Author Topic: need new lense (ok, want new lense) (Read 6010 times)

bbettina · « **on:** August 18, 2007, 14:10 »

I am in the market for a new tele lense to replace my cheapo Sigma 70-300 mm for use with my new Rebel XTi. I have been searching but can't make up my mind so I am asking you guys/gals for input.
Here is what I'd like to have: similar range (could be <70 mm and/or >300 mm though). I'd like to have a macro setting and some type of image stabilization (I am really not an enthusiastic tripod user). I don't want to get the cheapo models for around $200 bucks but I also can't spend $1000. I was thinking somewhere in the middle. I am agnostic as to the brand as long as it is a good lense.
I was looking at the new Tamron AF28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 XR Di VC. Would be a nice (almost) all in one lense for my extended travels next year but I am a little reluctant as it is so new. Anybody has any experience with that lense?

As always, thanks everybody for the input.

Tina

sharply_done · « **Reply #1 on:** August 18, 2007, 15:23 »

Beware that by getting a lens with a huge zoom factor (i.e. 10x+) you'll be trading quality and speed for convenience. This is true no matter how much money you spend.

You may want to consider getting something that does, say, 28-135mm, and another that does something like 100-300mm (both with image stabilization).

stokfoto · « **Reply #2 on:** August 18, 2007, 16:16 »

if I were you I'd definetly go for canon 70 200 L f4 . it doesn't come with IS nor does it have f2,8 but after all it's an L lens and offers excelent quality. defintely my next purchase .(70-200 L's(any of it )are considered as one of the best zoom lenses for canon )

Freezingpictures · « **Reply #3 on:** August 18, 2007, 16:41 »

Yeah I can second what sharply said, I have the 28-300 from Tamron without IS or VC in this case. It is a perfect allround lens for the hobby photographer, but it is not good for stock. The quality 200-300mm on the Tamron is so bad, that often even when you downsize the image to 3MP from 6 MP it is not good enough for stock. I very seldom get a sharp photo out of it in this range, but maybe I am not a good photographer, however, I shot some images with the 50 mm Canon prime less... I did not know an image can be so sharp up to this point, I was totaly astonished. But it might be that tamron improved and maybe I had a bad copy of the lens. I

chellyar · « **Reply #4 on:** August 18, 2007, 17:03 »

I'll second the comments about large zoom ranges, it is difficult for designers to make those lenses without compromise in speed for quality of image...

The 70-200's from canon are excellent lenses, I have the non-is F/2.8 which is simply stunning, as is the F/4 from what I read.. A very good investment.. Also worth a look is the sigma 70-200 F/2.8 EX DG APO, retails for about $899 US (bhphoto price) so you might find it cheaper if you shop around..

If you really want the same range with better quality than your cheapie 70-300, the Canon EF 70-300 F/4.5-5.6 IS USM has IS, and is a good step up from your lens for only $550 or so. My father has one and loves it, I've got some motorsport shots I took with it if you wanted to see some samples, but you don't have to look far to find people raving about this lens for the price (www.Fredmiranda.com has a good lens review section)

As much as we (photographers) don't like it, the lenses are far more important than the camera in determining image quality, and if you want top quality, you'll pay far more for your lens collection than the body of the camera, even if you stump up for a 1DsMKII...

Just my 2c worth.

leaf · « **Reply #5 on:** August 18, 2007, 17:58 »

well first choice is the 70 200 2.8 lens, but since that is over your price limit, i would look at the sigma 70-200 2.8

snoozle · « **Reply #6 on:** August 18, 2007, 18:42 »

I've had the Sigma 70-200 2.8 for about a year now and have been very happy with it. I spent a while in the shop annoying the assistant trying out that and the Canon f4 version. The Canon does seem slightly quicker and smoother to focus, but coming from the UK where it never stops raining (or at least feels that way) I plumped for the extra speed of the Sigma. I've not regretted my decision at all.

It's not as bitingly sharp as my only prime lens canon 50mm f1.4, but I wouldn't expect that from a zoom lens.

Whiz · « **Reply #7 on:** August 18, 2007, 19:13 »

I recently bought the Canon Macro Lens EF-S 60mm. So far no complaints. The only drawback is that this lens doesn't have image stabilization. It's around $390 on Amazon.

ozbandit · « **Reply #8 on:** August 18, 2007, 21:14 »

Can't go past value for money and top quality with the canon 70-200 F4 L series lens

vonkara · « **Reply #9 on:** August 18, 2007, 21:23 »

Sigma 70-200 f2.8 is a very performing lens and whit 77mm filter size you have good luminosity much more than a cheap 70-300. That allow you in many case to don`t use a monopod or image stabilisation. I heard the latest model have the macro function to. I tried it many times when i was working in a photo store, and even inside at 100 ISO i was about 1/40 or 1/60 of shutter speed to fix image. In magazine they tested it barely equal to Nikon and Canon 70-200 overall performance.In my view, if i was having that much money that would be my choice

fleitao · « **Reply #10 on:** August 18, 2007, 22:03 »

Hi...

This kind of themes are always coming backa nd i'm glad they do, because we can always keep up with what's buzzin' in the market...

One answer has been constantly recurring for the last couple of years. Canon's 70-200 is probably one of the best built lenses ever and will deliver outstanding results whatever the focal distance and whatever the aperture... this is true for the f4 and f2.8, being th major difference between both besides the obvious aperture stop, that for the 2.8 is convenient to have IS because of it's weight. Not for f4 as it's extremely light.

If you can't spend 1000$, go for the f4 version... it won't disappoint you.

Remember one wise phrase.... Life's too short to buy cheap glass... if you want the results you have to invest and don't come with that story of sigma that will yield you the same results for a lesser cost, because they won't... Go the extra mile... buy canon L glass and you'll see the difference.

Regards

Francisco Leitão

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Author Topic: need new lense (ok, want new lense) (Read 6010 times)

bbettina

sharply_done

stokfoto

Freezingpictures

chellyar

leaf

snoozle

Whiz

ozbandit

vonkara

fleitao

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