What lense should I buy with the Canon Mark II? I'm looking for something that is good but not expensive?

Question

Thank you for any info!

I'm planning on buying the Canon EOS-1D Mark II 8.2MP. I am a fine artist who shoots outdoor subjects w/natural light. The subject is usually anywhere from 5-15 feet away. What lense whould you reccomend?

oh and thank you so much for for all the iput I have already recieved! Ireally apreciate it!

Ok. I am trying to decide between the
Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 and the
Canon EF 24 - 105 mm F4.0L and 70 - 300 mm.

I am leaning towards the first because its in my price range but could be persuaded. Ideally I'd like to be able to make 20x24 prints for my gallery work.
What do you think?

Answer 1

Unfortunately, the terms "good" and "not expensive" are seldom used when discussing lenses.

Before buying any lens, no matter who suggests it, you should make a list of your photographic interests. Why buy a wide-angle if you'll be mainly shooting bird photos? Why buy a telephoto if you're more interested in scenics and/or interiors?

Landscapes/scenics? Wide angle, perhaps the EF-S 10-22mm f3.5-4.5 USM or the EF-S 17-85mm f4-5.6 IS USM or the EF 28-105mm f3.5-4.5 II USM.

Nature? Birds and beasts? Perhaps the EF 300mm f4L IS USM or the EF 100-400mm f4.5-5.6 IS USM.

Portraits? The EF 85mm f1.2L II USM or EF 85mm f1.8 USM or EF 100mm f2 USM.

Architecture (without the "falling backwards" look)? A Tilt-Shift is needed. TS-E 24mm f3.5L or the TS-E 45mm f2.8 or the TS-E 90mm f2.8.