Telephoto Lens

[tyler083]

Hello-

I apologize if i am in the wrong forum, but I am really wanting to ask :)

I just got a Digital Rebel. It's my first SLR. Previously I've had the Canon G2, with wide/tele converters.

I'm pretty good and handling the cameras, but will admit the lingo and numbers and the meaning behind them still sometimes throw me.

I understand my current lens that came with my (18-55) needs to be multiplied by 1.6 or so to get the real meaning. and right now it seems that i probably can't get anything wider that isn't more expensive than the camera itself..

so that leaves me with wanting a zoom.

I've been looking at ritz and a few other places online trying to find a good telelphoto that would work for me. However, they have a number of canon lens with the same 75-300mm

http://www.ritzcamera.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?storeId=10001&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&categoryId=914962&topCategory=&cat1=1022&page=2

So, I was curious if anyone would be able to help/advise on what direction to go when looking for a lens like this.

Thanks again, also, i apologize if this is the wrong forum, or too long.

thanks
tyler

[Belmondo]

Tyler:
Nobody on this forum is more long-winded than me, and they haven't thrown me off --- yet.

It would help if you understand a couple terms, and if I'm covering ground you've already been over, I apologize.

IS = image stabilization. This is an electronic feature built into the lens that helps to compensate for camera shake with longer exposures. It's supposed to give you the equivalent of 2 full f-stops advantage over non-IS lenses.

USM = ultrasonic motor. You'll autofocus much faster and quieter with USM. (Note: it can also mean 'unsharp masking,' but that's something different that you do after you take the picture.)

The 75-300 lens with USM and IS is a very good lens, although not anywhere near the quality of an 'L' lens. It's also a heck of a lot less money than an 'L' lens, so there's an acceptable tradeoff to most people that don't absolutely need professional level equipment.

If you're happy with the lens that came with your camera, you'll likely appreciate the 75-300 USM IS lens even more. I have one and have taken a lot of very good pictures with it.

Anyway, hope you enjoy your new Rebel. Welcome aboard.

Tom

[robertwgross]

belmondo wrote:
Nobody on this forum is more long-winded than me, and they haven't thrown me off --- yet.

To throw you off, first we would have to be able to lift you.

---Bob Gross---

[Belmondo]

robertwgross wrote:To throw you off, first we would have to be able to lift you.


Good point, Bob. Just lifting my spirits is enough. :D

[tyler083]

belmondo-

Thanks a lot for the response.

Sometimes long winded is good :) i can use all the info i can right now.

I'm thinking this is the 75-300 lens you are speking of? The price isn't as bad as I was expecting.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=102854&is=USA

I like the idea of IS, my hands are always way too shakey.

Thanks again for the response.
-ty

[Belmondo]

Yup, that's the guy.

BTW, don't expect miracles from IS. It isn't the answer to everything, but it is a definite plus in certain situations.

One other point to consider on this lens: it doesn't work with Canon extenders. In some respects, the 70-200 f/4.0 is a better choice because it will work with the extenders, so in theory, you could have 'L' quality glass out to 400mm (albeit with some loss of light).

Tom

[Andy_T]

Hi,

given the small price difference (120 USD) at B&H between the 75-300 IS and the 70-200 f/4L, maybe you should consider if you really need the IS and the extra 100 mm...

Picture quality and resale value will doubtlessly be a lot higher in the 70-200 lens.

Regards,
Andy

[sjprg]

Don't forget the Sigma 50-500mm. Covers almost every situation, if you can haul it around. The price is right. Weight is big & heavy! $804.00 at Delta including shipping. Mine is a permanent fixture on my 10D now. I have a 24mm f/2.8 Canon for my wide if I happen to need one.
Paul

[DAVE THE SLAVE]

What about the new Canon EF 55-200 f/4.5-5.6 ll USM Lens?
I see that it's priced around $190.00.
Is this one any good for the Digital Rebel 300D ?

[karusel]

Someone said it would be a pity to spoil a good camera like 10D or 300D with a 'cheap' $200 lens and one should consider buying as good glass as possible. I suppose around $600 is a good start, with Sigma...

[DonCoon]

karusel wrote:
Someone said it would be a pity to spoil a good camera like 10D or 300D with a 'cheap' $200 lens and one should consider buying as good glass as possible. I suppose around $600 is a good start, with Sigma...

Well, if you're moving to that price range you might as well get the Canon 70-200 f/4L for $560 from B&H.

But I have the 75-300 USM IS and wouldn't say I'm "spoiling" the camera by using it. It does a decent job for what it's intended to do.

BTW, my other lenses are the 17-40 f4L, 28-135 and the 50 1.8 II. So I do know what "sharp" looks like.