Lens GAS again....

[Charvelj]

I'm in the market for a new lens and I am having difficulty in choosing between the Samyang 85mm f1.4 af and the Canon RF 70-200 f4. I have moved over from the EF system but have sold all my lenses ( 16-35mm f4 L, 24-70 f2.8 and 70-200 f2.8 ). The only one I have kept to use with an adapter is the 24mm tilt shift. I take mostly
landscapes and architecture but have gas for a decent 85mm prime which I would also use for landscapes. The two lenses I have at the moment are the RF 24-105L and the tilt shift. Which new lens would you go for and why ?

 

[Copterdoc]

I'm in the market for a new lens and I am having difficulty in choosing between the Samyang 85mm f1.4 af and the Canon RF 70-200 f4. I have moved over from the EF system but have sold all my lenses ( 16-35mm f4 L, 24-70 f2.8 and 70-200 f2.8 ). The only one I have kept to use with an adapter is the 24mm tilt shift. I take mostly
landscapes and architecture but have gas for a decent 85mm prime which I would also use for landscapes. The two lenses I have at the moment are the RF 24-105L and the tilt shift. Which new lens would you go for and why ?

Let me start by saying I own both the RF 85mm F1.2 DS and the RF 70-200mm F2.8. I acquired the 85mm lens first. That being said, I would start with the RF 70-200mm F2.8 first. The lens extends your capabilities far beyond what the 85mm provides making it a more flexible option. Then add a 85mm as time and budget permits. The only caveat I would have is if you have an immediate need for the 85mm fast lens for a special purpose or project. The 70-200mm F2.8 will get much of the ascetics that you seek with the fast 85mm and give you the extended range. JMHO

 

[Charvelj]

Let me start by saying I own both the RF 85mm F1.2 DS and the RF 70-200mm F2.8. I acquired the 85mm lens first. That being said, I would start with the RF 70-200mm F2.8 first. The lens extends your capabilities far beyond what the 85mm provides making it a more flexible option. Then add a 85mm as time and budget permits. The only caveat I would have is if you have an immediate need for the 85mm fast lens for a special purpose or project. The 70-200mm F2.8 will get much of the ascetics that you seek with the fast 85mm and give you the extended range. JMHO

Thank you for your reply. The 24-105mm covers me for most of my landscape needs. I'm not sure I can justify the extra £1000 that the f2.8 version of the 70-200mm would cost as I'm sure third party lens manufacturers will be bringing out their own rf zoom lenses in the near future and I'm not to concerned if the lens says Canon on the front as long as it performs. I did use my Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 an awful lot in my landscape photography so will probably go for the RF 70-200mm f4 or wait a little to see if the prices come down.

 

[Copterdoc]

Thank you for your reply. The 24-105mm covers me for most of my landscape needs. I'm not sure I can justify the extra £1000 that the f2.8 version of the 70-200mm would cost as I'm sure third party lens manufacturers will be bringing out their own rf zoom lenses in the near future and I'm not to concerned if the lens says Canon on the front as long as it performs. I did use my Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 an awful lot in my landscape photography so will probably go for the RF 70-200mm f4 or wait a little to see if the prices come down.

I'm not sure what the price difference would be but Canon also has an RF 70-200mm F4 if this aperture is not a limitation for you. JMHO For me the Canon lenses provide the quality and lens sharpness I like. Also lighter than the older EF lenses in most cases. You could also find a used EF 70-200MM F2.8 or F4 and use the Canon $100.00 adapter which performed spectacularly. I'm a big believer in the "buy once/cry once" acquisition philosophy. It has provided over time a better quality of gear. That being said, it's your money to spend and you know what you need as opposed to desire. The same applies to the EF 85mm F1.2.