$400 to spend on mid range zoom lens suggestions?

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM

08/05/2004 05:06:25 PM · #1

I am looking for a good all around lens for my Digital rebel. I currently own two lens for my camera, the 18-55mm EF-s kit lens and The Canon 75-300 f/4.0-5.6 III USM lens. I have been waiting to buy a mid range lens because I feel that it will be the lens I use the most and I want to make the right choice. I am looking to spend about $400. I mostly shoot nature/landscapes and I do a lot of backpacking so weight is somewhat of a concern but not a big factor. Below are the options I am considering any comments on these lenses would be very helpful to me. Also if there are any other options I should be considering please let me know.

1.) Tamron AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di ($370)
2.) Sigma 18-125mm f/3.5-5.6 DC Lens + Canon 50mm f/1.8 ($350)
3.) Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS ($409)
4.) Canon EF 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5 II USM + Canon 50mm f/1.8 ($300)

Thank you for your help,

Greg

PaulMdx

Canon EOS-1D

08/05/2004 05:14:16 PM · #2

I'd add the Sigma 24-70/2.8 EX (~$410) and the Sigma 28-70/2.8 EX (~$340) to that list, with a 50/1.8, of course. :-)

I have the 28-70, and although the focus isn't lightening quick (compared to an L) it's a pretty good crisp lens.

Edit: Oh, just reading you do backpacking.. Those lenses will be pretty heavy because of being 2.8 through the range..

Edit2: Also, make sure you check out //www.fredmiranda.com for user reviews.

Message edited by author 2004-08-05 17:18:47.

Ecce_Signum

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

08/05/2004 05:20:57 PM · #3

I have a Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens and it hardly came off my cam until I got a 50mm f1.8 mk1 now its hardly been back on. I am beginning to understand why people suggest a 50mm as your first lens.

jonr

Olympus OM-D E-M5

Olympus 9-18mm f/4.0-5.6 M.Zuiko Digital ED

08/05/2004 05:23:56 PM · #4

Originally posted by Ecce Signum:

Well, in your case that should be a 30mm lens. The 50mm on the 300D is like an 80mm on 135 camera.
P.S. I personally would get at least 24mm at the wide end.

Message edited by author 2004-08-05 17:26:15.

TerryGee

Canon EOS-30D

08/05/2004 06:28:05 PM · #5

I say #4
I have both of those...the 28-105 is my everyday, everything lens.
They are nice light lenses too. Much lighter than the other choices i believe.

d14

Fujifilm FinePix S2 Pro

08/05/2004 07:09:55 PM · #6

I recently switched to the Sigma 24-70 2.8 EX lens from the cheap Sigma 24-70 3.5-5.6 lens. What a difference it makes having the better glass and and the fixed ap. I'd highly recommend it. My only problem is the cost of filters (82mm filter size).

//www.sigma-photo.com/html/pages/24_70_ex.htm

Message edited by author 2004-08-05 19:12:10.

sfalice

Canon PowerShot SX60 HS

08/05/2004 07:28:54 PM · #7

For a mid-range lens I'm looking hard at a Tokina 24-200 aspheric SD 3.5-5.6, 72 mm. Anybody had any experience with this one?

d14

Fujifilm FinePix S2 Pro

08/05/2004 07:47:48 PM · #8

For a mid-range lens I'm looking hard at a Tokina 24-200 aspheric SD 3.5-5.6, 72 mm. Anybody had any experience with this one?

after using a fixed 2.8 for a little while,. I couldn't go back to a 3.5-5.6.

08/05/2004 09:23:18 PM · #9

Thanks for the Input. I think I am leaning towards the Tamron AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di, based on the 2.8 and all the good things Ive read about it

Thanks again,

Greg

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

08/05/2004 09:24:19 PM · #10

also thanks for posting that user review site it was very helpful

BrennanOB

Canon EOS-1D Mark II

08/05/2004 09:30:44 PM · #11

I have residual guilt for being too lazy to go with primes, so I try to get zooms with shorter runs, (buying the Bigma aside) as they tend to be easier to get crisp throughout their range. That was part of the reason I bought the Tamron, and I just love that lens. It is near L glass in all the tests, and all that stuff, but mostly I like the range it offers and I love the colors it gets. This is my walkaround, my most favorite lens. The 17-40 is my next purchase and from what I have read the 17-40 will get use from 30mm in and the Tamron will go the rest of the distance.

Gallatin

Nikon D4s

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

08/05/2004 09:33:58 PM · #12

I have the Tamron af 28-75 f2.8 Xr Di, a very nice lens.