200mm Lens Recommendation

[drisley]

I am looking at a zoom lens to compliment my 18-55mm Digital Rebel Lens Kit.
I dont need the 28mm-200mm lens (since most of that initial range is covered with the kit).

I can afford one of these:

55-200mm f4.5-5.6 II USM $322CDN
80-200mm f4.5-5.6 II $246CDN
75-300mm f4.0-5.6 III USM $261CDN
100-300mm f4.5-5.6USM lens $462.00CDN

Of course there are the L lenses, but not at this point and time.
Thanks for any help

[dn7elson]

I am looking at a zoom lens to compliment my 18-55mm Digital Rebel Lens Kit. {snip} Of course there are the L lenses, but not at this point and time.

Don't discount the 70-200 f4.0L. Yes, it is about $100 more than the other lenses you reference, but is an amazing lens, particularly for outdoor shooting. The f4.0 is less desirable for indoor shooting, however it is well over $500 less than its 1 stop larger sibling.

[2new]

drisley-
I was in a similar situation recently. I purchased the 80-200mm f4.5-5.6 II from B&H in NYC USED for $60 US after reading a couple of reviews on the fairly good performance for a consumer lens. They seem to have a used one in, every couple of weeks or so.

I am currently saving for the f/4 70-200mm L (~$550 US) My current lens gives me the 200mm reach to play while I wait. ( for very little money)

One of the reviews that sold me was the one below;
and the fact that B&H was selling a used one so inexpensively.

Pocket Rocket: the Canon 80-200mm.

http://www.seittipaja.fi/data/Pontification/b_Photography/ca_Which_lens_should_I_buy/a_Choosing_lenses.html

I am happy with the results for the price I cannot complain.

I tried the 75-300mm f4.0-5.6 III & was not pleased with the image quality at all amd I am no pro.

[drisley]

Thanks for the feedback.
I will look around for the L lens here in Canada and otherwise will probably consider the 80-200mm.

Does not having a manual focus ring bother you?

Hey, are there any galleries out there with samples from these lenses?
I've looked everywhere!

Thanks again

Addendum.
Oooh, I just found a place that has the 80-200mm new for $189!

[2new]

check ou B&H
Our Price: $ 119.95
Canon Zoom Telephoto EF 80-200 f/4.5-5.6 II Autofocus LensUSA

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home;jsessionid=AZ51bHl7d3!-96433369?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=92094&is=U SA

I'd wait for a used deal

[2new]

Adorama is selling a used one for $80 US

[drisley]

Thanks for looking.
Unfortunately, those are both in the States.

At $119US with exchange and other customs fees it would probably be more than the $189CDN I can buy it here new. Plus it would only have a Canon USA warranty.

This looks like the lens to get though, although, I'm not sure if I like the fact that it doesn't have manual focus.

[drisley]

How do the Sigma Lenses compare.

I found a
Sigma 70-210mm f4-5.6 UC-II Canon $179CDN

and

Sigma 70-300mm f4-5.6 II Macro Super for Canon AF $248CDN

They look really well made, and small. They also have 3yr warranties.

But, do they take good pictures?

[drisley]

I am looking at a zoom lens to compliment my 18-55mm Digital Rebel Lens Kit. {snip} Of course there are the L lenses, but not at this point and time.

Don't discount the 70-200 f4.0L. Yes, it is about $100 more than the other lenses you reference, but is an amazing lens, particularly for outdoor shooting. The f4.0 is less desirable for indoor shooting, however it is well over $500 less than its 1 stop larger sibling.

Actually, the cheapest 70-200mm f4.0L lens I found is almost $1000 CDN.
Way above my current budget. Looks nice though

[dn7elson]

Actually, the cheapest 70-200mm f4.0L lens I found is almost $1000 CDN.
Way above my current budget. Looks nice though

It will vary depending upon the exchange rate. B&H shows them for $579US for USA warranty or $549 for the grey market version. The Canon $20 rebate on the USA model is no longer.

[dtrayers]

Have you considered the Tokina 24-200? It's had some good comments on Fred Miranda's site:

http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/showproduct.php?product=176&sort=7&thecat=29

It might make a good "walking around" lens.

[droosan]

The 100-300 is worth the extra expense.

But you know, a couple years ago I picked up a 200/2.8L, and I have hardly used my zoom since - main reason: focusing speed. Think of it. You have about 8 times more light coming into your camera than you do when you have your zoom stretched out.

[westfalcon1]

Drisley, If you look around on Ebay etc, you may find a 100-300 5.6L lens in your price range. That's cheap L glass!!!

[psk4363]

I have a very nice, mint Tokina AT-X Pro 80-200 f2.8 lens for sale. Boxed, soft and hard cases, manuals. Realistic reserve price on E-Bay UK.

Barry