Affordable Canon-fit zoom lens?

[Chris71]

Hi,

I'm flirting with the idea of buying a zoom lens (I'm sure that's not the technical term...) for my 400D. I currently have the 18-55 'kit' lens and I'm looking for something to take longer distance shots - basically panning shots of cars on track.

What's the entry price for a respectable lens?

What are the features to look for?

Are there any future proofing issues to watch for as I'd plan to keep hold of it for some time?

Thanks,

Chris

[Gemm]

I think 70-300mm lens would be the best choice for you. I think you can get the Sigma one for about £100? You may need a lens with faster AF for tracking though, which means Canon USM lenses may be a better choice, then the price will be a bit higher. I always recommend their 100-300 lens rather than 70(75)-300 lens as it has better features.

[4hero]

Canon 70-200 f2.8 IS or 100-400 IS You'll probably be disappointed with anything else (I know I was ). It was an expensive mistake trying out "cheaper" alternatives. If you can, dive in and get one of these.

[Gemm]

4hero said:

Canon 70-200 f2.8 IS or 100-400 IS You'll probably be disappointed with anything else (I know I was ). It was an expensive mistake trying out "cheaper" alternatives. If you can, dive in and get one of these.

Yes, ideally, but not always realistic and possible.

Edited by Gemm on Thursday 12th August 12:33

[ukwill]

Look at Flickr - plenty of examples of good shots with "crap" glass. A lot of people like the Nifty-Two-Fifty. That would complement your kit lens well.

[thatone1967]

Currys have a 55 - 200 Tamron Canon Fit lens for (just under) £100.. any good?

http://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/tamron-55-200mm-f4-0-...

[jimmy156]

4hero said:

Canon 70-200 f2.8 IS or 100-400 IS You'll probably be disappointed with anything else (I know I was ). It was an expensive mistake trying out "cheaper" alternatives. If you can, dive in and get one of these.

No offence intended, but are you being serious. The chap has asked for advice on "entry level" prices for zoom lenses. The two lenses you have suggested cost just under £2000 and just over £1200, and you say he would be disappointed with anything else? There are other good lenses other then Canon L glass.

ETA: The canon 55-250 is generally thought to be a good addition to the 17-55 kit lens, and can be had for just over the £200 mark, Sigma and Tamron also offer similar lenses at similar prices.

If you did want to spend more and go for Canon L glass, the 70-200 F/4 is just over £500.

Edited by jimmy156 on Thursday 12th August 14:08

[nick_bbb]

jimmy156 said:

4hero said:

Canon 70-200 f2.8 IS or 100-400 IS You'll probably be disappointed with anything else (I know I was ). It was an expensive mistake trying out "cheaper" alternatives. If you can, dive in and get one of these.

No offence intended, but are you being serious. The chap has asked for advice on "entry level" prices for zoom lenses. The two lenses you have suggested cost just under £2000 and just over £1200, and you say he would be disappointed with anything else? There are other good lenses other then Canon L glass.

[Chris71]

thatone1967 said:

Currys have a 55 - 200 Tamron Canon Fit lens for (just under) £100.. any good?

http://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/tamron-55-200mm-f4-0-...

Sounds tempting. Can only echo the comment above - would be interested to hear any feedback.

It'll be used largely for work stuff, which means I'll tend to be relatively close to the action, so I don't need huge degrees of magnification, just a bit more 'oomph' than the 18-55 provides. I'd like something idiot proof and reliable basically.

I suspect image-stabilised lenses might be a bit pricey for me at the moment, but at what point do they come in and are the more affordable ones worth looking at (i.e. is there a risk that budget stabilisation might be a bit of gimmick that doesn't actually work that well)?

[4hero]

jimmy156 said:

4hero said:

Canon 70-200 f2.8 IS or 100-400 IS You'll probably be disappointed with anything else (I know I was ). It was an expensive mistake trying out "cheaper" alternatives. If you can, dive in and get one of these.

No offence intended, but are you being serious. The chap has asked for advice on "entry level" prices for zoom lenses. The two lenses you have suggested cost just under £2000 and just over £1200, and you say he would be disappointed with anything else? There are other good lenses other then Canon L glass.

I did say "if you can"

[agent006]

I have one of these:

http://www.warehouseexpress.com/buy-canon-ef-70-30...

It's excellent. Really good quality, the IS is great, and it's light. I could afford a 70-200L but I don't see any reason to upgrade to it as the cost isn't justified for me as an amateur. Plus I don't want everyone staring at me because i've got "one of those lenses".

[Sim89]

I use this Canon 75-300 non usm lense. Can be difficult at lengths due to non USM and relatively slow focus times, but decent enough for the price.

http://www.warehouseexpress.com/buy-canon-ef-75-30...

[Garlick]

thatone1967 said:

Currys have a 55 - 200 Tamron Canon Fit lens for (just under) £100.. any good?

http://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/tamron-55-200mm-f4-0-...

I have a Tamron, not the one quoted but I have been very happy with the results it produces. For the outlay I can't complain and I'm a satisfied customer

[RobDickinson]

Canons 70-300 IS is micro USM, not proper ring USM, not quite as quick.

It looks like this lens may get an update possibly but it'd be well worth looking at the Tamron SP 70-300mm F4-5.6 Di VC USD lens , shiney new out but looks like it should be very good opticaly and has proper USM motor.

Also the 55-250 is a good idea but wont work on a full frame camera later if you go that way.

[markmullen]

I've got the 55-250 and for a little cheapie it is a cracking lens, IS is useful and helps to compensate for it not being the fastest lens.

[Killwilly]

markmullen said:

I've got the 55-250 and for a little cheapie it is a cracking lens, IS is useful and helps to compensate for it not being the fastest lens.

I will second this, a brilliant lens for the money.

[Seight_Returns]

I have the Canon 70-300 IS and I'm very happy with it.

I also read very positive things about the 55-250 - allegedly optically as good as the 70-300 IS but half the price.

[Chris71]

Killwilly said:

markmullen said:

I've got the 55-250 and for a little cheapie it is a cracking lens, IS is useful and helps to compensate for it not being the fastest lens.

I will second this, a brilliant lens for the money.

Sorry, which 55-250, are we talking about the Tamron?

I've sort of set my absolute maximum as £300, preferably significantly less.

[profstoff]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

Canon do a 28 - 135 zoom with IS and USM, about £200 on ebay. I know because I'm looking at buying one. Not sure if it'll be long enough for the OP.

[Seight_Returns]

We're talking about the Canon EF-S 55-250 f4-5.6 IS

Best price currently £169 on Camerapricebuster.com