Couple of 20D questions from a new member

[bikers1]

Hello Folks,

been reading this forum for a while now, thanks, it helped me a great deal as I was buying a 20D ( I too pondered over the 350 vs 20D debate) . I was upgrading from a Nikon 8700. I've been using digitals since 1996 and used film SLR for years but have been away from SLR for as many.

I've had my 20D for about 3 weeks now, been out on a few jobs getting used to it. I did the 'shop' test and using both the choice was a no brainer.

After 3 weeks and much experimentation I'm not impressed with the 'kit' 18-55 lens, it leaves a bit to be desired, put diplomatically I'm getting better results with the old nikon in some instances. The performance of the lens seems 'rough' when wide open.

I'm looking to improve my results, what would you good folk recommend as a better 'walk round' lens, it's mostly outdoor events and some portrait work that I do, bearing in mind that the wallet is still bruised and battered after buying the 20D

This probably belongs in the 'lens' forum

[AngelaS]

I have the kit lens as well, and am also not impressed. I recently got the 50mm 1.8 II. LOVE this lens, and for under 100 bucks you can't beat it.

[bikers1]

I'm glad I'm not the only one unimpressed, I ws beginning to think it was me

the 50mm prime seems like a good move,

I would (or I'm trying to convince myself that I would ) really like a 70-200 F4 L, the feedback on it seems very good.


I just need to sell some more rubbish out of the loft on eBay and I might just be able to afford one, £512 ($964)8) so soon after buying the 20D might just get me divorced

[HJMinard]

Yeah, the 50/1.8 is cheap, sharp and fast. Highly recommended. You don't really mention your intended budget, but another of the best deals going is the Tamron 28-75/2.8 for approximately $350. Constant aperture, fast and sharp ... nothing in the price range really compares (amongst zooms, at least).

[Royal]

I'm a fairly new 20D owner also. Where do you live? Seems the 50mm 1.8 Ive seen costs more than 100. It's nice n fast and at that price a good deal. I am a digital dinosaur. Ive een out of photography for quite a few yrs and have just be RE-bit by da ol bug. HUGE LEARNING CURVE here to overcome.

[Royal]

I like your saying here...does it refer to the One Who IS The Way The Truth and THE Life? "Without the Way, there is no going; without the Truth, there is no knowing; without the Life, there is no living."

[bikers1]

Thanks for the feedback,

I've just ordered a 50mm/1.8 II for £79, ($149),

yes I'm in the UK, the land of "you're gettin' screwed, we'll charge you over the odds for everything"

HJ, budget is based on what I can scratch together, the Tamron you mention is $470 in the UK (as if to press the previous point ).

I'd prefer not to carry too many lenses around as I travel to most events on a chopper which has little room for luggage

(a motorcycle not a helicopter btw, if it was the latter I wouldn't be worrying about the cost of lenses )

[GyRob]

THE 50 f1.8 is £54 at 7dayshop.com
Rob.

[Dannes]

I have the 17-85 EF-S Kit lens. I think this one is just fine. For professional photography i would buy L lenses.

[bikers1]

Originally Posted by gyrob

THE 50 f1.8 is £54 at 7dayshop.com
Rob.

I was a bit unsure about7dayshop, anyone got any experience on buying grey stuff from this offshore crowd ?

[Stooge_UK]

Not sure where you got the price for the Tamron lens, but I picked it up for around £260 here in London, it is the lens which spends the most time on my camera. Great lens for the price...

Stu

[bikers1]

Originally Posted by Stooge_UK

Not sure where you got the price for the Tamron lens, but I picked it up for around £260 here in London, it is the lens which spends the most time on my camera. Great lens for the price...

Stu

Yer right enough , it was late when I looked it up

[lancea]

Originally Posted by bikers1

I'd prefer not to carry too many lenses around as I travel to most events on a chopper which has little room for luggage

Come now - you're not trying hard enough. In my biking days it was nothing to have a large tramping pack on my back, twin saddlebags, a small bag strapped on the back and a tank bag. More than enough room for the most demanding photographer - just never drop your bike Gosh - I really did do that on occasion. Was I nuts?

But back on topic - I don't think the 18-55 is bad. There is a test or two around the web which indicates it actually does quite well and the lightness is a big plus. Don't throw it in the trash just yet.

[Marshall]

Bought my Tamron 28-75mm. on the internet from Microglobe £245 +£7 delivery next day-brilliant sharp walk-about lens.Although not bought any lenses from 7day shop .com find their service very good buy all my Olmec printer papers from them, see the difference these papers make to your prints.

[BrianEE93]

I bought the Sigma 18-125DC for my walk around and it is fairly sharp. The range is great and it doesn't come off the camera much except to mount the big boy for nature pictures.