EF 75-300 vs EF80-200?

[chloeosmom]

My local WM has these 2 lenses on clearance. I only have a 18-55mm so far, I am currently just a portrait photographer, but would like to know what these 2 could be used for and if I would need them which is the better purchase.
The 75-300 is $160 and the 80-200 is $140.

[thetolleyman]

I am assuming that both the lenses in question are Canon. Neither one has gotten great reviews. But on a limited budget you get what you can so I vote for the 75-300. If you don't mind used, I see those lenses all the time at KEH or B&H, even Ebay for about half of the prices you posted.

You mentioned you were a portrait photographer, you may consider one of the cheaper prime lenses.

[chloeosmom]

what is considered a prime, Ive seen that word tossed around here a lot.

[crn3371]

A prime is a fixed focal length lens, otherwise, non-zoom.

[braduardo]

I would be REALLY careful about buying a clearance lens at Walmart... A lot of times they are 'open-box' lenses, which means every 3 year old that has seen it has stuck his fingers inside and bounced it around.

On Target.com you should be able to get the 75-300mm for about $200. Try to track down a discount code online and you should be able to get about 10% off. That will at least cover your taxes and maybe your shipping. At least that way you know it will be new, and you can return it if it's screwed up.

A lot of people will say that it's crap, but if you are shopping Walmar clearance for equipment (kinda like I was) you will probably be thrilled with the quality... at least for a while. It really is nice to have the reach of the 300mm. If nothing else, it isn't TOO expensive, and it will be nice to have from time to time. Then you'll turn into me, and start wanting BIG L zooms... hehe

[picturecrazy]

hey, nothing wrong with the 75-300. It's not as bad as the brainwashed L-heads here make it out to be. But I would buy it for cheaper than $140. I bought a used unit for $80 and am very happy with it:


http://yoonl.brinkster.net/misc/birds/b3.jpg

http://yoonl.brinkster.net/misc/birds/b4.jpg

[braduardo]

Don't get me wrong, I still like it a lot. I think I've just gotten pickier, and envious at the same time. I've gotten a lot of REALLY nice shots with mine. It's definately worth the money, but still... be careful about buying a lens that has been on display without caps on it for months... I just have trouble trusting that they aren't screwed up. I could be wrong, but even if it is only a hundred bucks or so, better safe than sorry...