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12/06/2005 09:50:31 AM · #1
Hello everyone,

I have a quick question that I needed some help. I have a Cannon 20D and I'm very happy with it. I currently have two lens I had from my ElanII, a EF 28-80mm f3.5-5.6 V USM, and a EF 75-300mm f/4.0-5.6 III. I'm looking for another lens. It feels like I'm not getting enough crisp on my photos using the current lens. I used a friend’s newer lens and noticed a big difference. I'm really on a budget, wanted to get an opinion on what should I get. Should I go with the EF-S series designed for the 20D or go with something else? I have done some reading, but figured there is nothing like hearing from people’s experience.

Thanks in advance.
rui

12/06/2005 10:05:16 AM · #2
Perhaps you could give some idea of your budget, so that suitable recommendations can be made.
12/06/2005 10:13:49 AM · #3
And, what do you like to shoot, Wide, Telephoto, Macro, Sports?

Message edited by author 2005-12-06 10:14:04.
12/06/2005 10:28:24 AM · #4
My budget at the moment is about $800.00. I do like to shoot everything :-). For now I would like wide angle and macro. As far as Telephoto and sports, may need a different lens for that later on. Especially considering the budget.


12/06/2005 10:32:22 AM · #5
I just got the 17-40 f4L. Very sweet lens.

For wider you could get the 10-22 EF-S which is getting good reviews as well. I know the 17-40 is within your budget. The 10-22 might be slightly over.

Message edited by author 2005-12-06 10:33:09.
12/06/2005 10:32:43 AM · #6
If that's your budget and your needs, I'd say the Canon 17-85 IS is the lens for you. Throw in a Canon 50mm f/1.8 for low light and portraits and a Kenko extension tube for macro, and you're still well under budget.
12/06/2005 11:46:57 AM · #7
I agree with scalvert's recommendation, the 17-85 should be a big step up from your current wider lens, both in image quality and zoom range. It's still slow @ f/4-5.6, but for static subjects, IS will compensate somewhat (not for subject motion).
The 50/1.8 is a must-have fast lens for the budget-conscious buyer. An alternative that provides closer to a "normal lens" perspective on 1.6-crop cameras is the Canon 35mm f/2 @ about $229. It's better built than the 50/1.8 and optically it's about as good.
12/06/2005 12:14:52 PM · #8
The 17-85 is nice, but i don't see much value in IS at less than 50mm. And at $600 it is not an inexpensive lens, but still not a 'fast' lens.

I went with a Tamron 24-135 SP. Still not 'fast, but at $400 it is 2/3 the price and covers a lot larger range so it makes for a great walkaround lens, and it has macro. It is brutally sharp - you can cut yourself on the images LOL. 24 is wide enough 90% of the time. 18 is still better, but perhaps youwill get a 10-22 or 12-24 lens in the future?

Some samples.


if you want a more limited range but still wide lens that is fast have a look at Sigma's 18-50 2.8 EX DC for $500. No macro though...Samples

There is a big difference between 18 and 28. 24 splits the diff an dworks outdoors very well. Indoors 18 is still better at times. remember, at 18 you can haldhold 1/15 to 1/30 without much difficulty so that is ay i feel IS is just more cost/weight/complexity than you need at that focal length. Some sigma shots of mine



Message edited by author 2005-12-06 12:15:30.
12/06/2005 12:14:58 PM · #9
If you like wide and macro and your budget is about $800, then I'd recommend considering the following
Wide:
Canon EF-S 10-22 $700
Sigma 10-20 $470ish
Tokina 12-24 $500

Macro:
Sigma 105 macro/Tokina 100 macro $400
Tamron 90 macro/Canon 100 Macro $460-500

If it's me, I'd either get the Canon 10-22 or a Sigma 10-22 and a Tokina 100 Macro for just over $800.
12/06/2005 01:23:36 PM · #10
For macro I's strongly reccomend the Canon 100mm f2.8 USM Macro for $450 at B&H. Sharp, fast focus, Great lens!

That leaves you with about $350 for a wide angle, which won't get you much though. For wide, the 17-40L is great, and I hear a lot about the 10-22mm EF-S.
12/07/2005 02:11:32 PM · #11
Thank you everyone for your help. It did help me clarify some things.

rui
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