Canon lens query

[norm]

Hi guys, I 'm contemplating getting an entry level dslr (canon 600-650d). For daytime. My interest will be in landscapes and architectural stuff. However really keen to give wide field nightscapes a go as well as timelapse.

As much as l'd like to get an entry level ff (6D)... My instincts tells me to go for a crop camera first.

I've been looking at the efs 17-55mm canon f2.8 lens, but also saw the 16-35mm ii usm f2.8 L lens. Whilst it may seem illogical to put a good lens on an entry level dslr, if I did go down that path....
1. Does that lens lose out in a crop camera....that is is the 16-35mm re-calculated to a different length and therefore not make it suitable for wide field Shots.
2. Will that lens be ok for wide field/timelapse.
3. Would I be better sticking with the canon 17-55mm.
4. The benefit of going down the EF 16-35mm is that should I ever go FF I have a great lens already.

Thanks for any advise/input.

Norm

[acropolite]

It sure why your instincts tell you to go for a crop body.

The 16-35 on a crop body will not be as wide as on FF, in fact the 16 will only have the same FOV as a 25mm on FF. I have the 16-35, of all my Canon lenses, it's the least impressive.

If it were me I'd rather have a lesser lens on the FF body.

The 6D is a fantastic camera, particularly in low light, if widefield nightscapes are your main aim then the 6D should be your starting point, the cheap Samyang 14mm lens on the 6D will poduce better results than the 16-35 on a crop body.

Take a look at some of Mike's work using the Samyang and 6D if you need convincing.

[Skrae]

Well I'll see if I can help.

A quick look on pixel peeper gave these results. Nothing for a 600-650 unfortunately, but for a 550d. (http://www.pixel-peeper.com/adv/?lens=27&camera=1451&perpage=12&focal_min=none&focal_max=none&aperture_min=none&aperture_max=none&iso_min=none&iso_max=none&exp_min=none&exp_max=none&res=3)

I have a Canon 18-55 f3.5-5.6 kit lens as well as a Sigma 10-22 f3.5-5.6. Both are amazing. I used my 18-55 for a lot of photos of the milky way back before I acquired a telescope. At 18mm The milky way filled its fair share of the sky. Attached image is 30s iso3200 f3.5 on a 50d.

Choice is yours, the 17-55 has an extra 20mm of focal distance, so more useful in that regard vs the 16-35 being EF mount. Tough choice =)

Note: Crop Sensor Image pulled from here! (http://digital-photography-school.com/full-frame-sensor-vs-crop-sensor-which-is-right-for-you)

[Rod771]

The Tokina 11 - 16 F2.8 lens would be great for nightscapes on the crop sensor.

Its on my shopping list :)

[Irish stargazer]

Its a good lens

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7366/8728474502_672d8f3ffa_h.jpg

If you decide to upgrade to FF then it will only work around 16mm as it is solely designed from crop sensor. I picked up my 7D last September for $1500. They are now less than $1000 in the high street. For another $500 I could have picked up a 6D. Sorry I didnt wait a few more months. 7D is still a great camera though as are the 650Ds.
I use the Tokina 11-16mm and Sigma 50mm F1.4 for astro work and daytime work. I am looking for a general purpose lens now-probably the Canon 35-105 to fill the gap.