Canon Lenses

[mcshane in the 79th]

I'm looking to upgrade my zoom lens, 28-200mm and also the kit lens that came with my 400D, the 18-55mm.

Haven't got a huge budget (less than £500) but have found these 2 for a total of £300! They look just to be straight swaps with the addition of IS to them both.

Does IS make it worth it? Have read some reviews and they all seem to say they are average lenses. Has anyone got either one of these and able to provide some feedback please?

EF-S 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 IS - £100 (unboxed)
http://www.parkcameras.com/9270/Canon-EF-S-18-55mm-f3-5-5-6-IS--Unboxed-.html

EF-S 55-250mm f4-5.6 IS - £190
http://www.parkcameras.com/7519/Canon-EF-S-55-250mm-f4-5-6-IS.html

Am tempted to just spend a bit more a get a better version of one of the two unless anyone really recommends them.

I am a casual photographer but would like to improve

 

[albionalex]

Thought this was going to be a thread about a new Spanish signing.

 

[mcshane in the 79th]

Thought this was going to be a thread about a new Spanish signing.

Sorry

 

[£1.99]

Take a look here SportsShooter.com: Equipment Profiles
American site but they know what there talking about.

 

[clippedgull]

I have image stabilisation (IS) on my 28-300 (heavy!) and it does help.

When using a tripod, IS should be turned off.

I don't use either of those lens so can't comment specifically.

Digital Camera Reviews and News: Digital Photography Review: Forums, Glossary, FAQ is a good photo place

This link is specifically for Canon SLR lens talk

Canon SLR Lens Talk Forum: Digital Photography Review

Worth getting an account, they are very helpful

 

[mcshane in the 79th]

Thanks clippedgull.

I just want a lens for general photography and a zoom one for wildlife etc. My 28-200 is ok except in low light when the shutter speed really drops meaning shaky pictures.

Will have a read of the posts on that site.

 

[Wozza]

Get the Sigma 18-200mm OS. (Or the newer 18-250mm OS). Brilliant walkabout/multipurpose lens.

 

[Lady Bracknell]

Not being a Canon snapper, I can't offer a comment based on direct experience but what I would say is that neither of these lenses are very fast. Thus you may well have just the same issues with low light. Made worse, of course, when zooming at the infinity end of the scale! So I'd go for one really decent but much faster lens.

 

[mcshane in the 79th]

Not being a Canon snapper, I can't offer a comment based on direct experience but what I would say is that neither of these lenses are very fast. Thus you may well have just the same issues with low light. Made worse, of course, when zooming at the infinity end of the scale! So I'd go for one really decent but much faster lens.

Thanks Roz.

I just got seduced by the low prices. As you say one better quality more pricey lens should be the way to go. I'm guessing you're a Nikon user? What lenses have you got if you don't mind me asking, and what's your favourite?

 

[Lord Bracknell]

Nikon v Canon ... the new PC v Mac debate

 

[Lady Bracknell]

I have indeed got a Nikon (D2XS) as it happens) and my favourite lens (does everything and has turned in great results) is my Nikon 17-55 f2.8.

I've also got a Nikon 24-80 3.5, Sigma 20mm,Sigma14mm,Nikon 300mm (too slow!) and a Sigma 55-150 f2.8 (which isn't as good as it ought to be) and, er I think that's it!

 

[Wozza]

A fast zoom lens will cost top dollar, though. Check out the Canon 17-55mm f/2.8 IS - a major step up from the kit lens.

A fast prime doesn't cost too much - eg the Canon 50mm f/1.4 (£285), probably best value lens in the Canon range. The 50mm f/1.8 (£85) is half-decent cheap alternative.

But, like I said, the Sigma 18-200mm OS is a great all-rounder.

For reviews: Canon Digital SLR Camera Lens Reviews

For second-hard lenses: Talk Photography

For best prices: Camera Price Buster - UKs cheapest camera gear

 

[Dover]

I considered Canon for my last purchase but settled for the Pentax K20D. It felt better quality, and I love it to bits.

Now it's time for a bigger lens.

 

[dannyboy]

The 50mm f/1.8 (£85) is half-decent cheap alternative.

im quite new to potography and bought this after reading reviews and it takes good pictures

 

[mcshane in the 79th]

I think I have settled on the Canon EF-S 17-55mm f-2.8 IS USM Lens.

Going to take a while to save the £750 though

 

[marvin]

Look for a similar sigma version unless you are going to be taking high quality top end pictures you will hardly notice the difference.

a canon body user, but not mainly using sigma lenses.

 

[mcshane in the 79th]

Look for a similar sigma version unless you are going to be taking high quality top end pictures you will hardly notice the difference.

a canon body user, but not mainly using sigma lenses.

The sigma equivalent is a similar price but for 24-70mm. I've decided it's not worth spending less on a slower lens as the improvement on what I've got will be minimal. It's a shame I'll have to save up for ages but the leap in quality will make the wait worthwhile (I hope).