Canon 5D Mark III + best lenses to use

A quick rundown on the best range of lenses to use with your 5D Mark III.

[@jordyndempsey3037]

He doesn't tell you the cheapest lenses for your camera. He told you the best lenses. If you want the high quality stuff, you gotta get it. I really appreciated this video, it helped me figure out which ones to get.

[@Axilrod]

I own and love the 135mm f/2, but the Zeiss 135mm f/2 is absolutely crushing it.

[@AdrienHartmann]

MAN u r like the ONLY person on youtube that can make a video on " best lens to use " simple but great video ! thx !

[@ak5978]

This guy has most of everything the best stuffs in Canon. I happen to have 6 of those lenses but traded them for something else. Currently, I'm still keeping the 24-70 f 2.8 ver.1 and 16-35 f2.8 ver.2, and 70-200 f2.8 ver.1 and 85 f1.2 ver.2, and others 35 f.2 ver.2 and 50 f1.4 for prime lenses. He has the most powerful telephoto lens ever for the 400 f2.8. It is my dream lens to have. Is he a pro or what. I admire him.

[@buttershugg]

I'm loving to watch your video which confirms that I'm on the right track with my lens collection.

[@TheLakhnat]

I'm agree with u about tamron 24-70 f2.8 vc. Fantastic lens. Totally worth my money. Never regret.

[@JWA_F]

I came from Canon EOS 40D and canon 24-85mm F/3.5-4.5 USM / canon 70-300mm F/4-5.6 IS USM and went to Canon EOS 6D with Canon EF 24-105mm F/4L (kit) and got in love with L lenses! just bought Canon EF 50mm F/1.2L, Canon EF 100mm F/2.8L, Canon EF 135mm F/2L its a hole other game

[@aarronher8446]

all the people that have negative comments are those who's jealous, because they don't have and can't afford what he has, thanks for sharing, I'm a canon shooter too. I love L lens.

[@michaelfrank333]

Dont know if you are using the 24-70 2.8l 2 yet. But just got mine this week and it is as smooth and buttery as any L glass. Might want to put the tamron up for sale.

[@BrandonKingVloggin]

So true! I've used many lenses and it's definitely the sharpest zoom I've ever used (and I own it now, too!)

[@mkoo33]

Agreed. Fast primes are the best, however if you are on a budget, i think 24-70mm f2.8 is the choice.

[@rcsskier]

I had some issues with the Tamron 24-70 on my Canon 5D Mark III. While stills at a concert, I had to pull the battery three times to resolve a lens error. Ended up going with a used Canon 24-70 version I for slightly less. Also, just picked up the Canon 16-35 this weekend and could not be happier!

[@kipling1957]

Thanks for putting this up. Just what I needed!

[@CRAIGMEDIALABS]

Thanks for all the sample images and footage from these "best 5d mark iii lenses" - now i know more

[@hanschristiangamst3959]

Great review. Bought the 400mm 2.8 some months ago... It knock the feet under anything else when it comes to picture quality...just awesome.

[@NewLondonNewLondon]

Excellent tutorial! Thank you. I love that long lens, I need that one to shoot an airshow in October. I only had a 70-200mm that I rented.

[@StarsStars714]

This was very helpful. Thanks so much for taking the time to put it together.

[@ColinPatrickWeiss]

i use only and fully support buying the 35mm 1.4L, 85mm 1.2L II, and 135 2.0L. I can do 99.99% of my jobs with just these three lenses. the 135 is the BEST though, amazing price, best sharpness, great great lens. the 85 makes the best shots though, but its a pain to get right, slow focus, long focus distance, weird focus ring, but the images are unbeatable.

[@KidsWithGuns1992]

Very glad you mentioned the 50mm 1.2. I just ordered in from America and am extremely excited for it to arrive. I'm shooting with a 5D Mark ii so definitely seems like a old choice with the full sensor. Being a student it really put me out of pocket but I'm willing to pay the extra cash for the best quality images and durable equipment.

[@markharris5771]

Ignore the comments that seem to come from a resentment of how you spend you money. In truth I shoot a lot of film and like most people who come from that background "tack sharp" is well down on my list of priorities except with macro and wildlife. To me there is no difference between you having a few very select lenses and my eclectic mix of cameras and lenses. If I didn’t have my Bronica, with all its lenses etc I could have bought a couple of those lenses. However, I wouldn’t have got half the pleasure, it’s about the choices we make and what feeds our passions. I also make images with the Olympus original OM series and those original Zuiko lenses are still amongst the best ever made, with a roll of Ektar you have just about one of the best combinations ever. Again, it’s something that I really enjoy shooting with and something that’s special in my mind. I agree about the Tamron lens and it’s my first choice shoot Acros with my EOS 5. I also shoot with a 5DII, 5DIII and 7DII for different subjects, the latter being the best camera for wildlife under £3000. I agree that you really need to trust your long lenses when shooting birds in flight etc. I use the 5DII for landscapes as I’m exceptionally clumsy due to upper body difficulties, but with the 16-35II it’s still a gorgeous kit, my 5DIII is purely for the studio and I only bought it because the tethering port gave up on my 5DII. Again if I hadn’t invested in all my light, modifiers, light-stands and goodness knows what I could have bought the lenses. Someone made an assessment of the total value of your gear, which to me doesn’t sound an amazing amount, I think many of us with a love for photography can easily spend that and a lot more over the years. My darkroom was far from cheap to build, but it gives me endless hours of enjoyment and challenges. We just choose to spend it in different ways, yours in much more streamlined than most, and possibly the most streamlined I've seen. I love different experiences with different cameras, my favourite being my Zorki 4K, which also happens to be my cheapest. It’s different strokes for different folks, if you enjoy pressing that shutter, are pleased with the prints you get and afforded everything without debt then you go and enjoy your kit. It just wouldn’t be for me as I love to embrace all things photographic, except people, I have absolutely no interest in shooting people, my studio is purely for still life and food.

[@Posteriser]

very smart decision with the Tamron, I made the same choice, opted for the VC and now it helps me out with videos as well :) lovely lens also

[@jimkeener3773]

Very helpful. Interesting comments on the Tamron 24-70. Thanks for your work.

[@Lorne65]

Great general information. Good to see all lenses together. Already Im now researching the 70-200mm f2.8. Im a videographer but keep this info vids coming. good stuff

[@ClankyRochet]

Best lens to use on a 5d iii is any lens.

[@lapamful]

Canon have serious issues with some of their lenses. The 17-40mm is terrible. Likewise the 24-70mm f2.8 is just as unsharp (I have both of them). I don't know if the 24-70mm f2.8 II is better. Have yet to research. I have the 50mm f1.4 which is way cheaper but totally blows the other two out of the water. You have to really research your lenses before you buy them.

[@johnpaterson4163]

lapamful I have had the 24-70 2.8II for a while now, very sharp, not had any issues with lens, anything that was unsharp was me not the lens lol. That's running it on a 1dx with no micro adjustments.

[@markharris5771]

lapamful totally agree with your assessments of the lenses. When Canon do well they do very well, but when they are poor they are overpriced rubbish. I know 2 photographers who own the 50mm f1.2 and have sidelined it for the f1.4.

[@1983banana1983]

@@lapamful The 17-40 is an older design but still very capable today. For the price it might be interesting to pick up

[@johnrdoe108]

I bought the 135mm lens wow its just fantastic

[@JerricaNavarro]

Great video man. I'd die with all of these lenses.

[@Dannysubliminal]

Nice video, also nice to see what the pros have to say about their equipment.

[@tmikeporter]

I have the 100mm f2.8L macro and have achieved some excellent shots with it. Agree w/you on the 70-200. I am now salivating over the 400mm! Likely my next. Or a wide angle zoom like you recommend.

[@brandonpeterson40]

Lol I love imagining you taking the 400mm to your kids' soccer games. I could only imagine the attention you get lol. I bet you have the best pictures, though! I also bet people ask you to shoot pics of their kids too lol. Thanks for the great video. Very informative.

[@TIMMAYY7]

I loooove the 135L.. my favorite lens!.. superb.. BTW, the new 24-70 II has officially shown up in Australia and will hit the states Sept 13th.. it's actually $2300, double the Tamron..

[@kristinbern]

Would love to hear more about how they do with video shooting! You focus a lot on photography.

[@94BeckyT]

Great video dude! I thought this video was great and not the typical person who's just showing off their equipment :)

[@aisles23]

I'd love to see some of your pictures with the 400mm + extender 2x III!

[@richardwaltkowski4017]

Amazing setup to have

[@richardwaltkowski4017]

You can get the 5d with the lens kit on pre holiday sale now on www.photolg.com/CanonEOS5DMarkIII

[@vitowest1]

good discussion of the lens to use he is right that 50 f1.2 is great i use the 100-400 telephoto lens and the video are supper high quality

[@BrandonKingVloggin]

I'm going to help with this.. If you're doing parties more often, the 16-35 would be more suited (for like.. get togethers and all. Maybe the 24-70 for a formal party).

[@DominikHaake]

Well there is the major price difference. And the lack of VC, I am thinking of getting the tamron. I have heard nothing but good about it. Cheers!

[@CinematiXHD]

you did a good job on this dude.. cheers.. keep up the good work

[@BrandonKingVloggin]

the 24-70 VC as it has vibration compensation. which is extremely handy for videography. but the 50 f/1.2 is great because of the extreme low light capabilities.

[@waarce]

My bag is as follows: Canon 135mm, 70-200mm f/2.8 MKII, 70-300mm L, 85mm 1.8, 17-40mm, 100mm L macro, 24-105mm. I use these with my Canon 5D MKIII and Canon 6D cameras. With the rest of the stuff like flash etc is over 100 pounds of equipment. However, I was surprised that you carry no flash in your bag.

[@TampaAerialMedia]

Great video, thanks for the good info.

[@dphotos007]

The Canon 24-70 ll is out and is a great lens. It is sharper than your Tamron especially at 2.8. A Rode Video Mic Pro might help your audio.

[@BrandonKingVloggin]

Well the 85 f/1.2L II is noted for it's sharp images. however, the 85 is a hell of a lot bulkier than the 50. It ways just as much as a 70-200 f/2.8 IS II. I've used the 85 f/1.2L II and it's an amazing lens. It focuses quickly too, for a 1.2 lens.

[@cpca3]

Some awesome lenses - I've tried all except the TS and the 400mm f/2.8. I agree the TS is way too specialized and $$ for the average Joe. I prefer the 100mm 2.8l macro to the 135mm though because it's as sharp (maybe sharper) and can double as a macro/portrait lens. I also prefer the Sigma 50mm Art to the Canon 50mm l prime.

[@loveforbaba]

I've been using the Tamaron 24-70 F2.8 with VC for 3 weeks now and it rocks. Very sharp and fast. Not worth waiting for the Cannon. I called them and they gave me a long speech why you didn't need VC. Really BS. It rocks.

[@Frank-Ding]

Wow Canon Professional Services...

[@photographerjonathan]

unless you want the really wide angle of 16 to 24 with f2.8 that you can already get close to with the 17/40 f4 you have, I would get the 24/70, I think it would be allot more usable in more situations

[@karlweb1]

Thanks for the video, I pick up my MKIII on wednesday, I Have a few of those lenses and I am not a rich kid, I also have the Canon 24-70 2.8L and I love that lens

[@Vividvideos228]

Excellent Video!! Really like it

[@arcticdepth]

I am jealous with all that freaking glass. ugh. I have the 16-35 II and a 100mm L. Not too keen on the tilt shift, but I want the 100-400mm II L and 50mm L.

[@loveforbaba]

Great review. I've been waiting for the Cannon 24-70 2.8 but now they say Sept. 2012. I'm wondering if I should get the Tamaron instead. What do you think? I don't mind paying the extra bucks.

[@AlexHannemanVFX]

This guys voice sounds like Tom Cruise. TOM IS THAT YOU?

[@MarkFingerboard1021]

that tamron seems so awesome. but the thing with canon L glass is that you can't get IS and a fast aperture like 1.8-2.8, you can either get one that's f/4 with IS or you can get a f/2.8 without IS. Kinda annoying in my opinion.

[@ivan5252]

Just now seeing this for the first time. I assume you sold your tamron for the 24-70ii by now?

[@NativeBlackAmericanTv]

EXCELLENT! i do not understand the negative comments. Who are these folks. Good job, man. My only request would be more comment concerning shooting movies with camera--and lenses you feel strongest about for that. Will check out your other site.

[@mv.m.5339]

Since you are a Canon user, I just subscribed.

[@killerando]

All the red rings are making my head spin. So much money on that table

[@photographerjonathan]

I am experienced but somewhere in the middle, I'm always learning more and getting better at what I do, I have used Nikon primes before for glamour shoots ( how consistently does the 85L 1.2 nail focus at 1.2 - 1.4 - 1.6 ? and wear would you say the sweet spots are for sharpness? I do want a really good prime or two, but I also want a great 24/70, if there is one, for the versatility of it, and i'm not sure about getting the Tamron or waiting for the new Canon, thanks for the conversation

[@SAMs3piol]

This is awesome, can you please make a video with some examples of photos made by each lens?

[@brittgilman1685]

"Be that guy or girl" ..love that. If I start working on getting them now, maybe I could be that guy.

[@JanneFlinck]

what would suit for indoor photographing in very tight places, where almost fisheye would be needed, but that lens still should have zoom option on some outside photos.

[@valleryjentens5585]

The 5d is so expensive and not to mention the lenses You can get the canon 70d which is like 3 times less on digiht.com/canon70dcamera on sale with lens kit. Then add on L lenses and you can get quality photos and videos.

[@oMkRnRTz]

16-35 i'd guess

[@vietambercool]

Vallery Jentens But Janne is asking about tight spaces so if he wants the widest lenses then a FF option will give him access to more lenses.

[@jim-hj4bl]

i have the 70-200 version 2 canon superb lens i also use the 24-70 canon lens i wouldn't use a tamron no way and at those focal lengths is or vc is not required IMO. nice video nice glass keep shooting.

[@aocpr]

We have the 28-300mm F3.5. Although very heavy after continued use it's an extremely good multi purpose lens that can cover most shots.

[@natserog]

Hi Armco OCC.....I just bought the 28-300 F3.5 L zoom lens. $2,500.00. I have not received it yet. Been seeing some reviews on it that images are not super sharp. Are your photos coming out sharp?? I was thinking on the 70-200mm 2.1 lens but really needed the 300mm. I have 30 days to check it out. thanks!

[@PiotrekHighTower]

***** you can use 70-200 + 2x magnification which will give you 140-400

[@georgiafan6618]

Just saw this video! Very helpful. I just ordered my 5D Mark III and looking to get primes and "L" lenses. I got the 24-105mm f4 L IS USM to start and Canon's newest flash 430 EXIII RT. There is so many settings on the 5D that I am a feeling a bit intimidated. But I've picked up a few guides to help. I'll also go to your website to see what's up. I've noticed the blogs have been useful for pointing out what lenses are crucial and bloggers have been invaluable for discovering some glass that was defective during its early release. Seems that as the lenses progress year after year, the issues or "lemons" become fewer and the bad reviews become more "driver error" IMO. I've stayed away from lenses thatt are still gathering poor reviews. Your video has helped enormously even though it was posted more than 3 years ago. Thanks for taking the time to share your experience with this incredible camera. I can't wait to try it out!

[@ericr2zz]

Wow. Lots of negative comments for no reason. Thank you for sharing your info and knowledge! -Eric (Mercer Island)

[@loveforbaba]

When you speak to Cannon insist on a new one.Freezing up is a problem that may re-occur over the life of that camera. If it's a new camera it should be perfect. If you paid for it on a credit card call the company and they will reverse the charges pending an outcome. The camera store is ultimately responsible as is Cannon. By the way I am using the Tamaron 24-70 with no problems. Love the lens.

[@MrNyuntshwe]

Thanks a lot for the feed back. In fact, I'm 7D man for 4 years now, but now saving money and buying Mk3 body next month. I've 35/2, 50/1.4/85/2/ 35 - 50/3.5, 80 - 200/4 all Nikkor manual lenses and 50/1.8 (2), 17 - 55/3.5 - 5.6, and15 - 85/3.5-5.6 Canon EF lenses. It is a lot cheaper if I buy 24-105/4L IS USM as a kit lens with the body. Is it worth to buy that lens? I cannot afford 17-40 right now. Please give me your best consideration. My aim is to do some documentary and short films.

[@marslugo]

thank you for the video! was wondering what school you went to or if your self taught because I am guessing this is your career with these amazing expensive lenses! thanks!

[@flowrider13roz]

should i get this lens for indoor surfing? was trying to figure out the auto focus on it for a 5diii? sucks that its not a water sealed… should i go with the 30mm, 50mm or 18-35 art?

[@paydaytycoon2607]

What do you think is the best lens for music videos with 5DM3?

[@rendezvous1268]

24-105

[@kolashell6432]

Ren Dezvous I have that it is good

[@rendezvous1268]

Can't go wrong

[@GenVirtu]

Impressive set!

[@gbaca07]

I wish you put them in the description the names of each one.

[@conceptzone]

Good buddy. I have no idea why people are jealous here wondering why you got all these equipment. Its all about the personal satisfaction and everyone is free to do what ever he/she likes with their money. Some people spend the money on other useless things while others satisfy their souls with ver meaningful things.

[@petitwhite6366]

I have the 85mm 1.2 but I wish I have the 50mm instead because I find myself backing up to the wall many times and still needed more room space.

[@FranklinHendriks]

While Zeiss glass is very good, it does come with a hefty price tag, and for the budget photographer, it's out of the question. And the sony also carries a hefty price tag. The Sigma 85 1.4 is also twice the price of the canon 85 1.8.

[@SilentGuyX]

The 50 1.2L is sharper than the 50 1.4, and has a much better Bokeh. But: When you compare it to the other Canon Primes the 50 1.2L falls off.. There was no back focussing issue, you probably mean the Focus Shift Issue ;)

[@photographerjonathan]

I saw the new 70/200 on a 1DX yesterday, and the guy let me check out his images and they were beautiful, I loved the feel of that 1DX in my hands, beautiful camera, and I want the 70/200 lens, I also think I want that Tamron 24/70 and the Canon135 f2, I love the idea of the 50 and 85 f1.2 lenses, but the focusing makes me question getting them, what do you think of the cheaper versions of the 50 and 85 ? if you are not talking f1.2, does the image quality compare and do they focus better ?

[@ChatDEau69]

Thanks. Some good tips. Ignore the jealous haters. If one can afford good glass, only a NON-ARTIST would cheap out, and buy crap.

[@mif1994ynnad]

Thx for your reply but i have to disagree with the ultra high iso as nikon is still better in that area :) although i am a nikon shooter i really love your gear , a very nice collection :)

[@MrLuigi-oi7gm]

Great video! Thanks for taking the time and effort to share. Also, and I apologize being somewhat impolite, but I don't get the comments from folks bemoaning their lack of rich parents. The title of this video is "Canon 5D Mark III+best lenses to use." Did you expect a lens for this top shelf camera to cost $150? I couldn't afford all these lenses either. But what does that have to do with the "focal point" of this video?

[@davekelly8168]

Great video dude, possibly getting a new lens soon. Money is tight so I can only afford a 300mm F4 L IS, or a 400mm F5.6 L. Currently have a 60D body, really getting in to wildlife and would like your honest opinion on both.

[@yiliyaly]

I truly love your last words! "have fun, keep shooting. I don't care whether you shoot Canon or Nikon. Get out there and make some art.

[@ninthsunn]

the only lens i would replace from your collection would be your 50mm 1.2l with the sigma 50mm 1.4 art. this is because i found that shooting at fully open f1.2, the clarity isnt as always sharp as shooting at f1.4, if at all for that matter. yet when i tested with the sigma 50mm 1.4 art there isnt much of a different from the canon, if not better! perhaps the canon has a smoother boke but not enough to justify the cost. with the price tag, i would recommend & go for the sigma instead...otherwise yeah, without doubt, those are stonking lenses if you can afford them.

[@htlylesimaging]

great video man, i'm getting ready to upgrade to the 5d mkiii and was looking at that tamaron 24-70 but heard that it had AF issues. (lots of out of focus), have you experienced anything like this? thanks again, Henry

[@crazygager]

great video buddie, very proffesional and very helpful, you might have just saved me some money , because i was about to buy that canon 24-70, so you say I shouldnt, so I ll get the one you suggest

[@radishfever]

Do you ever use The 2x extender on the 70-200 IS USM 11? If so do you love it or are there caveats. Great video thanks

[@tomfrantz]

Nice TS 17. I have the 14mm. Are you looking at macro stuff. Good video.

[@Photoshopuzr]

wow man your my twin bro, this is what i imagined and here the video, the tamron i was also thinking about, hahahaha what the heck are you doing here the big beast is one heck of a glass man well done video for sure.

[@CreeedsHD]

Good info man, just a suggestion, would be cool if you had some random footage or photos to show whilst you were talking about that specific lens to mix it up. Regardless - I can see my money going on these lenses soon. :)

[@ynkroo1404]

OOH my gosh!! i love this cam.. do you use the 16-35mm lens ?

[@alexhart9157]

What do you think about the 24-70 comparison between Tamron and Canon now that Canon has released their 24-70? Do you own both?

[@photographerjonathan]

Nice vid,have you tried the Sigma 50 mm f1.4 ? also how would you compare the new 70/200 at 135 to the 135 prime at f2.8 sharpness and focus speed, and same question for the 85 ?, and Tamron 24/70 at 70 ? I just bought the Canon 5D3 and the new 70/200, so these answers will let me have a better perspective about those lenses, I also got the Sigma50f1.4 but haven't had allot of time with it yet, I decided to spend the L glass money on maybe the 85 or 135 also Tamron 24/70 and Samyang 35 for vid

[@DeNoBoNeS]

Thanks I do own a Canon Eos Mk III thinking what to put on it with glass is hard work I do own a 17-40mm f4 that is a great lens as well on the mk III

[@UNPRECEDENTEDPICTURES]

Great review man! You have a great radio voice.

[@Buliamti]

Make a list in your ABOUT video section of the lenses so we can copy and past into our notes. Thanks.

[@FranklinHendriks]

17mm Tilt shift- Nothing compares to it that's worth the money. 16-35 f/2.8 - 17-40 f/4L, if it's the range you're looking for, it's almost the same. 50mm f/1.2 - 50mm f/1.4 or the 1.8. or the Sigma f/1.4 85mm f/1.2 - 85mm f/1.8 135mm f/2 - Nothing is really made to compare to it. Tamron 24-70 f/2.8 VR - That is the cheaper alternative to the Canon 24-70. 400mm f/2.8 - 400mm f/5.6L Except you lose IS. and two stops. Or you could always try to find older versions.

[@dphotos007]

For my work in set photography the new 2.8 24-70 ll is much much sharper than their version l. I need the a lens to be sharp from top to bottom and side to side at 2.8-4.0. I traded in my first version to get the newer lens and I love it. The 24-70 is my go to lens. I know Tamron has stepped up their game. Their 24-70 was not as sharp. Plus when I shoot My ISO is always around 1600-3200 and I have been very happy with the sharpness in my new Canon lens.

[@RMACMEDIAPRODUCTIONS]

excellent excellent video. thanks for this

[@nitehawk3268]

The 24-70 2.8 ii is out now. I'm assuming that you have it now. How do you like it? Im interested in replacing the 24-105 with it. Thanks

[@tiusica]

It's nice to have all this equipment and all the L series lenses but what do you do with all those? did you make all the money you spent on buying all those nice lenses? good photographers usually don't go so much after the equipment but after the shot they want. Just saying!