stogie1020

Yup, another "what lens is the best compromise" thread...

I will be traveling for two weeks, partly tour led, partly with the wife only, and she will be using the camera as well. I anticipate a good mix of indoor/outdoor, people/landscapes, etc.

Body is a Canon 40D

I am concerned that the 17-55 IS lens that is on there right now is too large and heavy for all day exploring. Plus, I get nervous in crowds that someone will bump it, etc.

So, I was thinking of something along the lines of the Canon 24mm STM f2.8 Pancake.

Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM Lens 9522B002 B&H Photo Video

Does anyone have any experience with this lens?

How about any other suggestions that have good IQ and also offer some weight/size savings?

jupitersolo

I'd be taking a 24-105mm..., as the one you link, there's almost two hundred reviews there to look over...

stogie1020

the 24-105 is heavier and larger than the 17-55, so while an awesome lens, it just doesn't make the cut.

I realize I am asking for a compromise in some lens factor (IQ, zoom, Fstop, etc.) but I cant see dragging a ~650gram/1lbs+ lens around for two weeks if I have it on my shoulder every waking moment. I have an OpTech strap that makes it more comfortable, but I want to be able to not think about the camera hanging off my shoulder while I am traveling, not constantly have to make sure no one is knocking into the lens and feeling pain in my shoulder/neck by noon.

jupitersolo

Get a Black Rapid strap, screw those neck straps...

thoiboi

I've taken the 17-55 around on my 7D and although a bit heavy, I've found that that's the compromise to getting decent pictures. Sure the 24mm would be significantly lighter, but then you would lose on the flexibility of the zoom and it'd be a little tight for selfies


Currently my go-to has been 7D, 10-22 for the wide angle effect, and 17-55 for all-purpose walk-around.

Majofo

That 24 should be great, but I like a little range. Especially travelling, since your subjects can be very dynamic. I'd take the 17-55.

btw.. I must say.. anyone who thinks the 17-55 lens is bulky, is obvs a ninny.

asianspec

iTrader: (1)

Stogie, i agree with jup with the black rapid strap. It makes a world of a difference vs carrying with the oem strap. I was when I used to carry my 7d and 24-70 mk1 (that's a heavy lens, called the brick for good reasoning) with the RS-7, it felt so much better vs using the oem strap. Almost like using a serta mattress for the first time. (Ok maybe overkill, but you get what mean.) With also having back problems it was a must have imo. Nowadays I use the black rapid rs7 even on my fuji XT-1. Just because it feels weird not having it when using a camera.

Mizouse

I absolutely LOVED traveling with my Sony NEX-6 and the zeiss 16-70mm f4 lens. (24-105mm FF equiv)

Such a great combo.

stogie1020

Well, I may just suck it up and take the 17-55.

In terms of straps, I already carry the camera "crosss-chest" but do so with an OpTech cushioned strap that has a good amount of elasticity. I am not sure I would want the free floating style of the Black Rapid, I feel like I might have less control over the swinging and twisting while walking, hiking, moving through crowds. Often, in a crowd, I will slide the camera in front of of on the strap and let it sit there, still with the strap cross chest, to avoid someone banging into the lens. It looks like if I let go of the camera on the BR strap, it will automatically fall to my side no matter what.

Really, the weight and size are the main concerns for the lens, and thus the thought of getting/using the 24mm.

asianspec

iTrader: (1)

For that price its not that bad. but if weight is an issue, remember i asked when are you going micro 4/3rds or mirrorless.

Mizouse

There are stops you can adjust on the BR strap.
So you can adjust the stop so that the camera won't drop to your side

jupitersolo

I work a BR strap with long lens without a problem. Have used them with my 300mm2.8 without a problem. I coached little league while wearing it.

Just did an airshow with my D300s and 70-200mm with 1.4, many people, no issues. I just reached down to my side and hold the camera next to my waist.

And there are clips to shorten the movement stride.

stogie1020

OK, thanks, good info on the strap.

SamDoe1

Instead of dropping money on a 17-55...I'd buy the Sony A6000 and use that. It'll take better pics than the 40D regardless of lens.

If you're only bringing one lens then I wouldn't bring a prime. I'd bring the 24-105 because that's what I have already but I wouldn't buy a new lens over the A6000 at this point especially with a 40D body (which is what I have too and it's getting old). The 17-55 is a good lens but buying it takes you away from going FF in the future.

Edit: Doh! I misread that you were thinking of buying the 17-55. If you already have it then that's definitely what I'd take. It's an all around crop sensor workhorse lens. Only reason it doesn't have a red ring on it is because of the EF-S.

stogie1020

Yup, already own the 17-55. Was looking for lighter/more mobile lens for traveling.

When I have only taken the 50/1.8, I love the ease of carrying the camera. Unfortunately, it's not the best focal length on an APS-C sensor.

Mizouse

Canon 24mm 2.8 STM. Relatively cheap EF-S lens. ~$150USD.

28mm 1.8?

Majofo

a6000 is tits.. just picked it up. It's different using the lcd to take shots. It has an electronic viewfinder that is pretty sweet but the form factor doesn't really make it conducive to taking shots with it. That's the only thing I don't like.. and the abysmal battery life (in comparison to a DSLR) for the obvious reasons (battery is tiny and cheap though).

But with the kit 16-50mm lens mounted.. it's feels about as bulky as just a kit lens on a dslr. It's nice to have a substantial body sometimes, but I think the a6000 is going to be seeing a lot more use because of it's form. It's like having an old school point and shoot in terms of form and balance. I can imagine a pancake prime being even better.

Great shots.. but that AF speed is pretty insane. Definitely not messing around there, which is one gripe I had with my DSLR. I was using it manual mode 90% of the time because it would take too long sometimes to figure out the focus, especially in low light.

Mizouse

yea man those sony cameras are no joke. i love my nex-6

i just dislike adapting my canon 2.8 glass to it because manual focusing for EVERYTHING can be a real drag.

did you pick up that 16mm pancake? like that lens alot too. makes the camera THAT much smaller