total newb seeking lense input

[boxer82003]

i have the d rebel kit what would be a good lense to give me a bit more zoom the kit has a 18-55mm

i was thinking of one of these 2

Canon EF 55-200mm f/4.5-5 II USM Lens or

Canon EF 75-300mm f/4.0-5.6 II USM Lens

they are both 399.00 canadian

i am just starting out here and would like the opinion of some more experienced users

[Vinny454]

I bought my 300D a year ago and went the cheaper road thinking, what the hell, the expensive len's can't be that good. My 300D is now a 10D and my 75-300 is now a 70-200 L. WOW, what a difference. You may want to do what I did and start with the F4 ver and in a few years plan on working up to the 2.8 L IS.

I am assuming you are on a limited budget.

My opinion is use that kit lens for now as a general walking around lens and get the 70-200 F4 (aprox $950 CDN) or the Sigma 70-200 F2.8 (Aprox $1150 CDN) for a zoom if you will be using it mostly indoors. I would also consider putting away that kit lens until you sell the camera and pick up either:

1: Canon 17-40 L F4
2: Tamrom 28-75 F2.8 DI XP SP
3: Canon 28-135 IS F3.5-5.6
4: Canon 28-105 F3.5-4.5

For a walking around lens. They can be had for Aprox 1: $950, 2: $700 3:$700 or 4:$300 in CDN funds.

Definately look into the 50 F1.8 at around $125. Great prime.

Vince

[cmM]

I have the 75-300mm lens, and I would recommend it if:
•You are just starting off and are in a learning process. After you improve your sports/wildlife/whatever you wanna use it for photos you can upgrade to a more serious L lens which will deliver better images.
•YOu wanna buy it as a compromise until you can afford something more expensive.

I bought it for both reasons, and I don't regret it.

Here's one example.
http://www.cmuntean.net/images/aug08bears11.jpg

Good luck with your purchase

[Vinny454]

I have the 75-300mm lens, and I would recommend it if:
•You are just starting off and are in a learning process. After you improve your sports/wildlife/whatever you wanna use it for photos you can upgrade to a more serious L lens which will deliver better images.
•YOu wanna buy it as a compromise until you can afford something more expensive.

I bought it for both reasons, and I don't regret it.


Don't get me wrong, It is a decent lens for the price. I enjoyed mine while I had it. I am just saying that if you can hold off for the few extra bucks for the 70-200 L F4, you will have a far superior lens for few hundred more.

Vince

[awagner]

Ill sort of support the two last comments....

I did buy the 75-300 usm... and is still very happy about it... I had only one problem with it. I do find that at 300 mm it looses sharpness... i tried a circular polarized filter and it gave something really bad. Even tough it did great work on the kit lense.

heres are some pics:

http://alexwagner.fotopic.net/c232090.html

http://alexwagner.fotopic.net/c237113.html

Now i am considering the 70-200 f4L ( im curious to see what all the noise about L lenses)

ps.

where are you in canada... i saw slightly cheaper prices for the lenses around my part of the wilderness...


Alex

[boxer82003]

im in victoria bc

[awagner]

Well .. then... its sure a long drive to montreal for a 50$ savings...but then what a great photographic experience on the way back

;)

Alex

[RikWriter]

If you keep your eyes open, you can find very good deals on used Canon 70-200 f4Ls. I would go with this lens if at all possible.

[awagner]

I dont know... a used lenses would you trust it... i wonder depends on how much it goes for.... but il sure look around...

Alex

[mdude85]

a lot of people are recommending L lenses, but I think they are way way out of the OP's price range, especially if he's a "total newb."

[RichardtheSane]

I've got to admit I agree with Scott on this.

We are all experienced, we have our L glass and we love it. But how many of us started with L glass? I know I didn't.

I would recomment andy newbs stick with prosumer lenses for now... the 100-300 F4.5-5.6 USM is a fine lens compared to some... and not too pricey. That way the upgrade to L (if it is ever needed) should be a good feeling....

Just my opinion though

[boxer82003]

i am a new so i dont really want to stick all the bucks into a professional lense like the L until i know im gonna get my moneys worth

from what i hear and read the Canon EF 55-200mm f/4.5-5 II USM Lens

is a great companion to the kit lense 18-55mm efs

i think i might go with it thanks for all the help

[neo_xeno]

that is true, not many of us have started with L glass. but if i knew then what i know now about L lens, i would have bought one right away.