mm fan too.
@@MartinCastein Oh indeed. It's just so many gush over it but really it's probably just best for wedding shots in the church. Thankfully I'd rather do war photography than do a wedding.
I already have a 20-35mm f2.8 L, I can't see any justification to upgrade to either the 17-40 f4L or 16-35mm f2.8 L. I've wanted a 85mm f1.8 for years, but never been in a position to get One, will do so hopefully within the next 12 months. I'm also looking at a used ef 24-70 f2.8 L mark 1 down the track too (to fill in the gap between my wide angle zoom and my 70-200 f2.8 L IS zoom). It's nice to cover all the bases. I have the nifty 50 (and the f1.4 too, although that requires repairs as I dropped it 10 years ago the AF stopped working). Currently saving for the 500mm f4 IS L (mark 1) for birding and motorsport photography, which are my main interests. I already have a beautiful Sigma 150mm f2.8 macro lens for macro work, which is my main love, but my eyesight is getting worse and making macro harder to do, hence shifting more to birding and motorsports.
@@MartinCastein Thanks - I got most of this in the late 90s when I wad little expenditure and good income. I have the 300mm f4 IS L and 1.4x and 2x TCs too (both mark 1, both garbage AF imho). I missed a shot of white bellied sea eagle on Saturday cos the 60d + 300 + 1.4x TC refused to focus and instead just hunted...I was pretty pissed off with the camera as you can imagine. I could use the 1d mark IIN which has way better AF (still dodgy with that 1.4x tc though ), but 8mp really hurts details, especially with birds. 18mp is better, but still not super great, but will have to do until I can afford a R7. The 500mm f4 is my goal as it will enable me to get better shots with both birding and motorsports.
Hey Martin, I know you’ve mentioned a couple times about how focusing with 1.2 primes get really difficult on some of the older AF systems. On something like a 6D, would it make any sense to buy a 1.2 prime? Or would it be so difficult to land a shot wide open, I’m better off waiting till I can buy a 5Diii to go with it? Thanks!
Full frame EF lenses: 50mm 1.8, 85mm 1.8, 40mm 2.8. Easy choices, very affordable and a great size for FF lenses. I'm in need of a wider angle EF lens. I have the 28mm 1.8 but my copy that I bought used is absolutely awful even stopped down. Really disappointed in that lens. My most used is the 40mm 2.8. I like the slightly wider angle of view but the 50mm is very nice too.
just bought 2 canon L lenses to use with my RP and I finally have the quality of pictures that i wanted/needed found a 70-200 f4 is usm for 500$ CAD and the next day i found a 24-70 f4 is for 460$ CAD they will replace the RF 24-105 7.1 and a 70-300 is usm. they do a decent job but compared to the L lenses . now i will try and find a 16-35mm f4 is, for maximum 500$ CAD i am looking for 5d mkii or 6d around those prices also. i like buying used, i have the gear of a rich person but for what a poor guy can afford.
@@MartinCastein next luxury is the 16-35mm f4. buying those lenses really made me understand that the lenses make way more difference than i thought at first. thank you for the great videos and the pictures you took with the 5d-5mkii, the 6d and the nikon d600 are amazing, you are really good, the pictures are mesmerizing,
I have a tendency to put together ‘kits’ of lenses that I bring with me. 35/1.4, 85/1.4 IS and 135/2 is what I bring if I know that there will be portrait type of photography. Works well for indoor stuff like concerts as well. 28/1.8 and 85/1.8 for a night out. 24-70/2.8 and 80-200/2.8 for outdoors events and concerts. For a casual stroll in some park or forest I would probably bring my 28/2.8 IS and 100/2.8 IS. It all depends on the situation and what camera body I decide to bring. If it’s a 5D, the smaller lenses usually comes to mind. If I tote the 1Ds III I might as well go with larger lenses as well. I don’t have any real long teles. I used to have a 300/4 IS, but didn’t use it so much. Same with wides. I used to have a 14/2.8 but rarely used it.
I had the 14 as well but sold it in the end due to not using enough. Yes making kits like you say here would work well really, ultimately depends what you can afford and what you photograph but the ability to do this is good.
@@MartinCastein I'm an amatuer, so I only buy whatever I find interesting. I've been buying on average a couple of lenses a year since I got back into photography in 2009 or something, and I had a few since my film days. I regret selling a couple of them, since they will be hard to find in the same condition at the same price I sold them for. Glass is good. Keeps its value over time. It's the bodies that waste your money.:) How do you find the RF glass? I havn't gone there yet, but the only RF lens I really feel need of owning is the 28-70/2.0. But the cost of both cameras and lenses keeps me away.
Ive hardly used any RF glass yet, I had 2 of the cheaper primes the 35 and 16 and didnt like them. I think the lenses are just too expensive for what they are, i can afford to buy them but wont as im tight about spending on things i dont need and id not like owning them, i think id just resent the cost and then feel i have to baby them so they dont get damaged and lose value. They do seem very good though, for me EF glass is more than good already.
@@MartinCastein From what I've seen, they tend to be a bit like the last generation of EF glass. High performing, but a bit sterile. I'm not in a hurry to replace my EF lenses. :)
@@MartinCastein I just picked up my first nikon in 15 years so I feel very at a loss with the lens lineup, especially for the full frame lenses and selfishly I would benefit!
i had the 50mm 1.4 and the 50mm 1.8 vii and i would say don't buy the 1.8 vii even used unless it's dirt cheap like under 40$, don't buy the first version i had it also and it's crap. i bought the rf 50mm stm but i should have kept my 1.4. i had the 85mm 1.8 but sold it because i bought the rf 85mm f2 but i kinda regret it because although the rf is sharper and has macro x0.5, the colors are not the same and the character of the old usm lens is warm and dreamy and the rf is sharp and kind of sterile looking. i have bought many lenses just to try and get good and cheap most of the time i did, the truth is that if you want your photos to have the "pro" look, you need "pro" lens. this is what i recently discovered better lenses made the pictures i take with my RP look better and are easier to work with in Lr and even in raw they look good. they even look better on an old XSi i have with Canon L series lenses buy canon lenses in the same series as the 50mm 1.4 and the 85mm 1.8, there's a zoom 70-300mm with IS it does a great job when learning. don't buy sigma lenses without OS and Tamron without VC buy a cheap camera and spend more on good lenses it's 100% worth it
for those who didn't think to take notes while watching this:
Preliminary for everyone:
Canon 40mm f/2.8 STM (small+light, street & evironmental portraits) 01:56
or for more shallow DOF: 50mm f/1.8 (any version) 02:55
~~
Budget kit:
17-40 f/4L 04:53 & 50mm 1.8 (any version) 04:55
later on, adding on the 85mm 1.8 05:08
35mm f/2 IS 05:20 or maybe Sigma 35 f/1.4 ART 05:25
~~
go for more expensive lenses after figuring out what focal lengths you work with best 05:35
new to doing weddings & budget kit?
add Canon 24-70 f/2.8L (mark 1, first version) 06:03
or perhaps the 24-105 F/4 (first version) 06:09
~~
mid-range kit:
EF 16-35 F/4 IS 06:22 (only if you do a lot of landscape, otherwise still the 17-40 F/4) 07:15
portraits: Sigma 35mm f/1.4 ART 07:40
Stick to the 50mm 1.8, unless 50mm is your loved FL 08:00
if so: Canon 50mm f/1.2 (original) 08:26
85mm 1.2 (but only if 85 is your primary FL, otherwise 1.8) 08:55
weddings & portraits? EF 70-200 F/2.8 Mk2 (used) 09:45
~~
Higher end kit:
16-35 F/4 IS 10:12
Pick two (or all?) of Canon's 35 1.4, 50 1.2, 85 1.2 10:36
thank you for this Michael!
Very good advice. It's great to see someone talking about photography who is actually a photographer. I don't see that too often here on RUclips. Keep up the good work.
Sage advice Martin. I especially like the idea of choosing top-tier glass only for your most used lenses, or the ones that make you the most money.
portrait photographer here, i love the canon 50mm 1.8 but i also really love the rendering of the canon 50 1.4. the colors are vivid and the subtle softness is flattering to subject.
What camera body do you use?
yes I use the f1.4 on 5dmk2 and it is top class sharpness, colors and contrast.
I’ve got the Canon 5D Classic and Mark ii with the 50mm f1.8 (and 1.4 but it’s currently missing a piece that allows it to focus overall) 75-300mm, and recently acquired (yesterday) 85mm f1.8 usm. I’ve also got a few vintage lenses.
Completely agree with the 17-40 f/4 L? it’s so cheap for the results it gives.
I'm a hobbyist mostly doing landscapes and wildlife for my own enjoyment and occasional families and small weddings. I have a 6D and a 7Dii. My lens kit consists of a 24-105 f/4L IS, 28-70 2.8L, 14mm 2.8 rokinon, 40mm 2.8, 50mm 1.8, 85mm 1.8, and 70-300 4-5.6L IS. When I'm doing my landscape/wildlife thing I'll usually take the 7D and 70-300 and I'll throw either a zoom or whatever prime I'm feeling that day on the 6D. I haven't done a wedding or family shoot since I got the 7D, but I would put one of the zooms on it and then swap primes on the 6D as they are needed. I think it's a very versatile kit, and didn't cost all that to build over the last few years as I found good deals. I would like to swap one of the all purpose zooms for a EF-S 17-55 2.8 for the 7D. I used to have that lens when my only cameras were aps-c and it is a gem. I'd like to get a large aperture 35mm lens as well.
Making this comment actually lead me to getting a quote from mpb swapping my 28-70 for a 17-55, and with the option I chose I will get the lens plus they will pay me $40!
hahah thats brilliant just read all this, i like how you talked yourself round in this haha🤣
Great video Martin! I would add the ef 28 f1.8, a little soft wide open and some funky flaring in the sun, but it’s relatively small, fast focusing and love for street photography and environmental portraits
Solid advice. I would add that the Canon 16-35L f4.0 IS USM is good for hand-held vlogging on a 6D mk2 with the flip screen. That's the main reason I bought it… At protests and events with lots of crowds I can do a bit a vlogging, and then use it to get images right up close in the crowd. Paired with a 24-105, at events, I'm literally ready for the world.
Ive literally bought the same lens now for the same reason *vlogging* will be on my canon RP! The IS makes a huge difference really.
Excellent video Martin. Iam a novice to photography at this time, I already have acquired G.A.S.. Thank you for pointing out to use one lens for a year. I have those lenses for my full frame canon 6D.. I will try the one year with the 40 or 50mm lenses. Thanks again. Great advice. I truly enjoy your videos, with straight talk.
I have to say that your advice is really the most solid I have seen in a while. Really good advice indeed. Back when I started every slr came with a 50mm. I was forever wanting the fastest I could afford because it allowed me to shoot in lower light. I never thought much of the "look" of the bokeh except when I was deliberately looking to isolate something, in that case it was more about DOF than the look of the bokeh. It was not like I could afford to be too choosy. I once had a zoom that came with a dead fly in it, I am sad to say I did not notice right away since I was just happy to have a zoom. I think it was a Vivitar? Now that I think about it, it was soft :)
It was the damnedest thing that fly! Stuck right inside there! Recently got a used 5dsr that is quite a specialist camera with those giant sized files, depending on your settings etc. I find I am reluctant to shoot too freely when doing landscapes because the larger files have a cost in storage, so it makes me slow down and delete as well. Kind of like film, you ask yourself, or at least I do, is this shot worth my money? Well, not with a fly in the lens I can tell you that!
Very good video, people would be wise to follow your advice. For now, for what I do, I am sticking with the EF mount and dlslr's I have all I need for all practical purposes between the 5d, 5dii and 5dsr, 6d . They all work so well, for what I do or need. There's going to be a nice sweet supply of reasonable prices for EF glass for years to come.
Best wishes!
Haha John that made me laugh how did a fly get in your lens! Have you named him?
@@MartinCastein That fly came direct from the factory. Honest to God it was like half way down in the lens and stuck there. Man was I annoyed, pissed off actually, pretty sure that lens is long gone, I can't even remember what mount it was, I think m42 screw mount? I had it on an SLR back in the 1970's. You would think I would have noticed immediately, but no!
Why is this lens so damn soft?
People have little appreciation today as to how pricey things were back then for what you got. Now there's all kinds of fabulous equipment used or refurbished (new if you want) and no dark room or enlarger needed. Although there is something quite nice in film work.
Your advice is right on. I mean who is shooting landscapes wide open? F4 as the widest is more than fine, only downside is if you are shooting people in low light and no flash or lighting. But so what, you can probably pull that off depending on the camera, that 6D does nicely in low light.
Damn flies! Pretty sure it was a Vivitar.
Best wishes for you continued success!
I think if you are shooting people in low light the 1.8 primes or 1.2 if budget stretches are perfect people don’t know how good they have it today really. While the latest top end gear is really expensive there are loads of really good lenses for much less
Great video; thankyou. I only have the 40mm 2.8 and 50mm 1.8 with my 5D Classic. I have had a few cameras since the dawn of digital photography but none have taught me as much as using the 5D. I love the 40mm as a walk around lens; suits my general photography really well.
Thanks for sharing! the 40mm is the lens to have im so tempted to get one again.
It's gorgeus Martin. I'm about to kick-off from film 50mm f2.0 camera to digital. It's overwhelming how large portion of community follows market needs to get the lastest greatest kit, leaning on any con of old hardware. Your photo experience is shared so calmly that you even put your feedback in harmony and composition. It doesn't take much to give up on choosing a digital starting kit, because many of the reviews - literally leave you even more concerned. Thanks for humble content, wish you the best!
Also love the 24-70 mki f/2.8 L
Thank you. Learned a lot from your videos.
Martin, another banging video. Thanks!
You can do landscapes with telephoto too.. On a budget? Use Takumars with a adapter. You might be shocked how well they work, especially for the price. For mirrorless, the Canon FL/FD are really good and cheap!
Great Video! Very usefull Information… Well done, Martin!
Thank you!
Thanks!
Thank you much!
When I got into photography proper it was down to winning a Canon G7 X, the presets like “ Background Defocus “ which I soon learnt was Bokeh, sparked my interest. I then bought the Canon 1300d with the 18-55mm, not a great lens but it was the 50mm 1.8 I bought as my first lens only purchase which literally lived on my camera unless I was shooting Landscapes. I bought the Sigma 70-300 and the Canon 10-24 but then unfortunately I had an accident and the lot, including my G7 X were ruined, insurance paid out quickly and as I predominantly shoot Street Photography I bought the Fuji XT-3, had it coming up to two years and though I’ve had some great images from it I’ve never felt completely comfortable with it. I was looking at upgrading and as I’m on a tight budget, I’m unable to work due to various health issues so I was looking at the 90d since it was just a rumour but for some unknown reason I discounted it, would have bought the Canon R but just couldn’t stretch to it at that point, even used as it was quite new still and R Lenses were way out of range but I still wanted a Mirrorless Camera due to the size and weight as I use a walking stick and sometimes need to shoot one handed. Now though, I’m really looking at going back to Canon, I’d love the R6 but would have to wait a year more I reckon to see if any used ones come on the market at a price I can afford.
Anyway, sorry for boring you, loving the channel already from the two video I’ve seen and look forward to catching up on your older videos as well as eagerly waiting for new ones.
Thanks for this Brian, its always interesting reading other peoples journeys like this too!
I mainly use the Canon 35mm F1.4 L Mark 1 - this lens has some mystical quality to me - the shots are creamy. The Mark 2 is no doubt sharper but has less emotion. Other lenses are the 16-35 f4 and 85 f1.2. Don’t need anything longer. The fast RF lenses are simply too big, esp. for the smaller mirrorless bodies. Great advice BTW !
Im actually thinking of buying the 35mm 1.4 mark 1 i really like the look of the photos ive seen with it.
Outstanding advice.
I started out with film and developing in the dark room in my high school in a decade I’d rather not to mention. That was with, I believe, a Canon AV-1 and a 50mm 1.8 (FD).
I happen to believe that living with a prime for a while allows you to see an image before you even bring the camera to your eye and allows you to compose much more creatively.
To this day, if i’m walking around, I get best results with just a 35 and 85.
I love your advice of everyone starting out on a 5D (c) with a 50mm 1.8.
I also love your advice on the 17-40F4 and some basic primes. I agree that the 70-200 version 1 for cheap is a perfectly wonderful lens.
It’s not really the arrow, it’s the Indian.
Thank you Ian I’m glad you liked this and agree too!
Hi Martin, I've just tried a used copy of the EF 50mm 1.4, because the focus accuracy of my 50mm Mark II became erratic after 14 years of use (no complaints regarding cost per year!).
I usually follow your advice, but I thought the 1.4 must somehow have the edge over the 1.8 STM since it still retails for £404 full retail. I returned the used 1.4 after one day.
Even using the reliable centre focus point on my 6D, around 10% of the photos were clearly out of focus. Admittedly my experience was with just one used copy of a lens, but the lens was in very good condition with no obvious signs of use.
I've just ordered a new EF 50mm 1.8 STM...
Haha, I went through the same experience, once I was told by a wedding photographer don’t get the 1.4 and I was thinking “it must be better it’s a 1.4” but yeah…. Live and learn don’t we 🤣
@@MartinCastein Yes, indeed - I needed a strong cup of coffee to get over the trauma... 🤣
Hi been a fan of your work for a while especially when you started using a 5dclassic.i own one with a 50mm1.8yn,thinking of getting Tamron 28 to 75 2.8 the old version .I shoot portraits and do events..what's your advice
The hard thing with third party lens is will the focus work, that lens might be fine, but if its focus is off you have no focus adjustment on the 5d classic. So if you buy it can you buy from somewhere you can return it to easily. Thats the question really.
About wide-angle... There's one f/2.8 lens that is rarely talked about - *EF 17-35mm f/2.8 L USM* . It's "L" all the way with good build quality and our beloved fast USM focusing. BUT! It' around the same price, sharpness, size and weight as 17-40mm f/4! Being 1 stop brighter. Isn't it nice? I recently switched to the original and just slightly bigger *EF 16-35mm f/2.8 L USM* due to two reasons only: MFD of 28cm vs 42cm of 17-35 (important for artistic close-ups\vlogs, no matter for landscapes) and 1mm wider is quite noticeable (but more expensive, of course). So EF 17-35mm f/2.8 is the cheapest and smallest fast wide-angle zoom lens. Very decent model.
Thanks for the comment Paul, thats a good suggestion too!
You can do everything with a good 24-70 70-200 2.8 combo. Prob 90 recent of my work. 70-200 is amazing portrait lens at 200 the compression and bokeh give a look that cannot be replicated
For sure, thats the best simple setup probably. But as always depends on what you shoot. Ive often thought i could probably do everything with a 35mm 1.4. Sometimes I think about that, just owning a single lens like that would be fun for the simplicity but probably wouldnt actually do it.
Excellent tips!
Thanks Bert
A couple of other budget options that will let you grow into the more expensive glass as you learn are the 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM and the 28-80mm f/3.5-5.6 USM. Both are in the $100 range, both are extremely sharp, and both are extremely versatile and flexible.
I acquired the 28-135 as part of a camera purchase (all used, just a few years ago). For many years had always wondered how that wildly popular lens performed. I was pleasantly surprised at how well it did, so long as you do *not* lazily back-light the subject or subject it to other poor lighting. Yes it is heavy and bulky, but really is extremely versatile and super cheap, especially for someone wanting to LEARN what focal lengths they like. The trick today is finding one not completely beat up due to age and neglect.
I would however be very cautious with a 28-80 ... those were (IMO) cheap kit lenses and performed like it in my experience for both film and digital. My least favorite Canon lens ever.
@@thenexthobby I'm referring specifically to the Mark I 28-80 f/3.5-5.6 USM, i.e., the first they made. The Mark II-V got progressively less impressive.
Thanks for that correction. I definitely had one of the later, crappy models.@@philrmcknight
@@thenexthobby If you can find a Mark I in decent shape, it's worth buying if the price is right.
Yeah I'm now seeing a few supposedly in good shape for under $100. I already have a mint 28-135 but I consider that heavy, and I don't often need 135mm. I've never been much interested in normal-range zooms no matter how good, but for under $100 I can see doing that. I'd be using is potentially across 3 gens, film to RF camera.@@philrmcknight
What about a lens kit for the Canon 40D for budget photography??? And for the Canon 7D
This is really helpful as I've got the 50mm 1.8 and looking for something else. Cheers
Thanks 🙏
Hmmm now I'm thinking it would have been best if I found your channel a long time ago. Excellent and logical advice.
Thank you!, well im glad you found my channel now anyway.
Tried loads of lenses over the years. The one that most disappointed me was...the 24-70 F2.8. It goes from slightly wide to kind of what the eye sees. No use to me as a zoom range unfortunately. I kept the 28-105mm F4 instead. Big 70-200mm fan too.
I think it just depends on you and what suits you, 24-70 is my most used lens, there is no right or wrong though it’s all about you in the end
@@MartinCastein Oh indeed. It's just so many gush over it but really it's probably just best for wedding shots in the church. Thankfully I'd rather do war photography than do a wedding.
@@jabezhane hahaah yes thats understandable
I already have a 20-35mm f2.8 L, I can't see any justification to upgrade to either the 17-40 f4L or 16-35mm f2.8 L. I've wanted a 85mm f1.8 for years, but never been in a position to get One, will do so hopefully within the next 12 months. I'm also looking at a used ef 24-70 f2.8 L mark 1 down the track too (to fill in the gap between my wide angle zoom and my 70-200 f2.8 L IS zoom). It's nice to cover all the bases. I have the nifty 50 (and the f1.4 too, although that requires repairs as I dropped it 10 years ago the AF stopped working). Currently saving for the 500mm f4 IS L (mark 1) for birding and motorsport photography, which are my main interests. I already have a beautiful Sigma 150mm f2.8 macro lens for macro work, which is my main love, but my eyesight is getting worse and making macro harder to do, hence shifting more to birding and motorsports.
Nice collection you have there David!
@@MartinCastein Thanks - I got most of this in the late 90s when I wad little expenditure and good income. I have the 300mm f4 IS L and 1.4x and 2x TCs too (both mark 1, both garbage AF imho). I missed a shot of white bellied sea eagle on Saturday cos the 60d + 300 + 1.4x TC refused to focus and instead just hunted...I was pretty pissed off with the camera as you can imagine. I could use the 1d mark IIN which has way better AF (still dodgy with that 1.4x tc though ), but 8mp really hurts details, especially with birds. 18mp is better, but still not super great, but will have to do until I can afford a R7. The 500mm f4 is my goal as it will enable me to get better shots with both birding and motorsports.
Hey Martin, I know you’ve mentioned a couple times about how focusing with 1.2 primes get really difficult on some of the older AF systems. On something like a 6D, would it make any sense to buy a 1.2 prime? Or would it be so difficult to land a shot wide open, I’m better off waiting till I can buy a 5Diii to go with it? Thanks!
id go with the 5diii first personally.
Full frame EF lenses: 50mm 1.8, 85mm 1.8, 40mm 2.8. Easy choices, very affordable and a great size for FF lenses. I'm in need of a wider angle EF lens. I have the 28mm 1.8 but my copy that I bought used is absolutely awful even stopped down. Really disappointed in that lens. My most used is the 40mm 2.8. I like the slightly wider angle of view but the 50mm is very nice too.
Been hearing mixed opinions on the 28mm Carlo, the 40mm on the other hand is undeniable!
@@MartinCastein Carlo, Martin, you want the EF 28mm F/2.8 IS (not the f/1.8 non-IS)
just bought 2 canon L lenses to use with my RP and I finally have the quality of pictures that i wanted/needed
found a 70-200 f4 is usm for 500$ CAD and the next day i found a 24-70 f4 is for 460$ CAD
they will replace the RF 24-105 7.1 and a 70-300 is usm. they do a decent job but compared to the L lenses .
now i will try and find a 16-35mm f4 is, for maximum 500$ CAD
i am looking for 5d mkii or 6d around those prices also.
i like buying used, i have the gear of a rich person but for what a poor guy can afford.
yeah the 70-200 f4 is a really excellent lens indeed I think you will be very happy with that and it pairs very well with the 16-35 f4
@@MartinCastein next luxury is the 16-35mm f4. buying those lenses really made me understand that the lenses make way more difference than i thought at first.
thank you for the great videos and the pictures you took with the 5d-5mkii, the 6d and the nikon d600 are amazing, you are really good, the pictures are mesmerizing,
thanks! you will be really happy with the 16-35 its one of the best wide angles out there and possibly my favourite its just really good.
I have a tendency to put together ‘kits’ of lenses that I bring with me. 35/1.4, 85/1.4 IS and 135/2 is what I bring if I know that there will be portrait type of photography. Works well for indoor stuff like concerts as well. 28/1.8 and 85/1.8 for a night out. 24-70/2.8 and 80-200/2.8 for outdoors events and concerts. For a casual stroll in some park or forest I would probably bring my 28/2.8 IS and 100/2.8 IS. It all depends on the situation and what camera body I decide to bring. If it’s a 5D, the smaller lenses usually comes to mind. If I tote the 1Ds III I might as well go with larger lenses as well.
I don’t have any real long teles. I used to have a 300/4 IS, but didn’t use it so much. Same with wides. I used to have a 14/2.8 but rarely used it.
I had the 14 as well but sold it in the end due to not using enough. Yes making kits like you say here would work well really, ultimately depends what you can afford and what you photograph but the ability to do this is good.
@@MartinCastein I'm an amatuer, so I only buy whatever I find interesting. I've been buying on average a couple of lenses a year since I got back into photography in 2009 or something, and I had a few since my film days. I regret selling a couple of them, since they will be hard to find in the same condition at the same price I sold them for.
Glass is good. Keeps its value over time. It's the bodies that waste your money.:) How do you find the RF glass? I havn't gone there yet, but the only RF lens I really feel need of owning is the 28-70/2.0. But the cost of both cameras and lenses keeps me away.
Ive hardly used any RF glass yet, I had 2 of the cheaper primes the 35 and 16 and didnt like them. I think the lenses are just too expensive for what they are, i can afford to buy them but wont as im tight about spending on things i dont need and id not like owning them, i think id just resent the cost and then feel i have to baby them so they dont get damaged and lose value. They do seem very good though, for me EF glass is more than good already.
@@MartinCastein From what I've seen, they tend to be a bit like the last generation of EF glass. High performing, but a bit sterile. I'm not in a hurry to replace my EF lenses. :)
I think thats pretty much spot on!
Lovely Video! Would you consider doing this for Nikon too?
Ummmmm I guess I could lol but would be pretty similar but maybe I should actually
@@MartinCastein I just picked up my first nikon in 15 years so I feel very at a loss with the lens lineup, especially for the full frame lenses and selfishly I would benefit!
Can I use the 40mm f2.8 on weddings for environmental photos? I do not have a 35mm
Yes I think it’s very good for that
i had the 50mm 1.4 and the 50mm 1.8 vii and i would say don't buy the 1.8 vii even used unless it's dirt cheap like under 40$, don't buy the first version i had it also and it's crap.
i bought the rf 50mm stm but i should have kept my 1.4.
i had the 85mm 1.8 but sold it because i bought the rf 85mm f2 but i kinda regret it because although the rf is sharper and has macro x0.5, the colors are not the same and the character of the old usm lens is warm and dreamy and the rf is sharp and kind of sterile looking.
i have bought many lenses just to try and get good and cheap most of the time i did, the truth is that if you want your photos to have the "pro" look, you need "pro" lens.
this is what i recently discovered better lenses made the pictures i take with my RP look better and are easier to work with in Lr and even in raw they look good.
they even look better on an old XSi i have with Canon L series lenses
buy canon lenses in the same series as the 50mm 1.4 and the 85mm 1.8, there's a zoom 70-300mm with IS it does a great job when learning.
don't buy sigma lenses without OS and Tamron without VC
buy a cheap camera and spend more on good lenses it's 100% worth it
I have a large (LARGE) collection over 40 years.
no 85mm ? why? thought it is THE potrait lense
its literally right there in the video 🤣
@@MartinCastein oh dear... sry
Thanks!
Thank you!!!!!