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06/17/2006 03:20:54 AM · #1 |
To be on the go, and be limited in space and weight, what is a good constellation with an EOS 350D? Sometime, I want to upgrade from my S2 IS to dSLR, so thinking of
Canon EOS 350D / Rebel XT
EF 70-300/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM - or - EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM
EF-S 17-85/4-5.6 IS USM
The two 70-300 lenses differ in size and price, so the more expensive one is also the smaller one. BUT, the DO is
1) Heavier, actually (not much though)
2) Slightly higher f
3) Heard of some optical issues with the DO?
4) Twice as expensive
5) Only about 1½" shorter than the "non-DO"
So, why should I pay twice as much for the DO - what does it offer, less chromatic ab?
Other suggestions ... like the zoom capability for various reasons, for one to get candid shots, pull in smaller objects or items one cannot (or dare not/may not!) get close to enough to.
The other lens, 17-85, is for rooms, inside shots etc - about 75 degrees wide, is that as in +/- or total?
Any converters to expand the above choices?
Thank you for input, sorry if discused before (but could not find adequate info in old posts)
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06/17/2006 07:03:58 AM · #2 |
Get the non DO lens and use the savings to get the 20D instead of the 350D XT
Message edited by author 2006-06-17 07:04:28. |
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06/17/2006 04:55:31 PM · #3 |
I would replace the 17-85 with a 18-50/2.8 by sigma or tamron
Maybe add a 50mm lens for the money you save that way |
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06/17/2006 05:15:35 PM · #4 |
Sony A100, add 70-300 pick a flavor, they will all have IS equivalent because it's built into the A100 body. The Sigma 70-200/2.8 is very highly reviewed. (KonicaMinolta lens mount).
That's what I'd do if I were upgrading now instead of a few months ago.
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06/17/2006 05:18:59 PM · #5 |
sigma 70-300 APO DG is optically better then the Canon's and has a macro mode and is only about $200. That's what I use when hiking and want to stay small and light.
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06/17/2006 05:19:22 PM · #6 |
Converters are only for F4 or faster lenses over 100mm - so you don't have any in your list there taht will work with a converter.
for the basic lens, check out those 18-50 2.8 sigma or 17-50-2.8 tamron, or the tamron 24-135 SP. All are very good lenses - the last one tehre is a good all around walk around and studio lens. Not quite wide or fast enough for serious indoor work but great when you want only one lens and it does macro.
for the long lens - consider sigma 70-300 4-5.6 APO super 2 DG. Sharper than either canon from 200mm to 300mm. The best option is a 70-200 2.8 and a 1.4 converter, or if money is a concern the canon 70-200 f4 and a 1.4 converter.
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06/17/2006 05:21:47 PM · #7 |
Originally posted by wavelength:
Sony A100, add 70-300 pick a flavor, they will all have IS equivalent because it's built into the A100 body. The Sigma 70-200/2.8 is very highly reviewed. (KonicaMinolta lens mount).
That's what I'd do if I were upgrading now instead of a few months ago. |
There are certainly lots of options now in bodies and systems - more than ever. Hard to know what to choose - but most pros use nikon or canon, so if you're leaning toward that end (one day in the future) there are only two choices. The other companies are very much in flux right now - 2 years ago they offered nothing, and who thought 2 years ago that KM would be gone...
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06/17/2006 05:25:02 PM · #8 |
Originally posted by LoudDog:
sigma 70-300 APO DG is optically better then the Canon's and has a macro mode and is only about $200. That's what I use when hiking and want to stay small and light. |
well, yeah, but it's not a 2.8 lens, and not nearly as sharp as the sigma or canon or nikon 70-200's at all, IMO. Or even the Nikon 80-400. And I own that lens, I should know.
I'm not sure what makes you say it's optically better, might be better on flare and ghosting a little, but certainly not sharper IMO.
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06/17/2006 05:41:28 PM · #9 |
Originally posted by Prof_Fate:
There are certainly lots of options now in bodies and systems - more than ever. Hard to know what to choose - but most pros use nikon or canon, so if you're leaning toward that end (one day in the future) there are only two choices. The other companies are very much in flux right now - 2 years ago they offered nothing, and who thought 2 years ago that KM would be gone... |
Well, KM isn't really gone, they live as a ghost in the shell of Sony, who made half their digital equipment anyways.
I think the addition of Zeiss lenses for their system certainly will match any L lens tha Canon has. If Sony can put out a pro body soon, they could probably contend with the likes of a 1dsMk2. The question is, will they? The other question is, do I really need one??
I think the A100 is very enticing for many new to the SLR market, and those who love their older KM lenses. I'm sure there's lots of KM die-hards now singing the praises of Sony, whom they feared would fail them. I assumed Sony wouldn't do nearly as good a job as they did, and especially not make a camera to compete in everything but framerate.
I'll bet anything they take the D2x sensor they make for Nikon already (or something new??), and combine that with something akin to the Maxxum 7D body, raise the framerate, and you easily have something that meets a pro's needs.
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06/17/2006 06:04:42 PM · #10 |
Originally posted by wavelength:
I'll bet anything they take the D2x sensor they make for Nikon already (or something new??), and combine that with something akin to the Maxxum 7D body, raise the framerate, and you easily have something that meets a pro's needs. |
Pros vary and they need more than the body. The system matters. Fast lenses, weather sealing, robust construction, flash (several kinds, accessories) and the support system to make it all work. Get a 1D canon body - robust. Break it? Canon has a pro program where you get a loaner body for free while your's is being repaired.
As in independent you have some freedom, but hook up with a larger organizaiton and you'll be 'forced' (asked, coercerd...pick a word) to migrate to their system.
Also, when a group of us go out - there are 8 or so that go - 1 is nikon, 7 are canon, 0 are everything else. Great way to try other bodies, lenses, and as backup to eachother in pinch.
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06/17/2006 08:42:44 PM · #11 |
Originally posted by wavelength:
Originally posted by LoudDog:
sigma 70-300 APO DG is optically better then the Canon's and has a macro mode and is only about $200. That's what I use when hiking and want to stay small and light. |
well, yeah, but it's not a 2.8 lens, and not nearly as sharp as the sigma or canon or nikon 70-200's at all, IMO. Or even the Nikon 80-400. And I own that lens, I should know.
I'm not sure what makes you say it's optically better, might be better on flare and ghosting a little, but certainly not sharper IMO. |
Optically better then the Canons they mentioned (the 70-300s), sorry I wasn't clear.
Also, they wanted something small so I assumed the white lens and the big f2.8s were out of the question. I have two of the big white lens but still bring my sigma hiking because of size/weight.
And actually per //www.photozone.de the sharpness in the center of the sigma 70-300 is better then just about any other lens they rate but I don't put much weight in that.
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06/17/2006 09:19:07 PM · #12 |
Per the Photozone reviews you linked to:
Canon 70-300: "Unlike its predecessor the lens is capable to produce a very high performance throughout the zoom range without the significant drop in quality at 300mm typical for most consumer grade lenses in this range. ...in terms of optical quality the EF 70-300mm IS can be almost described as a hidden Canon L lens."
Sigma 70-300: It delivered pretty decent results in most aspects, specifically at 70mm and 200mm, but at 300mm the border resolution is nothing short of dismal... it still remains an interesting budget solution. If you prefer a sharp border to border quality look elsewhere though... |
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06/17/2006 10:22:58 PM · #13 |
Originally posted by scalvert:
Per the Photozone reviews you linked to:
Canon 70-300: "Unlike its predecessor the lens is capable to produce a very high performance throughout the zoom range without the significant drop in quality at 300mm typical for most consumer grade lenses in this range. ...in terms of optical quality the EF 70-300mm IS can be almost described as a hidden Canon L lens."
Sigma 70-300: It delivered pretty decent results in most aspects, specifically at 70mm and 200mm, but at 300mm the border resolution is nothing short of dismal... it still remains an interesting budget solution. If you prefer a sharp border to border quality look elsewhere though... |
Check the MTF numbers in the center.
Also from the conclusions on that site:
Sigma: "Nonetheless you may argue that the center performance of the lens is on a very high level throughout the range and for many tele applications your main subject is often located close to the center so the border problems may not be all that obvious in the real life. "
Canon:"ADVISORY: There have been some reports about blurry images when using the lens in portrait orientation. As of now it is unknown whether this is something that effects only a specific production batch or whether it is a broader issue."
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06/17/2006 11:19:06 PM · #14 |
Last I heard, Sony did not make the CMOS sensor that was in the D2X, but I didn't look too closely.
I thought Nikon farmed out to someone other than Sony for that one...
Worth a check though...
Actually, the A100 is a serious contender here...
You could get the A100 and the Sigma 70-300 APO, and still be ahead cashwise over the 350XT and the Canon 70-300 IS.
A fair bit ahead... The macro ability on the Sigma lens isn't true macro, but it's pretty decent... especially if you are shooting a 10MP camera with plenty of room to crop.
I've been hearing street prices of 800 dollars US for the A100 body only here in Taipei...
Then don't forget that any other lenses you get will also have IS.
It's less of an issue for many users when shooting wider angles, but it's still pretty handy to have... Especially coming from the S2 IS (which I also use)...
Then on top of that, you could get the 50mm f/1.7 (if you can find it), and the Tamron 17-50 f/2.8... Remember that the Anti-shake that you wanted for your telephoto will now work also on these lenses! Can't seem to find a Canon 50mm f/1.8 IS.
According to photozone.de, the Tamron kicks the Sigma 18-50 all over the place in sharpness and build quality.
A100 - .................$900 (I'll be generous)
Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 - ...$350
KM 50mm f/1.7 - ........$130
Sigma 70-300 APO DG.....$200
Add it up..............$1600 - all lenses with AS...
350XT - ................$800
Canon 17-55 IS USM ....$1100
50 f/1.8 ................$70
Canon 70-300 IS USM.....$450
YIKES! Try that again with the 17-55 IS USM swapped for the 17-50 by Tamron= $1670
Looks like for basic accounting, the Sony wins out... Even more if the body is only 800 dollars US.
If you wanted to move up later, you could get better lenses... They are available...
As to Sony making higher end pro bodies, I don't think we will see that for a little while yet... As mentioned before, they don't seem to be in the same playing field with their CMOS technology, and it's doubtful that a high end pro body would run a CCD with technology in the two camps being as it is...
New technology can happen though...
And Sony does use CMOS chips in their new video cameras... presumably they know how to increase write speeds... |
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06/18/2006 12:17:00 AM · #15 |
If you need IS or have some fascination with it, great. To me it's something else to break. and if it breaks in the A100 your out your body, so you take no pics. If one lens dies, well, you can keep shooting with another.
and when it dies it may not be a shut off issue, it make malfunciton in some other fashion. The concept has merits, i'm not sold on it yet, even though my 6 year old ($250 then VHS camcorder has IS).
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06/18/2006 03:34:36 PM · #16 |
Sooo many interesting replies here, thank you everyone!
The Sony does sound interesting - I will await a 350D vs A100 test - anyone with a link? Edit: Just looking at dpreview ...
Startup time was one of the items that made me choose the Canon S2 IS over the ditto Sony. Sony had Carl Zeiss, but was too slow - some other drawbacks, but awsome picture quality. But if the A100 beats the 350D, why not? Gotta try it somewhere, many places it has not been released yet.
And as some users correctly states above, one of the objectives were portability, so the amount of lenses, size/weight and camera size/weight does matter. That is why I am fishing for max two lenses - if possible - and not the large white ones (L?) !
Message edited by author 2006-06-18 15:51:49. |
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