| Author | Thread |
|
|
11/19/2005 10:50:02 PM · #1 |
| I am looking to buy a 70-300mm lens for my Rebel XT (still deciding which one). I know that getting a lens with image stabilization is great but I can't afford one. Will I be sorry if I buy a less expensive lens that does not have the stabilization when shooting at 300mm? |
|
|
|
11/19/2005 10:53:15 PM · #2 |
If you use the old shooting rules and set the shutter speed at 300+ you will be ok. In low light situations you can use a tripod.
I have a 300mm for my D70 with no stabilization and I rarely miss a shot that I took the time and effort to photograph well.
I'd spend the money on a finer 300mm w/o the stabilization if I were you.
KenSkid
Originally posted by indianzfan:
I am looking to buy a 70-300mm lens for my Rebel XT (still deciding which one). I know that getting a lens with image stabilization is great but I can't afford one. Will I be sorry if I buy a less expensive lens that does not have the stabilization when shooting at 300mm? |
|
|
|
|
11/19/2005 10:58:26 PM · #3 |
Although tabilization is nice, it is certainly not required, and if yoiu must make a choice, buy a better lens without stabilization. The better optical quality is much more important.
|
|
|
|
11/19/2005 11:02:38 PM · #4 |
| I own the Canon 75-300 IS lens and paid alot for it. Am I happy? Yes and no, it seems IS has a ways to go before they get it right. My lens is less than 6 months old and the IS doesn't want to work. Now I have to ship it back and wait to see if they will fix it right the first time. I have heard of other stories too very much like mine. If I had to do it again I would wait until all the bugs are worked out of the IS before I bought another. |
|
|
|
11/19/2005 11:16:59 PM · #5 |
As I see it, you'd be spending over 500 dollars for a 70-300 IS
a 70-200 f/4 L is also a little over 500 bucks. I'd choose that in a heartbeat.
I own a 70-300 non IS. If you really want that range, let me know. I got it new, and would be more than happy to part with it for a reasonable price.
But, honestly, I got this when I didn't know better. Today, I wouldn't get this unless it was a gift. And then I'd try to return that gift.
So, if after that glowing review, you still want it, let me know
Max |
|
|
|
11/19/2005 11:41:42 PM · #6 |
I have the 17-85 IS that came with the camera. It works very well. I can shoot handheld shots reliably at 1/15 second, and sometimes down to 1/4 second.
That being said, for the same money you could get a longer or higher end lens without IS, so it depends on whether you do a lot of handheld shooting. If so, IS is the way to go. If you usually have a tripod or are mainly shooting in bright light where you can shoot really fast, the IS is probably not worth it.
|
|
|
|
11/20/2005 12:20:42 AM · #7 |
I have a Sigma 70-300 APO and for the money, it is great. ($219 or so). For me to get reliably sharp images handheld at 300 mm i need to be 1/800. I can do 1/500 most of the time and 1/300 if i brace myself.
Depends on what you want it for - a general walk around lens? then get teh sigma and spend the difference on other stuff. If you want to shoot wildlife, particularly birds, you'll want more than 300mm. If shooting sports then a constant aperture lens, like the canon 70-200 4L or Sigma 70-200 2.8 are better choices, and you can add teleconverters to them to make then 1.4x or 2x the focal length when you need that extra reach.
I have tried out IS lenses and they're not for me. Extra money for that occational slow hand held shot that you should not really be taking hendheld - use a flash or get a faster lens!
|
|
|
|
11/20/2005 12:31:59 AM · #8 |
The way I understand it , is they help not cure movement and shake. Some people should never hand hold and others are fine with most lenses. I have a 50 - 500 and hand held all shots so far, it's only been a little over a month, but if it's windy I lean against a tree/wall/car whatever. Again some people should not go anywhere without a tripod, so it's all in the shooter.
Nothing is better than a stable base for the camera |
|
|
|
11/20/2005 02:03:10 AM · #9 |
IS can help you reduce blur from camera movement. If you handhold your lens at slow shutter speeds and if your subject is not moving, this will help. If your subject is moving, then IS is not useful as the subject will be blurred at low shutter speeds. I haven't seen any reviews of the new 70-300IS, but it is considered a consumer lens and may not be as sharp as a professional grade lens. The IS also degrades images and adds weight and cost.
If I you like a consumer grade lens then, I'd consider the Sigma 70-300 APO DG for about $200, although it's corners are soft at 200 and 300mm, I think this is a good lens. If you want to spend over $500, then I'd consider higher grade lenses like the Canon 70-200 f4L or the Sigma 70-200mm f2.8 EX.
|
|
Home -
Challenges -
Community -
League -
Photos -
Cameras -
Lenses -
Learn -
Help -
Terms of Use -
Privacy -
Top ^
DPChallenge, and website content and design, Copyright © 2001-2025 Challenging Technologies, LLC.
All digital photo copyrights belong to the photographers and may not be used without permission.
Current Server Time: 09/20/2025 01:40:50 PM EDT.
