Inexpensive Zoom - any ideas
 

Hi Guys - I have a 7D and am buying the Canon 15-85 as my main lens. I also have the Canon 50mm (1.8).

I am looking for a budget zoom with a range somewhere between 50 and 300. I used to have the Sigma 70-300, which I sold (and regret). This is the type of lens that I am looking for.

What do you think might do - looking for image quality and would be prepared to sacrifice some length to perhaps 250mm of even 200? Macro would be a nice to have as well. I don't want much!!

I could spend up to about £300 or thereabouts.

Any advice would be gratefully received.

Thanks

Lee

Have a look at the Canon 55-250. Gets good reveiws .

You have yourself a very good camera, so why cripple yourself with a budget lens? Particularly as you state that image quality is important.

That camera pack 18 million pixels onto an APS-C sensor and what the camera makers and photographers are finding is that you need the best glass you can put in front of the sensor to take advantage of all those pixels. (part of the reason why we are seeing upgraded lenses being announced/shipped - e.g., Canon 70-200 mm f/2.8L IS II)

Having gone down this same road before I recommend you wait and save up some extra money and purchase a better quality lens. Otherwise you spend 300 quid now, realize in a year or two you want better image quality and then go out and buy a better lens anyhow at a higher price.

Give a lens such as the Canon 70-200 mm f/4L a consideration for your 7D. I saw it advertised in the back of one of the British mags I subscribe to for about 500 quid, so 200 quid over your stated budget, but the image quality you will get, as well as better focusing speed/accuracy and a host of other benefits, will be worth it in the long run.

The other thing to keep in mind, is these digital SLR cameras are essentially disposable. It is the lenses you will continue to use from camera to camera so invest in the best glass that you can.

Here are links to some review sites I frequent, that talk about lenses and that you might find helpful:

[URL]http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/[/URL]
[URL]http://www.fredmiranda.com/[/URL]
[url]http://www.photozone.de[/url]

Best of luck in your decision,

Thanks Guys - I think that the Canon 70-200 F4 is likley to be a better option for me. Like most people I am on a limited budget but agree that the lens choice is crucial.

Thanks again

Lee

[quote=leeristol33;21926]Thanks Guys - I think that the Canon 70-200 F4 is likley to be a better option for me. Like most people I am on a limited budget but agree that the lens choice is crucial.

Thanks again

Lee[/quote]

Is that a limited budget?! I wish mine was as "limiting" as that...

Andrew Kulin is so right in his advice. I have been building up a lens collection since I bought a Canon 400D as my first DSLR. I upgraded earlier this year to a 550D, which also has an eighteen mp sensor as your's does, albeit just the one processor. For the last two years I have been more selective in my choice of lens upgardes and have sold off three "average" lenses along the way, at a considerable drop in return.

Sharp zoom lenses don't come cheap. The first of my "keepers" at the present time is a Tamron 17-50 f2.8, not the later image stabilised version as I believe the standard lens is sharper. This is a great little lens; plenty of light gathering capability and pretty much pin sharp across the range.

My latest purchase is a Canon usm 70-200 f4 is. I was so close to buying the cheaper (almost half the price) non is version you are considering, but decided to push the boat out and get the is version for the benefits of the 3 to 4 extra f stops image stabilisation gives. Incidently, for about the price of the f4 is version, I could have got the 2.8 non is version. From advice and information gathered here and elsewhere, I was lead to believe the glass in the current 70-200 f4 is produces as sharp images and some claim sharper images than the f2.8 non is version. It is also considerably lighter. This is my second "keeper" lens, and I love the lens more than is socially acceptable!

My "do it all" lens is a Tamron 18-270 vc. I was worried about the quality of this lens particularly in regard to image quality when married to an eighteen mp sensor. At the long end it does tail off, but between18 to 250 it gives perfectly acceptable results, and at 70 to 150 far better results than I expected. It can not be compared to the sharpness of the Canon 70-200, but as an all purpose snapshot lens it's far better than I anticipated.

You already have the best lens per £ that money can buy in the shape of the Canon 50 f1.8.


Save your money up for decent glass and don't compromise too much on "cheap" alternatives. Second hand is also an option, but decent glass retains high second hand value.

All the best in your final choice

Rick Barry

Cheers guys - thanks for the input - you are quite right. I've learn't my lesson the hard way. Not sure I can go for the 70-200 IS version but will save up for the F4 non IS version

[QUOTE=leeristol33;25780]Cheers guys - thanks for the input - you are quite right. I've learn't my lesson the hard way. Not sure I can go for the 70-200 IS version but will save up for the F4 non IS version[/QUOTE]

Have a look at the second-hand market, as you can pick up some bargains and save a few bob. Check this [url]http://www.mifsuds.com/acatalog/Used_Canon_EOS_Lenses.html[/url]

I have had stuff off them and their service if first class. :D

First of all you won't be unhappy with the 15-85, it's a pretty good lens, even wide open. Ok it's not an L lens but then not everyone can afford everything at once, right? I am more than happy with it for the moment on my 7D.

I also kept my 55-250 from my previous camera, as i too cannot afford to buy everything at once. This is a very reasonable lens for the money (<£200) but you have to work within its limitations.

The thing is, you want to be out there taking photos and learning, not waiting and saving for the ultimate lenses. Buy a cheap one and use it, then you'll learn to appreciate the better lenses as you get them. You can always sell on the cheapo lens to another beginner who will be in the same position as we are now.

Having said that, if you can afford it, get the best you can at the time.;)

Cheers, Sie