55-200MM f/4.5-5.6 II - Reviews?

[2new]

Does anyone have first hand experience with the new EF 55-200MM f/4.5-5.6 II on either the 300D or 10D?

or know of a good review?
Thanks

[Andy_T]

2new,

I have no experience with that lens, but assume that it will provide a similar quality on the 10D or Digital Rebel like the other Canon 'Consumer' lenses - that is, maybe not optimal results.

The 10D with its 6 MP is known for liking 'quality' glass and producing less-than-optimal results with Canon's consumer grade lenses.

Now please don't get me wrong: These results might be perfectly sufficient for many users. But in this forum, a lot of 'pro's' (me being non of them :)) that require tack sharp pictures and that bought the 10D or DRebel for that reason, give their advice on lenses. The verdict on the 'consumer' canon lenses is that they, generally, do not often come up to that requirement. (examples being prime lenses and 'exceptions' like the 28-135 IS)

If your requirement (or wish:)) is sharp images, then you might want to look into the respective Canon L, Sigma EX, Tokina ATX or Tamron XR lenses. E.g., the Canon 70-200 L f/4 is supposed to be a GREAT lens for about USD 600 that will stay with you for a long time.

And always remember ... it's the lens you should invest in wisely, because it will stay wth you when you upgrade the body.

Regards,
Andy

[2new]

Thanks for the insight. I was not aware that there were even remotely affordable "L" lenses for a non-pro. It's now on my list!

[OmeRobbie]

I am also looking forward on reviews on this lens: small and light. It seems that it's a "little Sigma 70-300 APO Macro Super" that receives rave reviews for the price. It'll be only a good lens for smaller sensor camera's, not full-fram like analogue SLR and 1Ds. Look for a reveiw translated from Korean at:
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1029&message=6765406

You can also consider the Pocket Rocket: the Canon 80-200mm. Look for a thought at: http://www.seittipaja.fi/data/Pontification/b_Photography/ca_Which_lens_should_I_buy/a_Choosing_lenses.html

It seems that the Canon 55-200mm II is of such poor quality that it's not an option.

Hope we can share reviews on this lens, cauz I don't want to have longer than 10cm lenses and more weighing than 500 gr! I am a little doubting on the great Canon L-lens 70200L F4 with teleconverter, but it's just too big!!!

[2new]

Thanks OmeRobbie - after reading several reviews and message boards, I ordered a used 80-200 as an interim lens while I save $$ for the L glass. $65 @ B&H

[boBquincy]

Here's one taken with a D30 and 55-200.
Settings: 200mm, 1/500, f9.5, ISO200, sharpness normal (no additional sharpening applied).

n:\wdw 02 may d30 14\monday 06 may\IMG_3272_800.jpg

Not likely to be mistaken for L series but not bad for the price.


boB

[2new]

boBquincy - I can't see the picture - just a place holder.
Thanks

[boBquincy]

I was wondering about that, apparently if I map the image to my hard drive I can see it but no one else can. If I put the image on my website it works fine.

http://mindspring.com/~bobquincy/IMG_3272_800.jpg


boB