Canon DSLR video, which lens
 

What lens is everyone using for shooting video with? Specifically filming riders from the boat.

I primarily use Canon EF50mm F/1.8 ($110) and Rokinon FE8M-C 8mm F/3.5 ($270). Both are affordable lens and produce good results. I would love to get my paws on a 70-200 F/2.8 L. Hopefully that helps!

id think a 100mm prime would be ideal?

Canon EF50mm F/1.8 ($110) and Rokinon FE8M-C 8mm F/3.5

Have you used either one to shoot from the boat? Don't think you could reach out to the rider 75' back. I really want a Canon 70-200L as well, not sure I'm ready for that as of yet.


100 prime

Would like to have a little more versatility with a zoom.

Unfortunately I have not had the chance to shoot anyone out on the water. As a comparison though, I have snapped a few photos of outdoor BMX races in the area of the range you mentioned and the 50mm did real well. At the time, I also had a 28-135 f/3.5-5.6 and that lens satisfied all of my needs. If you are about drop some coin on a nice lens, I suggest looking into BorrowLenses, as they offer affordable-renting of some nice equipment. I'm going to rent the 70-200L here soon, just to determine if it something I can see myself using for the price I would have to buy for my own pleasure.

i have the 18-55 lens and thats ok at 65', still a little further back than i would want(nothing a little scaling won't fix). i have used a old vivtar lense that is a 28-85 and that is perfect at around 85mm 75' and that is pretty close up(mostly rider in the picture) but i can only get in focus at around 85mm because of the lense adapter, so i can't ever zoom out. im thinking about 18-135 or 18-200 because your not restricted to 50mm or 70mm of zoom if you ever wanted to zoom out without having to change lense.

I've used one a 70-200 f2.8 IS for shooting stills, ridiculously good. However, i've never used it for video. I've already looked at BorrowLenses.com to rent one for a weekend, and give it a test for video. Their prices are not that bad.

Thought about looking at the Sigma 70-200 f2.8, but saw mixed reviews using it on the cropped sensor of my 7D. I'm currently using the Canon 55-250 f4.5-5.6 iS. It's actually not bad, especially for the price. Just kicking around the idea of upgrading.

55mm isnt going to get you close enough at all behind the boat. Think of a 55mm lens as equal to your eye sight. You are going to need at least a 85-100mm minimum.


As one who just spent over 2 hrs at the camera shop upping my camera. The most versitile, rock solid lens in the Cannon line that in all honesty is priced pretty decent has been stated to me over and over for 7D is the EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM lens. IT will set you back a touch over 1k.


For the best though at high speeds and action nothing can beat the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM Telephoto Zoom Lens That you looking at touch over 2k unless you want to start dropping 7k. I am stuck at a crossroads here because I really need the later Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM Telephoto Zoom Lens for my daughters hockey because the arena lighting is absolutely terrible. You can get away with the higher F/4 outdoors in the sun though so if you just plan on using it outside for boarding that should work.

Thanks Swatguy. You pretty much told me what I was already thinking....or wanted to hear. Think I'm going to try to pickup a Canon 70-200 f4 IS off ebay. Looks like they are going for about $850-900 on there.

A 135mm prime would be awesome on just about any DSLR body that canon makes. I use a 70-200mm 2.8 daily to shoot probably my favorite lens. Personally I tend to gravitate more towards closer shoots when shooting from the boat to get the details that aren't usually seen while riding in the back of the boat. Patrick Wieland does a great job of this.... aside from the fact hes shooting with RED cameras and telephoto lenses.

Hope this helps.

Thanks for the input. 135 prime would probably be a nice choice from the boat, but I think I've talked myself into the 70-200 f4L IS. Gives me a little more flexibility than a prime. The 2.8 is awesome for stills, but would think keeping in in focus would be a chore, and not to mention the cost.

Well the nice thing about shooting wakeboarders is they are always the same distance from the boat.

Swat - I got a 70-200 2.8 off of craigslist. The IS version you can get for around $1,200. I've bought that lens and a 2.8 28-70 for $750. Both of them in great condition and much easier on the checkbook. I'm actually going to flip my 70-200 non is for an IS very soon (after my daughter's softball season).

BTW - I've been using the 70-200 for video and its got great clarity.

Thanks appreciate the help. We were searching the ads here keeping an eye out ourselves. I am just Leary of dropping 1200 on eBay without getting to see the lens first hand. Soni want to e able to hold before I buy and make sure it's mint