Bought one--will I regret this - DPChallenge Forums

04/27/2005 12:17:44 AM · #1

I couldn't help but take advantage of another Dell sale. (And I haven't gotten my XT yet).

I just ordered the Canon 70-300 DO IS 4.5-5.6 lens. It was 10% off, then another 10% for ordering it on credit, which has no interest until January, and none if I pay it off before then. Then there's a $40 rebate. So basically, it was $1000. I would have liked to have waited, but I didn't think such a good opportunity would present itself again.

I am still thinking about it and I can still cancel the order. But I did throw in for my daughter the Canon SD200 she wanted. The two discounts brought that down to $213, and no shipping, which is a little cheaper than elsewhere. So I'd have to cancel that too.

Am I nuts to spend $1000 on the Canon 70-300? I just figured it was small enough to bring with me, whereas the 70-200 is not. And it has IS, so it might even be useable in low light. Or should I have just got a little Sigma 28-300 to cover that range for $200? Buying an SLR is only the begining of something really expensive...

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS

04/27/2005 12:39:59 AM · #2

Ok, someone talk me out of it fast--I just got the order confirmation, and it's supposed to ship tommorrow!

Has anyone tried the Dell Preferred Credit Agreement or read anything bad about it?

ellamay

Canon EOS-1D Mark II

04/27/2005 12:41:44 AM · #3

you are right on track with the camera equipment it is definately the dell you should return. For what you save on the comp you could even get a better lens : ) the 100-400mm perhaps

Sammie

Olympus OM-D E-M5

Canon EF 28-200mm f/3.5-5.6 USM

04/27/2005 12:42:43 AM · #4

Originally posted by nshapiro:

Ok, someone talk me out of it fast--I just got the order confirmation, and it's supposed to ship tommorrow!

Has anyone tried the Dell Preferred Credit Agreement or read anything bad about it?

I've had a Dell Preferred Credit Account for several years and have had no problems with it at all. I signed up for it when we bought our new computer several years ago.

puma

Canon EOS-10D

Tamron AF 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di LD Aspherical IF for Canon

04/27/2005 12:43:27 AM · #5

If you need to be talked out of it maybe you really didn't want it or wanted something better but didn't want to spend the money. I find that if there is something I want but I don't want to spend the money I will wait. If a good deal comes up in the mean time I might instead go for that. So ask yourself; is this a good deal that has come along.

ahaze

04/27/2005 12:47:03 AM · #6

Hang on- you bought a Canon lens from Dell?? Do they sell Nikon glass too???

Never mind- just found the lenses and camera stuff on their site. No Nikon. Whew ;) Probably just saved me from buying a 70-200 VR!

Message edited by author 2005-04-27 00:49:53.

faidoi

Pentax K10D

Pentax DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF

04/27/2005 12:57:57 AM · #7

You only live once. If you can afford the purchase keep it and enjoy.

04/27/2005 01:06:40 AM · #8

Originally posted by puma:

My problem is that this seems like the best lens for me right now in the high range. And it seems like a good deal--though I think lenses are too expensive in the first place.

I would never buy a big long lens--I would never use it. I don't carry the 70-200 F/4L with me anymore. But I wanted some reach. My quandry would thus be this lens, or a cheaper superzoom. And then I would need to carry a tripod.

Ok, I convinced myself again to give this a try. I just hope there's not a catch to the credit plan. I didn't want the credit, just the 10% discount it offered! My understanding is I could pay for this next month (or even in Dec) and only owe the base price, no interest or fees.

nova

Canon EOS-6D

Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L USM

04/27/2005 01:12:59 AM · #9

I hadn't looked at this new lens before until reading your post. It looks like a good one! Can't believe the zoom range in such a small package. I'm sure that you will get good use from it and enjoy owing it. You're not kidding that "buying a DSLR is only the beginning of something expensive", lol!

BTW, what did you ever do with that 70-200 f4, hmmm???

Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

04/27/2005 01:16:42 AM · #10

Originally posted by nova:

It's still on my possible sell list. But I want to wait until I get my new camera, and this new lens to decide. I guess if I sold that, then the new lens would only cost me about $500, if I can get $500 for my 70-200 (it's only 5 months old or so, and hardly used). But I'm not in a hurry to sell it, I don't think it will depreciate further, especially in storage.

nova

Canon EOS-6D

Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L USM

04/27/2005 01:23:35 AM · #11

Originally posted by nshapiro:

Very true, both about the $500 net cost of the new lens, and the fact that the 70-200 isn't likely to lose it's value. I was just being facitious by asking, by the way. There are SO many lenses I want to buy, but the time isn't right for the time being. Things like college and mortgage costs are weighing heavy at the moment!

ClubJuggle

Canon EOS-400D Rebel XTi

04/27/2005 05:16:55 AM · #12

I'd say if you have the money and want it, keep it. The 70-200 is definitely a much better lens, but if portability is an overriding issue for you then go for it. Personally I'd prefer the 70-200.

If you decide to sell the 70-200, let me know as I might be interested in buying. Is it the f/2.8 or the f/4?

-Terry

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8

04/27/2005 09:57:50 AM · #13

Originally posted by ClubJuggle:

It's F/4L.

rkfoote

Nikon D70

04/27/2005 12:23:54 PM · #14

Checkout //www.edealinfo.com
They collect coupons from various online sites and post them. The big thing is Dell, they will post the 20-30% coupons. Too bad Dell doesn't carry Nikon glass. :-(

thatcloudthere

Canon EOS-1D

Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM

04/27/2005 12:33:26 PM · #15

I will try and talk you out of it:

1. I would always advise against making a rush decision of a major purchase like that.

2. I have found that fast glass is addictive. I would highly recommend that a lens that long should be 2.8

3. For that money you could easily pick up a used 70-200 f/2.8 (no IS, but it's faster which is better than IS) and never regret it. Or...go with a used 80-200 which is what I have. I can't imagine a better lens in this range.

4. If you must buy new, get the 70-200 f/4 and a used 1.4x TC.

5. Don't buy from Dell...okay, that's not the best reason, but the other 4 would make me think twice (or three times...however many times it would take to cancel the order).

Message edited by author 2005-04-27 12:34:45.

Telehubbie

Canon EOS-40D

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

04/27/2005 12:50:55 PM · #16

He already has the 70-200 f4, says he doesn't use it.

thatcloudthere

Canon EOS-1D

Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM

04/27/2005 01:08:58 PM · #17

Originally posted by Telehubbie:

He already has the 70-200 f4, says he doesn't use it.

Oh, I didn't see that...I would just buy a bigger bag with that money!

But hey, they make the lens for a reason...if it's your deal, great...

Zed Pobre

Canon EOS-20D

Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM

04/27/2005 01:30:57 PM · #18

I'll add one more thing to make you hesitate: some of the reviews of the 70-300 DO lens show that it has pretty serious contrast/flare problems, and the sharpness, while not bad, is not great, either (it's about on par with the 75-300 non-DO version, which some people here have maligned).

04/27/2005 01:32:59 PM · #19

Originally posted by thatcloudthere:

Originally posted by Telehubbie:
He already has the 70-200 f4, says he doesn't use it.

Oh, I didn't see that...I would just buy a bigger bag with that money!

But hey, they make the lens for a reason...if it's your deal, great...

Have a big bag too ;) I bought the LowePro off-trail 1 just so I could put the camera in the bag with the lens on (and because I use a side pack). I should sell that!

Here's what I will carry. Seems like a pretty complete set.

1. Rebel XT
2. Canon EF-S 10-22mm F3.5/4.5 Ring USM 77mm filters, 3.3" x 3.5", 13.6 oz.
3. Sigma 18-125mm F3.5/5.6 62mm filters, 13.5 oz.
4. Canon EF 70-300 mm f 4.5/5.6 DO IS Ring USM 58mm filters, 3.2" x 3.9", 25.4 oz.

Seems like a nice set, other than the max apertures! I'm hoping the XT will let me shoot at higher ISO, even outdoors, and the IS on the longer lens will eliminate my need to carry a tripod for general shooting.

Of course, I also have a pretty extensive Cokin filter kit which is pretty bulky to carry.

Left at home:
5) Canon 50 1.8,
6) Canon 70-200/4L (might sell this).

Hope it works out.