20D and 28-105mm?

[Kudos2Fly]

I plan on getting my first digital SLR. I going to get the 20D. I'm not new to digital cameras. I take aviation photos mainly, general aviation that is. I don't just take pics. of the planes. I enclude the owners at well.

My question is will a 28-105mm be fine for this. I plan to get more zoom in the future probably a 70-300. Right now the 28-105mm I think will be fine to get my started. What are people's experience with the 28-105mm?

Let me.

Kim:rolleyes:

[slacker]

Check this part of the forum out... tons of info, I've learned a bunch that has helped my lens decisions.

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=33

[kevin_c]

I have the f/3.5 - 4.5 version (the new updated one) and although I've only had it about a month I am very pleased so far. A bit soft wide open but that is to be expected at this price range.

The USM ring motor allows you to manually adjust focus without switching to manual and it has quite a nice finish.

I also bought the 100-300 USM a few days ago - This has a similar finish to the 28-105 and again has the USM ring focus motor.

Of course you could always spend a load more money on some L lenses... :)

[Lucky Forward]

I just got my 20D two weeks ago, and I planned on mostly using the 28-105 that I had been shooting with on my Elan IIe. I like to shoot landscapes and family events (group shots), and I quickly realized how much I miss the wide-angle part of the range that is lost due to the 1.6X conversion factor (the 28mm end now looks like 45mm). Just this week I got the 17-85 IS to be my new walk-around lens, and I'm very happy with it.

If you're shooting pics of planes and their owners on the ground, and you're trying to fit in most of the plane without having to back way up, you may find that the 28mm end of the 28-105 just isn't wide enough for you.

[EricKonieczny]

I just got my 20D two months agao, and only have the 28-105 lense. I like its range and for the cost, it does a good job. Sure at times I would like a wider and faster lense, but thats my next purchase.

Pictures with the 28-105 can be found here.

http://www.ekreating.com/gallery/list.php?exhibition=21

http://www.ekreating.com/gallery/list.php?exhibition=22

[Jon]

28-105 isn't long enough for aircraft in flight unless you're shooting from right under the approach path. If you're photographing the owner next to his/her pride and joy, it'd do OK, although it may be a bit too long on a crowded ramp.

[Kudos2Fly]

Thanks for the replys. Should I go for a 17-85 lens then and get a 70-300 later on?

Here is some of the pictures I take.

[Lucky Forward]

That would be my advice. I don't think the 28-105 on a digital camera would have a wide enough angle to take a shot like the second picture you posted.

However, the 17-85 IS goes for around $599, while I think the 28-105 could be purchased for half that amount, so I guess it depends on your budget, too.

[Jim_T]

I'm an aviation photography fan.. I own an EF 28-105 f/3.5-4.5 USM lens. It's a great little lens and do you OK for static ground shots (Usually planes are outdoors and you should be able to walk back far enough..

But.. Even with the 1.6 crop of the 20D's sensor, a lens with a focal length of 105mm just won't do it for action shots It's the equivalent of a 3X set of binoculars. (do they even sell 3x binoculars :) ). If you're shooting aircraft in the air, you'll want a focal length of at least 300mm.

[Jon]

What are you using now?
And I'd seriously consider the 100-400 for the follow-on, not the 70-300.

[Kudos2Fly]

Right now I don't even have a Canon. Its an Olympus C730. But will be getting a Canon 20D. Would a wide angle lens adaptor work for a SLR camera? I have seem the adaptors being sold with the 20D. But don't know how the pictures will turn out. I would in a way like to have a nice wide angle lens, just not sure at this point of spend $500 for one right now. I do take some pictures in small spaces.

Kim

[cactusclay]

Decisions, decisions.

[Jon]

Get the 18-55 mm kit lens with the 20D. Adds about $100 to the base price and gives you moderate wide to moderate tele (about 28-90 equivalent in 35 mm terms). Or consider getting the DRFX and kit, which will leave you better positioned financially for getting the telephoto you'll need.