WrightwoodCalif.com Forum
Public Forums => Photo Room => Topic started by: angelwolf326 on Feb 06, 06, 08:41:21 PM
-
Wrightwood, could you please give me your opinion on these prices and choices for lenses
Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM Lens for Canon EOS Cameras - $1198
Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 Image Stabilized USM SLR Lens for EOS Digital SLR's - $549
These are at Amazon. I am going to buy the camera without the 18-55 lens, I heard it is pretty much worthless and not worth the $100 extra you have to pay for it. Is that statement true?
I truly appreciate any help you can give me. Working with this much expense I do not want to make the wrong choice and get a lens that I will not like or one that is junk.
Thanks again!
Angelwolf
angelwolf326@yahoo.com
-
Hi Angelwolf,
I don't know these lenses but if you are looking to get one or both of them you might look at:
www.beachcamera.com
Here is a link for a search I did for:
Canon lens is
http://www.beachcamera.com/shop/SearchResults.aspx?kwd=canon+lens+is
I know Beach Cameras prices are lower
(17-85 lens is $499 and 70-300 is $565. plus shipping)
I have purchased from this company a few times without problems. I have not had a problem with a product I got from them. For this reason, I can't say how good they are with returns etc.)
-
I looked back at the beach camera site and there are two lenses that are 70-300 listed. One at $565 and one at $1109. I suspect the one you were looking at on Amazon is the $1109 one (i.e. Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM Lens Mfg Part #9321A002) This lens has "DO" for "Diffractive Optical element" in its name/specs.
-
Don't forget to check out Costco.com. They tend to always have the best price and the best return policy. Costco sells Canon Lenses on line. If you buy the Canon 20D, you will pay less and still get the 18-55mm lens you menitoned. You are right in the the 18-55mm lens does not get used much.
Samy's Cameras (samys.com) is also a great place to shop but doesn't beat Costco.
-
Just my 2 cents worth....consider going the extra mile and getting the 100-400 Canon Stabilized lens. Yes, it's a few bucks more but I really am pleased with how well it works and covers for me when I get shakey.
-
For telephoto lens:
The advise I gave Wildman was to buy the best lens he could get. Why buy the best camera and always wonder if you should have bought a better lens.
If you don't think you'll be shooting long distance nature shots then get the Canon 70-200 IS as it's probably the best lens ever made. If you're planning on doing wildlife photography then the 100-400 is the way to go. If you're real serious about photography these lenses are the best made and they aren't cheap. Ever wonder why you see all the pros using the big white lens at every major sporting event?
Make sure to buy the Canon USA and not the Canon import as the warranty won't work in the US.
I would also agree not to buy the lens that's offered with the camera unless it comes with the deal you make.
-
I don't have a Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 Image Stabilized but the f/4-5.6 bothers me. In low light conditions you'll wish you had a larger aperture. This lens will be used for all purpose shots and there will be plenty of times when you'll want to use natural light. The IS helps a great deal but it doesn't help the camera focus in dim conditions.
If you haven't been on the Digital Photography Review then take a look at what their forum members have to say about a specific lens.
http://www.dpreview.com/forums/forum.asp?forum=1019
-
Thanks WW, what lens do you recommend for typical shots, wide shots, landscapes, portraits, etc. I will only be able to afford 2 lenses. If I get the lens Wildman has what other lens should I get? Also is the lens that Wildman has something that I will be able to handle (weight). I do need something that goes far as I love wildlife shots.
I eagerly await your answer. I am ready to order this bad boy!!! :)
Angelwolf
-
The 100-400 is push pull for the zoom and when it's all the way out it I suppose it could get heavy for some but I've hiked with it and never felt uncomfortable using it. I also think that it is something that you get accustomed to handling and becomes 2nd nature after a while.
For shorter distances I use the EF 28-70mm 1:2.8 (it does not have IS (image stabilization) as it was not available when I bought it)
Selecting the best lens combination is a little different for each person depending on what you are shooting. If you get the 100-400 you'll have your wildlife lens covered. Some people love to use prime lenses as they are much less money. I have a EF 20mm 1:2.8 and really like it for taking those wide angle shots and it's very small in size and was not anywhere near the price of the zoom lenses. More than likely you'll start out with the first 2 lenses and later you'll get the bug for another one or two ;)
Investing into these quality lenses will be something you'll have when you buy the next camera body a few years from now. I started with D60's, then bought a 10D and now have the EOS1 Mark II and the lenses have been completely interchangeable between each camera body.
-
Thanks everybody.... for your comments. I am still completely lost... but I guess I will figure it out.... For sure I want the 100-400 lens, don't know about the other one though... ???
-
ALL PRODUCTS NO SALES TAX THIS WKD!!! I am going to get my camera tonite....
1425 for the 100-400 IS USM lens, no tax!!!! Yee haw!!! It pays to really shop around....
1745 for the Canon EOS 20D with the 17-85 IS USM lens. The cheapest online was $1699.
I will save about $300 on tax and shipping by doing it this way and I don't have to wait!!!
-
Sounds like you're headed in the right direction ;)
-
Awesome! I have been told time and time again to go there. They have a great reputation! Now I HAVE to go!
Thanks for posting this!!!
-
-
What are the MP on that?
-
10... It is 1699 for the body... and you are right they are not in stock...
-
10+
-
-
Has Nikon changed their policy on firmware updates?
In the past if you purchased a brand new camera and there were firmware updates it had to be taken to a Nikon Service Center. With the Canon's you download the firmware updates and do it yourself - quick and easy.
-
Thanks SD but I am going to go with the Canon.... I am going on a road trip next wkd and want the new camera by then.... Who knows I can upgrade later......
-
Ok WW what is a firmware??? Teach me the ropes please... Also I need a uv filter right?
Should I get a filter kit, uv, polarizer?
Any other things I need that are necessary?
Should I get a remote release for tripod shots?
Shoud I get the battery grip? I read that the batteries last a long time, so I was thinking about just getting another extra one?
Extended warranty?
-
-
Yes you want a UV filter for both lenses to protect them. It's cheaper to replace a filter than the lens. You can hold off on the polarize filter unless you'll be shooting around water right away and it has to be the right type for your lens - (circular polarizing).
Hold off on a bunch of accessories like a cable release until you get the camera unless the money is burning a hole in your pocket. There are a few different cable releases and you'll want to figure out the best for your type of work. Personally I have the one with the built in timer and multi shutter release and love it but it's over $100 and not something that's used all that often.
I have battery grips on all mine and would not shoot without them. Wildman brought his camera by yesterday and didn't have his battery grip on and it was very awkward to me with the 100-400 lens on it.
Firmware updates are released by the cameras Mfgs when they have either a bug in the cameras software or wish to offer an enhancement. Rarely is it a critical that the firmware update "must" be done but it does happen and that's why I'm asking about Nikon's latest policy as there were some upset Nikon owners when I bought my first digital Canon.
You definitely want 1 extra battery. If you buy the battery grip you need 2 extra batteries besides the one that comes with the camera. When you buy extra batteries do not buy the Canon as they are way too expensive and not as good as after market. You can get a more powerful after market battery (1800m Ah) for about $20.
Don't forget to have a second compact flash memory card and if you don't have a USB 2 card reader for your computer it's highly recommended. The card reader should not be any more than $20-$25 and fits 15-20 different types of memory cards.
-
Whats a battery grip? I have the Canon Digital Eos Rebel
-
-
-
There is a BG-E3 designed for the EOS Digital Rebel XT only .
http://www.zoommania.com/icabge3.html
Here's a much cheaper after market one:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000EDB1II/sr=1-2/qid=1139196715/ref=pd_bbs_2/002-5992606-2359253?%5Fencoding=UTF8
-
Ya..I dont have the xt...it came out a month after I bought mine. :(
-
Here is another review site that really likes both the Canon and the Nikon:
http://www.digitalcamera-hq.com/professional-digital-cameras-ratings.html
-
I have the Rebel XT with several lenses that I am pleased with. I totally recommend the 50 mm 1.8, which is light, superfast and cheap and under $100. I also have the macro 50mm 2.5, which is nice for both soft portraits and macros of flowers, bugs, etc. I also have the 85 1.8 for indoor concerts or school plays that allows me to shoot low light with no flash. I also totally love my Tokina 12-24, which allows for awesome wide angle shots at only about $500. Finally, I love my Lensbaby, which gives you that cool Holga look for more artsy photographs. I bought the LBO, which gives a more dreamy look than the LB2. But everyone has their own preferences.
For more information, check out www.lensbabies.com
Another super site for lens reviews and recommendations is www.fredmiranda.com
-
Mrs. Hillbilly the Lensbaby looks very interesting. How about posting a few samples that you've captured.
-
I'm working on a series of photos that I will post soon...It really is a cool lens at under $100.