Good zoom for 300D - DPChallenge Forums

11/27/2003 02:02:34 PM · #1

OK, I'm shopping for my Christmas present. I want a good, say, 28-300 3.5-5.6 or so that will work with a 300D, has crisp optics and doesnt cost an arm and a leg. an HSM would be cool but not necessary.

Any ideas from you guys? I'm sure some of you have proved a few good one. There are just too many out there to choose from within my medium price range.

kirbic

Canon EOS R5

Canon RF 24-70 f2.8 L IS

11/27/2003 02:18:22 PM · #2

I'm going to offer my own personal opinion, which is , stay away from the uber-zooms, e.g. 28-200, 28-300, 35-350, etc.
The optical quality of these lenses is compromised to the extent that it will show up as reduced contrast , CA and softness with the 300D or 10D. If you are not very critical of lens performance, you may be satisfied, however you will not be satisfied if you are expecting high-contrast, tack-sharp, chromatic aberration free images at all focal lengths.
I would invest instead in the Canon 70-200 f/4L USM, which can be had for about $550 US. Although more pricey than some of the consumer grade lenses, it is a great deal and a stunning optical performer.
The telephoto end is where you need the zoom most anyhow, stay with primes for wide angle.
Lest you think I am purely spouting theory, I own a Canon 28-200 3.5-5.6 USM and I assure you it will be sold within 2004.

11/27/2003 03:10:20 PM · #3

I wish I could invest as I did in my Nikon lenses. I only had one zoom, the rest were fixed and 2.8 or less. Since I'm just getting back into it, I wouldn't mind having 1 or 2 well performing lenses until I'm ready to invest in the higher optics. So, yes, I know what you are saying and you are correct. I'm just soooo unfamiliar with the new lenses these days I don�t want to buy and be sorry.

animes2k

11/27/2003 04:05:48 PM · #4

I'll stick my opinions in here as well...

Yes, the "uber-zooms" are to be avoided, budget allowing.

The 70-200 f/4 (or 2.8/IS) IS a nice lens, but lacking in the wide side for an application with a 1.6x mag factor (300d). If you intend to use it mainly for portaits and distance work, it's great. I would recommend a wider zoom for everyday use, though. Camera shake can also be a problem due to the size and weight of the 70-200.

The 28-105 (3.5-5.6) is a decent lens and the 28-135IS (3.5-5.6) (~$420US) quite a nice lens for general use. Some will argue that the IS is irrelevant on this level zoom, but I like it. Also, the "sweet spot" on these "consumer" lenses is usually around f/8. Any L-series lens will cost more, but optics are better.

Regardless of which lens you get, make sure to get a multi-coated UV/Haze/Daylight filter to protect the lens. Multi-coated makes a world of difference in avoiding reflections from the filter.

As far as USM focusing - very nice. The difference is night and day between USM and HSM and whatever focus mechanism my Sigma 20/1.8 uses.

My recommendation would be to go to a good camera shop with well-informed employees (not Ritz) and try a couple out. B&H has some of the best prices and superior service (bhphotovideo.com).

Good luck!

MikeO

Fujifilm x100

11/27/2003 04:26:18 PM · #5

I have to agree with Fritz here, I bought a Canon 75-300mm f4-5.6 III or 99 UK pounds. The lense is good value for money but it does tend to be on the soft side. Having pushed out the boat for the camera I had to compromise somewhere. It will do until I can afford something with better optics.

bendb

Nikon D70

11/27/2003 04:39:00 PM · #6

What about this lens:

//www.usa.canon.com/eflenses/lenses/ef_55-200_45IIu/ef_55-200_45IIu.html

Is it in the same boat? It looks like a good addition to the EF-S 18-55mm one supplied with the 300D.

11/27/2003 07:00:42 PM · #7

I have to agree. I was thinking of two. The long range zoom I can do without until next summer, so the 55/70-200 sounds good. I have a Sigma 28-105mm f2.8-4.0 aspherical lens on its way now that I bought on Ebay pretty cheap, but have no idea whether or not it will work well with the 300D. Figured I could always re-sell it if it doesnt.