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08/08/2011 06:44:44 PM · #1 |
So for my 21st Birthday (which occured this last Thursday), my parents gave me 300 dollars to spend however I chose.
I have been coveting a Canon 100 macro lens for some time, and have mainly been considering putting it towards that. However, since I really don't have the money for that anytime soon, putting the 300 dollars towards that doesn't really mean anything.
So I was also considering replacing my kit lens 18-55mm. I figure, there must be sharper wide angle lenses than the kit lens in this price range. Unfortunately, I don't even know where to look.
So my questions are:
What wide angle lenses are sharper than the kit lens and in the 300 dollar range?
Are they significantly better than the kit lens or is it not really worth it?
If there aren't any good options I will put the money towards the 100m, but realistically, I am going to get that lens eventually no matter what, so I kinda feel I should spend this money on something i wouldn't normally buy or save up to. |
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08/08/2011 06:55:17 PM · #2 |
Which kit lens do you have? If you have the older, non stablized version that orignally came with your XTi, then the newer stabilized version would be a significant upgrade. In addition to being stabilized the glass is much better. You can get one of these used for about $100.
Since you have $300 to spend, I'd suggest perhaps looking at the EF-S 18-135 IS instead. Since it is a kit lens with the 60D and 7D, there are many on the used market from people that have upgraded to L glass. I bought mine used for $250. A heck of a good buy, IMO. I regularly see them advertised on craigslist for $300 or so. In addition to being a decent upgrade in IQ, it has a nice telephoto reach. I find it to be the perfect walkabout lens.
Message edited by author 2011-08-08 18:55:30.
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08/08/2011 09:20:28 PM · #3 |
Depends how wide you're talking.
I'd consider saving a bit more and putting it towards the Sigma 10-20 (the 4-5.6 one, not the 3.5 constant, which is more expensive and questionably better) if you're looking for REALLY wide. It isn't super sharp, but it's super wide. I use it as a common go to lens.
Another one you might consider is the Tamron 28-75. Not as wide as your kit, or the Sigma, but very sharp, very good contrast/color rendition, and it's a constant 2.8 aperture. It focuses remarkably close, as well. I'll pull up some photos up close that I've taken with it a bit later tonight. The only downside to this lens is autofocus speed.
Both of these will set you back about the same ($480 after rebate for the Tamron).
ETA: I know you're asking for a lens that costs $300, but sometimes it just makes better sense to save your pennies. Wide angles tend to get worse pretty quick as you go down in price. I suggested the Tamron as a general use lens that would likely be of use to you.
Message edited by author 2011-08-08 21:30:43. |
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08/08/2011 09:29:41 PM · #4 |
| Look for a 24mm prime. That will get you started nicely even with the crop factor. |
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08/08/2011 10:03:29 PM · #5 |
Thanks for the suggestions so far, and definitely hoping for a few more opinions.
I am willing to spend a little bit more than 300 for the proper lens, but probably wouldn't want to spend more than 500 total.
I guess one question I have is, on the range from Kit Lens to L Glass, how good are the in between wide angle lenses that are in my price range?
Should I even bother upgrading to a medium grade, or should I rather wait to someday upgrade to something more substantial? |
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08/08/2011 10:11:30 PM · #6 |
Originally posted by Fiora:
Should I even bother upgrading to a medium grade, or should I rather wait to someday upgrade to something more substantial? |
It's probably well worth it, especially if you buy a good used lens. When you eventually go to re-sell and upgrade you won't lose your shirt. Well, you will, but only when you finally take the plunge on a wide L lens. The most economical is the 17-40/4L, which is a very good lens... but the creme de la creme is the 16-35 II, and that baby has a price tag to be reckoned with!
ETA: If you are never going to go full frame, the Canon 10-22 is a damn nice lens, but out of the mid-price budget. You might eventually consider it as an alternative to the L glass, however. It's really very good.
Message edited by author 2011-08-08 22:13:20. |
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08/08/2011 10:45:47 PM · #7 |
Originally posted by Fiora:
I guess one question I have is, on the range from Kit Lens to L Glass, how good are the in between wide angle lenses that are in my price range?
Should I even bother upgrading to a medium grade, or should I rather wait to someday upgrade to something more substantial? |
The standard DPC opinion will be to save your pennies and wait for the better glass. My opinion is there is a point of diminishing returns and something in this price range will do you quite nicely as long as you do your homework and know what compromises each choice makes. My most expensive lens is my Tamron 10-24. Not owning any L glass is not holding me back.
I have owned some less than stellar lenses, however. The Tamron 18-300 I used to have (Now in the possession of  sjhuls, I think she's using it as a doorstop) was decidedly soft at full reach. Somewhow I still got lucky and pulled in a blue ribbon with it.
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08/09/2011 07:08:06 AM · #8 |
Originally posted by Fiora:
Should I even bother upgrading to a medium grade, or should I rather wait to someday upgrade to something more substantial? |
sure, lenses hold their value so you can upgrade now and when you get more money, sell it and upgrade. |
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08/09/2011 07:47:00 AM · #9 |
I own the Tokina 12-24mm pro dx and love it. It's not going to fall into the $300 range but is a solid lens for the money. You can find them new for +/- $499. May find it used for even less. Here's a link to a review of the lens.
//www.dpreview.com/lensreviews/tokina_12-24_4_n15/ |
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08/09/2011 09:03:22 AM · #10 |
Check this thread out... 6.5mm for $300
Opteka 6.5mm f/3.5 Manual Focus Aspherical Fisheye Lens for Canon.. Sure it's manual focus, but from what I can tell it's one hell of a piece of glass for the $300... |
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08/13/2011 06:15:07 AM · #11 |
Originally posted by Cory:
Check this thread out... 6.5mm for $300
Opteka 6.5mm f/3.5 Manual Focus Aspherical Fisheye Lens for Canon.. Sure it's manual focus, but from what I can tell it's one hell of a piece of glass for the $300... |
She's looking for a replacement kit lens that has a wide end though, going fisheye with all the massive distortion that comes with it is pretty specialist. I actually took my last challenge entry with the Opteka 6.5mm (which is a re-branded Samyang 8mm):
...and that level of distortion is after 40% of the frame has been cropped out.
It's a great lens, just saying spending a bit more and getting the Sigma 10-20mm (which I also own) would be a much better investment I believe.
Fiora: Since you're on a budget and assuming you have the newer version of the 18-55mm I wouldn't bother upgrading your standard kit lens since you have 18-250mm covered with your current lenses, both of which are very sharp for the price (the only standard lens I would consider upgrading to on a crop body would be the 17-55mm f/2.8 which is a fantastic lens, but way over budget). If you want to go wider the Sigma is a great choice and I love mine, but aside from that perhaps saving up for the 100mm macro really would be your best bet (and sporadically checking e-bay can sometimes net you a great bargain).
Or you could always spend the money on other kit if you wished - a tripod, filters, flash etc. Which can help expand your shooting capabilities in other directions.
Happy 21st by the way! =) |
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