Ive started out focusing on landscapes, then added pet photography. Started with the 24-105 F/4 and learned I need to add the 24-70 f/2.8 for pet photography and some indoor events. I plan to get the 24-70 within the next 6 months. However, on my christmas wish list is the Singh Ray vary ND. Since the two lenses have different diameter sizes, and I can buy ONE of the filters... Im wondering which lens should I buy it for? So far, Ive used the 24-105 for landscaping with good results, but am wondering If you were given that choice, and wanted to use the Vari ND, which lens would make more sense to use it on? I understand losing stops due to the light, so in my mind starting with 2.8 seems to make sense. Wanted to pick your brains. Thanks

Hey Mike,

Great question. As with anything else, the big question is about application, right? I.e. until you get the 24-70 and know how it feels and looks at different focal lengths, you won't really know which lens you will use more often. There are trade offs with both lenses - certainly if you look at them from just a paper perspective.

What are your other lenses? Are the 77mm filter sizes or a different size? That may also impact your decision on which filter to buy (i.e. most of my lenses are 77mm, so it makes it easy to buy one set of filters for all lenses).

If you need to buy today and cannot wait, there is a sloppy short term fix that might appeal to you. I am thinking on the order of using a step-down ring for the larger lens (the 28-70). The problem with that is that you are sitting the filter further away from the lens and may cause vignetting - particularly at the wider ends of the spectrum...otherwise, I might consider waiting a bit.

Congrats, BTW, on the variable ND. It is a definite 'want to have' filter from Singh Ray.

James

The filter sizes are different. My other lens is the 70-300 IS USM with a 67mm size. To date, Ive been using two different sized polarizing filters for the 70-300 & 24-105. I have anticipated using the SR variable ND mostly on the 24-105, but if I had the 24-70, I don't know yet like you said if I might find myself using that one more than the 105 for landscapes.

The main reason for the 24-70 purchase is pet photography (faster lens) and low light/indoors (events). Thought I could get away with the 24-105, but as I use it more, Im running up to the limitations of that lens not being fast enough.

Was hoping someone else went through this before and could part some insight.

Im not in a rush to purchase the filter... Got christmas money as a gift and wanted to use it towards the filter. I could save it until I get the 24-70 later in 2014 but then I won't have the filter for the spring waterfalls Im hoping to use the filter for.

Fair enough. I have certainly done the dance with switching lenses before getting to my 28-70L...but as you can tell, that was a long time ago. The trick is figuring out how to incorporate the vari-nd filter, which is a very specific and not an inexpensive purchase.

My gut tells me that I would wait a bit and figure out which lens you will use more often. My goal historically has been to have enough of an arsenal of over-lapping lenses that if one breaks that I can use another...but I only use 5 main lenses. My 16-35L, 28-70L, 70-200L, 50mm and 120-300 F2.8 OS.

As most of the lenses are 77mm filter sizes, I am able to bounce between them rather easily. I am curious to see what happens after you purchase the 24-70. My guess is that your 75-300 may be the next victim (if it is the F4-5.6).

Also, have you considered the Tamron 28-75 F2.8? It is by all accounts an excellent lens and also uses a 67 mm filter size (if you plan on keeping the 75-300 over the long hall).

James

If only those lenses sizes could stay with a consistent number! I think what you are saying about waiting makes the most sense. Better than making an expensive purchase and regretting it. I can be a little more patient and put the money away for this.

My 70-300 f/4 is a L lens. It works surprisingly very well with the 5D3. (as does the 24-105)

I also have a wide angle lens on my wish list... if I go with the 17-40, it has a 77mm filter size, then I can use filters compatible with the 24-105. If I go with the 16-35 II it has an 82mm filter size that matches the 24-70 II. ernie meenie miney mo. You're right, I really do need to play with the 24-70 and see first.

I have not seriously considered the Tamron... Im starting to read more and more that the IQ is giving the big boys a run for their money...