IMG_3684 So here it is that long awaited post that nearly all youtubers, videographers, and photographers are obligated to do. As you can see I have 5 core lens in my collection that serve specific purposes. Starting in the top left is the newest to the collection and that is a Canon USM 85mm 1.8.  I bought this lens to be a 2nd solution to my portrait work. The blown out background and the sharpness is amazing an it gives a small option to carry around for portrait work. 

Below that is the Tamron 24-70mm 2.8 version 1. While they have come out with the G2 version I haven't had any issues or found a reason to upgrade. This is sharp, good AF and fits my needs. I typically use the 70-200 or 18-35 for most of work but for example the image on my homepage was shot using the 24-70 on top of Arc in Paris. it's a good solution to the canon version is you are not looking to thousands on a canon version.

Next to the Tamron is Canon 10-22mm 3.5-5.6 USM. This lens is great for any wide interiors and for all the vloggers out there. This was Casey Neistats vlog lens of choice for all the Youtube fans out there. As I said, when I am shooting any real estate work this is typically the lens I'm using unless I need a bigger zoom for detail purposes. I got this lens for around $500 and is a great lower cost version than an L version offered. 

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The lens above the 10-22 is the my favorite go to lens. This is the SIGMA Art 18-35mm 1.8. This lens is what I use for most of my travel landscapes when I am in Europe. Granted there will always be exception like the the picture under the eiffel tower in my cityscape section. This lens is sharp, great in low light, and at the $600 price point is amazing. Probably not going to find a sturdy, quality lens with these capabilities. The AF on it is also very good and I have had no issues with that. 

On my camera is my most expensive lens and my go to portrait lens the Canon 70-200mm L IS II. This is industry standard for portrait photographers, photojournalist, sport and etc. It's quick, sharp and utterly amazing as any of the millions of reviews will show and tell you.

To the right of the camera I have my 2 speedlights and 1 transmitter. You'll notice that 1 speedlight is canon and the other 2 are Yongnuo. The Yongnuo are a great low cost solution is you do not want to pay $400 on the 600 ex-rt. The Yongnuos are $120 and function exactly like the canons. There are subtle physical differences for example the canon has a button to lower and swivel the head and the Yongnuo does not. The performance however is great and so far no issues connecting all 3 devices to shoot. 

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Lastly is the bag. It's a Loewpro Protactic 430w. This is a sturdy bag that lays on the side shown and opens on the part that faces the back. All the gear pictured fits no problem and I have not had any issues with traveling on planes. I was all over Europe with no issues. The also had accessories that come with it for batteries, tripods, water or whatever you see fit. I personally use the pouch in front for AA batteries for the speedlights. 

Overall the main idea I want everyone to take away is that cost plays a huge part in my decision process. I measure the quality I'm getting by the savings I'm achieving. This why I have chosen Yongnuo, Tamron, and Sigma. While there will always be subtle differences the overall end result is not noticeable and I can't see spending thousands when it's not needed. While 3rd party lens are always loved or hated they have stepped their game up and are competing with the Nikons and Canons of the world.

Hope this possibly helps those out there looking for advice.