Yet another lens question!! - DPChallenge Forums

08/22/2007 07:15:00 AM · #1

I have a Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM lens at the moment. I want to buy a lens that will give me better zoom capabilities so I can photograph wildlife such as bird, kangaroos, etc. Funds are limited but I would like to buy something that I wont regret in a years time. I would also like to buy a macro lens as I shoot with macro filters at the moment. I get a little lost with all the numbers so would appreciate your suggestions for both. I also dont specifically dont need to buy Canon if a Tamron lens will be just as good.

Ta in advance to all who take the time to help.

Ken

Canon EOS-7D

08/22/2007 07:34:00 AM · #2

You say funds are limited, but what is your approximate budget?

This lens Sigma 70-300 goes for about $200 and does a good job. But if you can afford it, I would get something better.

Message edited by author 2007-08-22 09:15:01.

danielv

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM

08/22/2007 07:36:35 AM · #3

under limited funds, i'd give a look a the new upcoming 55-250 stabilized zoom from canon

//www.dpreview.com/news/0708/07082007canonefs18-55and55-250.asp

Sigma 15-30mm f/3.5-4.5 EX Aspherical DG DF for Minolta

08/22/2007 08:07:09 AM · #4

Originally posted by mad_brewer:

You say funds are limited, but what is your approximate budget?

This lens Sigma 70-200 goes for about $200 and does a good job. But if you can afford it, I would get something better.

I checked out some of the shots taken with this lens (actually it comes up as 70-300), so how come this lens does a good zoom and a good macro at the same time?

Bear in mind I am also in Australia so I am working in Oz$

Message edited by author 2007-08-22 08:08:46.

MrEd

Sony DSLR-A100

08/22/2007 08:10:59 AM · #5

Originally posted by mad_brewer:

You say funds are limited, but what is your approximate budget?

This lens Sigma 70-200 goes for about $200 and does a good job. But if you can afford it, I would get something better.

That link is to a 70-300, is that what you meant?

Monique, without knowing how limited your budget is, it's tough to recommend a lens.
Here's a list of Sigma lenses and here's a list of Canon lenses.

Added: Listed in USD. If you can afford it, Sigma makes a 70-200 Macro lens that might fit your needs.

Message edited by author 2007-08-22 08:13:39.

08/22/2007 08:17:36 AM · #6

Sorry, I'm not really sure what my budget is myself. Obviously I want the best I can get without shelling out too much. I'm more concerned about what lens would suit my needs best as my lens knowledge is nil. I basically want to be able to take half decent zoom photos. I would also like to take good macros and dont mind buyinga lens specific to each (zoom - maro)

doctornick

Apple iPhone 13 Pro

08/22/2007 08:21:56 AM · #7

How much money are you willing to shell out? You have to figure that one first so that you can get the best bang for your buck.

08/22/2007 08:28:19 AM · #8

Originally posted by doctornick:

How much money are you willing to shell out? You have to figure that one first so that you can get the best bang for your buck.

$700.00 maybe up to $1000.00 Australian

doctornick

Apple iPhone 13 Pro

Canon RF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS USM

08/22/2007 08:32:09 AM · #9

Canon 70-200mm f/4L for US$579.95 Best bang for your buck! Amazing quality at a reasonable price.

Add to this a set of Kenko Extension Tubes for US$169 and you get a Macro rig using your 70-200mm. Well under $1000.

Message edited by author 2007-08-22 09:25:28.

Tajhad

Canon EOS R

08/22/2007 09:02:38 AM · #10

Monique
The Canon 70-300 IS USM and the Canon 70-200L f4 can be both had for roughly $800 Australian (each). One is obviously L glass (constant f4, more rugged build, bigger but not 300). The other is prosumer, smaller, not as well built but has the extra reach (300) and image stabiliser. Suppose to be near to the same quality but not the same build.
I've been looking at both of these myself.
Depends on what is most important.

Ken

Canon EOS-7D

08/22/2007 09:21:09 AM · #11

Originally posted by Monique64:

Originally posted by mad_brewer:
You say funds are limited, but what is your approximate budget?

This lens Sigma 70-200 goes for about $200 and does a good job. But if you can afford it, I would get something better.

I checked out some of the shots taken with this lens (actually it comes up as 70-300), so how come this lens does a good zoom and a good macro at the same time?

Bear in mind I am also in Australia so I am working in Oz$

I don't know the answer to why it does both good (not great), but since your budget is a bit higher, I think

doctornick's idea is a good one.

I corrected my original post to say 70-300.

Ken

Canon EOS-7D

08/22/2007 09:23:05 AM · #12

Originally posted by doctornick:

Your link for the extension tubes is for Minolta. Aren't there issues with the Kenko tubes and Canon cameras anyway?

hopper

Canon EOS-80D

Canon EF 35mm f/2 IS USM

08/22/2007 09:25:27 AM · #13

Originally posted by mad_brewer:

Aren't there issues with the Kenko tubes and Canon cameras anyway?

no, they work fine

doctornick

Apple iPhone 13 Pro

08/22/2007 09:25:57 AM · #14

Originally posted by mad_brewer:

Originally posted by doctornick:
Canon 70-200mm f/4L for US$579.95 Best bang for your buck! Amazing quality at a reasonable price.

Add to this a set of Kenko Extension Tubes for US$169 and you get a Macro rig using your 70-200mm. Well under $1000.

Your link for the extension tubes is for Minolta. Aren't there issues with the Kenko tubes and Canon cameras anyway?

OOps, I corrected the link. They work fine for me, autofocus and all. :)

smurfguy

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

08/22/2007 09:31:09 AM · #15

I have the Sigma 70-300 (actually, my profile is wrong - I have the non-APO version, which is even cheaper - $140 US at B&H). It focuses pretty slowly, but out in the sunlight (wildlife, etc) it does fairly well. I went to the zoo last weekend and got some great shots.

I enjoy the lens now, but image stabilization is on my wishlist for a long lens. Still, this doesn't come for less than $550 US (Canon 70-300 f/4-5.6 IS) - and the glass is probably only slightly better than my Sigma, so I'm pretty content with it as a stop gap. Where the Sigma performs best (in the sun) you may not need the IS anyway.

In fact, 2 of my top 4 high-scoring images were taken with it:

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