Need a f/2.8 zoom lens compact-Recommendations? [Archive]

View Full Version : Need a f/2.8 zoom lens compact-Recommendations?

johnstoy

19th of March 2009 (Thu), 17:08

Need a f/2.8 zoom lens compact-recommendations?

Have read a lot of threads here... The newest Canon compacts are interesting, but the f/3.4 28mm lens on the 200 IS, might be too slow for me...

Any fast zoom lens compacts available? (It's for my sister)... needs to be relatively easy to use... and much smaller than the DSLR type models.

Mocows

19th of March 2009 (Thu), 17:18

johnstoy

19th of March 2009 (Thu), 21:04

Canon PowerShot G10 does 6.1-30.5mm - f/2.8-4.5
Canon PowerShot SD880 IS 5 mm - 20 mm - f/2.8-5.8
Canon PowerShot SX1 IS 28mm - f/2.8 and up

I'm sure there are many more, but the 880 is probably more within your frame.

Thanks for the feedback... I'll promptly start reading the individual specs for these models...

Mocows

19th of March 2009 (Thu), 21:29

johnstoy

19th of March 2009 (Thu), 21:43

I just did a quick google search, but it seems like the sd880 is being sold regularly and it's half the price of the others. I don't have any experience with these models but figure I'd point you in the right direction (since canon compacts are pretty good overall)

Good review for the 880 is here http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/Q408premiumgroup/

I've been gawking at the G10 ... it might be a little bit bigger than what my Sister would settle for...

Now back to your link next... Thanks for the leads...

Raivyn

19th of March 2009 (Thu), 21:53

The Panny LX3 is slightly smaller than the G10 and a faster lens.

johnstoy

19th of March 2009 (Thu), 22:13

The Panny LX3 is slightly smaller than the G10 and a faster lens.

Excellent lead... Although I'd prefer to keep this particular purchase in the Canon family, this particular Panasonic LX3 has some very impressive features... I'll have to spend a lot more time reviewing these LX3 details.

Raivyn

20th of March 2009 (Fri), 15:52

Fast zoom and small size don't really go well together given current technology. The f/2.8 will only work with one focal length for all of these P&S. Why do you need such a fast lens on a compact body?

Anyways, I did a search on DP Review (buying guide section is pretty awesome). Here are the ultra compacts/compacts that they list as small (<200g) w/f 2.8 lenses. All of them were announced in February, and are available on Amazon.

Canon PowerShot A1100 IS
Canon SD960 IS
Canon PowerShot D10
Canon PowerShot SD1200 IS

Of these I would be most interested in the SD960 IS because it has the widest lens, though it is the most expensive at $330. The A1100IS is the least expensive at $200.

Jon

20th of March 2009 (Fri), 15:57

Just remember that few if any P&S/compact cameras will be f/2.8 throughout the zoom range. Most will be f/4 or slower at the long end.

johnstoy

20th of March 2009 (Fri), 16:41

Thanks Raivyn and Jon...

I'll go down your list Raivyn, one by one and review the details of each...

The fast aperture would at least be a better start in a lower light atmosphere...

How ever there is no denying Jon's point... Just might as well accept the slower speed... especially when considering the nice new SX200IS...

tigerotor77w

21st of March 2009 (Sat), 16:26

Excellent leed... Although I'd prefer to keep this particular purchase in the Canon family, this particular Panasonic LX3 has some very impressive features... I'll have to spend a lot more time reviewing these LX3 details.

I've got to recommend the LX3 as well (unless you need it any time soon... it seems a few retailers are out of it or are able to charge close to MSRP). Unlike most P&S, its lens stays between f/2.0 and f/2.8, so it'll be extremely fast.

The huge downside for some is its paltry zoom: it only goes up to 64 mm (35 mm equivalent), if memory serves me right. That's really not enough for some, so if you fall into this category, it's probably not for you.

johnstoy

23rd of March 2009 (Mon), 10:32

I've got to recommend the LX3 as well (unless you need it any time soon... it seems a few retailers are out of it or are able to charge close to MSRP). Unlike most P&S, its lens stays between f/2.0 and f/2.8, so it'll be extremely fast.

The huge downside for some is its paltry zoom: it only goes up to 64 mm (35 mm equivalent), if memory serves me right. That's really not enough for some, so if you fall into this category, it's probably not for you.

Thanks Tiger...
The LX3 is loaded with features... I'm having a tough time getting over it... Though it's a little bit short in the zoom category... All else is awesome.

Still deciding... Looks like we'll buy on our account with DELL... though many good options are currently out of stock.