Lens advice

[Juggy]

Would this be a decent buy? I know nothing about lenses or what's good and what's not but I need something zoom.

Sigma 70-300mm APO DG Macro

[plazma]

Ummm... maybe you should first figure out what type of lens is suitable for your needs. Being stuck with an expensive and wrong lens is a pain in the butt. Not to mention the wallet.

Unless you have more money than brains, in which case it doesn't matter. :)

I bought a Sigma lens today and I'm as happy as the proverbial pig in Palestine. But I researched it carefully before parting with my hard-earned money.

[Juggy]

I don't know very much about photography but really want to get into it. I'm a firm believer in having the right tools so you learn properly.

I bought a 2nd hand 450D with 6000 actuations in brand new condition for 4 grand the other day and am very happy with it. Really want a decent zoom for distant shots and sport photo's, will need to be able to do outdoors photography as well.

Brains and spare cash I do have;)

[chau]

http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showthread.php?211988-Sigma-28-300mm-f-3.5-6.3-DG-Macro-vs-Sigma-70-300mm-f-4-5.6-APO-DG-Macro
Have a read at Koffijunkie's post. That should help you out a bit in making a decision

[Juggy]

Interesting, so all in all it looks like a decent lens, and for a little over R1000 2nd hand it should be a decent buy.

[plazma]

You can't go wrong with a Sigma, mate, 10 000 000 pro's can't be wrong.

[bwana]

Sigma's are nice, some of them really nice. One of my favourite lenses though is the Canon 70-200 f/4 L (http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-70-200mm-f-4.0-L-USM-Lens-Review.aspx). Sharp, lightweight and, for an L grade lens, affordable.

http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=4984

[BigAl-sa]

Just make sure that you do get the APO version. From what I've seen, there is a huge difference in image quality between the APO (http://www.sacamera.co.za/product/1011997/Sigma_70300mm_f45.6_DG_APO_Macro_%28Canon_mount%29/) and non-APO (http://www.sacamera.co.za/product/1011988/Sigma_70300mm_F4.5__6_DG_Macro_for_Canon/) versions of the lens.

[Juggy]

Yeah, it is the APO version.

Thanks for the advice guys

[Dolby]

Out of interest :

Is it better to get (for example) 3x lens covering a distance (ie 30-100, 100-200 and 200-300) rather than a single 30-300?

[Juggy]

Just another Q, if I want to get a picture of something 100 meters away with very good clarity and sharpness will this lens do? I'm not concerned about focus speed and would shoot at 400 or 800 ISO

[plazma]

Juggy, two pieces of advice:

1. Buy the biggest mofo lens you can afford. Give all the other photographers penis envy, and never wish you had bought the next bigger one.

2. Take your camera to the lens shop. Put on the lens you want to buy. Test it. Its expensive and they should allow you to do this. Then you won't need to ask questions here any more. I'm kinda waiting for you to ask about the colour of the lens, its weight, if it fits in your hand, fits in your camera bag, if your car's fuel consumption will go up if you transport the lens, ... see?

Just go try it out.

:)

[Juggy]

Wow, didn't expect that response, just wanted a bit of advice because I know diddley squat about photography and would like advice on a lens that I can take decent pictures with from a distance.

Anyone else care to give me proper advice?

I'd like to buy 2nd hand so I get more for my money as well. I'm going to Mozambique on honeymoon and want to take the best possible pictures.

And so even the monkeys can respond, what's the best colour to get:p

[Edduck]

Just another Q, if I want to get a picture of something 100 meters away with very good clarity and sharpness will this lens do? I'm not concerned about focus speed and would shoot at 400 or 800 ISO


Just another Q, if I want to get a picture of something 100 meters away with very good clarity and sharpness will this lens do? I'm not concerned about focus speed and would shoot at 400 or 800 ISO

Depends how big want the object ur focusing on to be. If you want to fill the frame with a close up of a lions head then ur going to need 500 to 600mm lens ($$$$$$$$$$$$). If you want to see the whole lions body and some bush the the 300mm end will be fine.

I.m.o most great wildlife pics are shot from not more than 15m away!

If you have a bit of extra cash go for the OS (Image stabilised version) or have a look at the Canon 70-200 f4 with the 1.4x teleconverter.

[BigAl-sa]

I'd like to buy 2nd hand so I get more for my money as well. I'm going to Mozambique on honeymoon and want to take the best possible pictures.

I hope you also have a shorter lens, such as the kit lens, in your camera bag. You aren't going to be able to take too many pics of your missus (or is that hubby?) with those beachy backgrounds, if you only have a 70-300 lens...

I personally reckon a really wide lens, such as the Sigma 10-20, would be of more use than the 70-300 on this trip.

[Juggy]

I have the standard lens that came with the 450D 18-55 I think it is. Wide angle, sounds like quite a nice idea, I'll look into it

[bwana]

I have the standard lens that came with the 450D 18-55 I think it is. Wide angle, sounds like quite a nice idea, I'll look into it18 is fairly wide and may be more than adequate for your honeymoon. I would suggest getting an inexpensive lens hood to help control the flaring that lens is prone to.

[Juggy]

Aha, that's good advice.

A pro photographer mate of mine has given me a Canon 75-300 for gratis after I asked him for lens advice as well.

Turns out he thinks I've done him a lot of favours and wants to repay me:D

Just waiting for the exact model details so I can check it out

[bwana]

A 50mm (either the f/1.8 or f/1.4) is a great addition to any camera bag.

[Juggy]

A 50mm (either the f/1.8 or f/1.4) is a great addition to any camera bag.

Is that the fixed focal length?

[bwana]

Is that the fixed focal length?Yes. Fixed but very fast and very affordable. It's a good way to practice controlling DOF.

On the 450d it's the equivalent of a 80mm which is nice for portraiture work.

[Juggy]

Yes. Fixed but very fast and very affordable. It's a good way to practice controlling DOF.

On the 450d it's the equivalent of a 80mm which is nice for portraiture work.

Thanks Bwana, so much to learn.

Do you have any links for budding photographers to learn all about lenses/aperture/fstop etc? I'm sure there is good and bad advice and I'd prefer to get the good first up.

[bwana]

Thanks Bwana, so much to learn.

Do you have any links for budding photographers to learn all about lenses/aperture/fstop etc? I'm sure there is good and bad advice and I'd prefer to get the good first up.Sorry, my learning days predate the internet. :o

I have heard good very things about http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/

[synapseZA]

+1 on a portrait lens like the 35, 50, 85. I prefer the 35mm for indoor social events - wide enough without having to leave the room to take the picture. But not suited for close up portraits due to distortion (large nose, small ears - okay for dog pics - but the wife might not appreciate it :) )

[Juggy]

Cool, apparently the lens is a Canon EF 75-300mm f/4.0-5.6 II USM. Not sure if it's any good so will check it out and see if it suits my purpose.

[SoftDux-Rudi]

It's a very good lens to buy. I've had mine for about 3 year now, worked well on my 350D, and now on my 30D.

[Juggy]

It's a very good lens to buy. I've had mine for about 3 year now, worked well on my 350D, and now on my 30D.

Luckily I've been given it by a mate that's a pro photographer

[Dolby]

I don't want to create another lens thread - so I'll ask here :

At http://www.studio22.co.za/canonlenses.htm, why is this lens Canon EF-S 55-250mm f4.5-5.6 IS only R 2895.00 and this Canon EF-S 18-200mm F3.5-5.6 IS at R 5499.00?

I've always thought the F-stop was the figure to look at with regards to performance (and price) - but in this example the F stop would be similar in the lens at the same zoon?

[SubliminalThought]

Well for one, the 18-200 being a longer zoom (~ 11x vs ~ 4.5x) means that there is usually more glass elements needed to correct distortion such as pincushion and barrel distortions.

The max aperture at Tele is the same on both lenses, the build is roughly the same, and they were manufactured at roughly the same time, so the technology is the same. The IS in both will probably have similar performance too. So the only factor I can think is the extra glass needed and a bit more materials to accommodate them. Over R2000 worth... hmmm that does seem a bit of a stretch.

[bwana]

At http://www.studio22.co.za/canonlenses.htm, why is this lens Canon EF-S 55-250mm f4.5-5.6 IS only R 2895.00 and this Canon EF-S 18-200mm F3.5-5.6 IS at R 5499.00?I'd have to say by judging from reviews of the lenses that build quality must also account for some of the difference, for example the plastic mount of the 55-250 as compared to the metal of the 18-200. I'm also assuming that the longer zoom range (11x for the 18-200) means more elements.

[remus786]

Hi chaps, please give this noob some much needed advice.. I recently caught the photobug and loving the experience so far. I feel my current camera is lacking something with regards to reach and so I started looking at some new glass.. the lens is mainly to replace the very limited 18-55 kit lens with something 'walkabout'

here are the 2 I have chosen :

EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS – R4060.68
EF-S 18-200 mm f 3.5-5.6 IS – R5158.50

Although I am new to photography and am at an amateur level I quickly started realizing limitations with the kit lens and don’t wanna compromise too much on IQ for a bit of reach i would find on the 18-200 so I looked at the 18-135. I also like the wide 18 so I will stick to that as I don’t have to carry along lenses, I really do want only 1. Are these lenses any good? is image quality lacking on the 18-200 for a beginner? I can post some pictures of a few snaps i have taken at some of the games and you guys can see what I mean by limitations. PLEASE HELP!!

[remus786]

double post.. apologies for the hijack

[stix]

I have this lens. Sharp and crisp. But i am no fan. Prefer wide angle.

[bwana]

I have this lens. Sharp and crisp. But i am no fan. Prefer wide angle.:confused: 18mm is considered to be wide angle by most, including canon.

[stix]

Lol - Was refering to the original -> Sigma 70-300mm APO DG Macro

[remus786]

I have this lens. Sharp and crisp. But i am no fan. Prefer wide angle.

which lens is that stix?

can anyone tell me where i can test out or hire lenses in Durban?

[stix]

Hey remus,

Was referring to OP on this topic.

Not sure about Lens rental in Durbs.

[PostmanPot]

Thanks Bwana, so much to learn.

Do you have any links for budding photographers to learn all about lenses/aperture/fstop etc? I'm sure there is good and bad advice and I'd prefer to get the good first up.

Lots of good videos on YouTube. :)

[Juggy]

I was at Photographic Repairs this morning and the guy I spoke to reccomend that I get rid of my 18-55 and get the 18-200 as it is a great all use lens from indoors to outdoor shots. It's also small enough to keep mounted on the camera.

Only problem is the 5500 pricetag so I'm looking 2nd hand

[bwana]

I was at Photographic Repairs this morning and the guy I spoke to reccomend that I get rid of my 18-55 and get the 18-200 as it is a great all use lens from indoors to outdoor shots. It's also small enough to keep mounted on the camera.

Only problem is the 5500 pricetag so I'm looking 2nd handIn all honesty I think it would be a bit on the slow side for indoor use.

[Juggy]

Hmm, how about the 55-250? They've come down in price to just under 3K.

[plazma]

The 18-200 is nearly useless for indoor work.

[bwana]

Hmm, how about the 55-250? They've come down in price to just under 3K.That's also a f/5.6 at the long end.

A fast 50mm f/1.8 is inexpensive and pretty handy if you're shooting indoors.

[remus786]

I'm contemplating buying the 18-200 lens.. International reviews are not that good, but real life photos, both local and intl forums are quite good :confused:

How is this possible?

[synapseZA]

I don't use Canon - so I cannot comment on the lens in question. But bad lenses are not horrible in all aspects. So if the lens is used with knowledge of its shortcomings you can get good results. (ie. if a lens has a lot of diffraction above a specific aperture, avoid using it there). The reviews will also look at ergonomics and speed of AF for instance - things that will not reflect in the photos you see online.

The best thing when buying glass is to go to your local photography shop and try the lens out. Take some shots on your own body at different apertures and focal lengths and look at the results on a PC later. Don't judge it on the camera's LCD. If you are happy with the results and the lens would suit your intended use - go for it. Reselling a globally unpopular lens could be difficult and should also be a consideration.

[vash87]

Hmm, how about the 55-250? They've come down in price to just under 3K.

is that the EFS 55-250?
one thing to consider is that the lens is ultimately more important than the camera. good lenses will last a lifetime and should work with any camera you buy in the future too. in a sense, the camera is ultimately disposable as it becomes technoligally obsolete. this happens to the lens too but generally not as fast (the efs lenses wil not work on canons top of the range dslr's). my point is, invest in quality lenses.. not necessarily the best but the best you can afford because you will appreciate them for a long time rather than buying a lame lens now and buying the step up in two years. with that said, you are better off using two lenses to split the focal range instead of one lens like a 18-200 for example - these lenses sacrifice image quality for broad focal range. i would say keep the kit lens and get one of the 70 - 300 varieties.. however consider that at 300mm you will generally need a shutter speed of around 1/480 to avoid camera shake. then you need to consider the conditions you will use it in: if it is always bright daylight when you use the lens, an f4-5.6 will be fine. (remember the 5.6 will be the minimum val at full zoom). but if you want to use it in the shade, indoors or in the evenings without a tripod you will need something more.. either something like the ef 70 - 200 f4 L, or a zoom with image stabilising that will allow you use a shutter speed more like 1/300 to avoid camera shake. I was faced with this exact dillemma just a few weeks ago. started off looking at the sigma 70 - 300 f4-5.6 dg macro apo and ended up saving a bit more cash and getting the canon ef 70 - 300 f4-5.6 IS USM. I am very happy with the decision because the image stabilisation and the ultra sonic autofocus on the canon makes a world of difference.


That's also a f/5.6 at the long end.

A fast 50mm f/1.8 is inexpensive and pretty handy if you're shooting indoors.

100% agreed. the 50mm f1.8 is canons cheapest lens but image quality functionality in low light are incredible. the only thing you dont get is build quality. a while ago though i dropped by lens on the floor and it kind of opened up revealing electronics and stuff. i crunched it back together and it still works perfectly. it just goes to show that this lens is imbued with magic.


I'm contemplating buying the 18-200 lens.. International reviews are not that good, but real life photos, both local and intl forums are quite good :confused:

How is this possible?

perhaps its only possible untill you see the kind of photos you can get from the better lenses :P

[SubliminalThought]

Whats more important that good glass, is good light. You can get good images with an 18-200 if you know the sweet spot to use the lens at aperture wise and have good light. Amazing photos can be had. Its also a testament to the photographer using what is considered an inferior lens. Its all the other elements such as composition and knowing where to place the subject relative to the light. I've seen bad photos on pixel-peeper with R12k lenses and awesome photos with R900 lenses. So its entirely possible!

Technical reviews look at MTF resolution figures. While these are indicative of sharpness, or rather resolving power of the lens, they're not as relevant in real world shooting. Other things that is considered is build, AF speed, chromatic abberation etc. This might be very important to the PRO who needs quick fast AF, lenses built to withstand the elements and the widest aperture with the least amount of abberations, but for the hobbyist, these are things that could sometimes be overlooked in terms of versatility. So always consider the perspective that technical reviews are made from.

[remus786]

I was faced with this exact dillemma just a few weeks ago. started off looking at the sigma 70 - 300 f4-5.6 dg macro apo and ended up saving a bit more cash and getting the canon ef 70 - 300 f4-5.6 IS USM. I am very happy with the decision because the image stabilisation and the ultra sonic autofocus on the canon makes a world of difference. :P

was this your recent purchase? http://www.canon.co.uk/for_home/product_finder/cameras/ef_lenses/image_stabilization_lenses/ef_70-300mm_f4-5.6_is_usm/index.aspx

Reviews look great but i guess carrying 2 lenses defeats the purpose of convenience. Though this does seem to be the best compromise between convenience and IQ.


perhaps its only possible untill you see the kind of photos you can get from the better lenses :P

Unfortunately Durbans quite limited with regards to testing lenses with no lens rental places or retailers who stock lenses so i rely on reviews and fellow forumites first hand advice.

[vash87]

yes, that is exactly the lens i bought. you can get it at quite a good price first hand from http://orms.co.za/product.php?a=view&product=126. it is a little inconvenient having to use more than one lens on a regular basis because everynow and again you'll miss the shot you wanted by the time you have changed lenses, but i still think its worth it. before i go shooting i normally have a good idea about what kind of focal range i need, and i always take my other lenses with just in case.

[Juggy]

After buggering around I've decided that my next lens will be the Canon 24-70 F2.8 L. Looks great and will replace my 18-55 almost completely. Might have to settle for the Sigma version if I can't find it 2nd hand

http://www.orms.co.za/product.php?a=view&product=111

[bwana]

After buggering around I've decided that my next lens will be the Canon 24-70 F2.8 L. Looks great and will replace my 18-55 almost completely. Might have to settle for the Sigma version if I can't find it 2nd hand

http://www.orms.co.za/product.php?a=view&product=111Trust me - it's hardly "settling" if you get the 24-70 F/2.8 IF EX DG HSM model. ;)

[Juggy]

Lol, would this be the one? I'm not quite sure how the naming goes in relation to the Canon equivalent. At that price it's 3K cheaper than what the Canon costs.

http://www.sacamera.co.za/product/1012010/Sigma_2470mm_F2.8_EX_DG_HSM_for_Canon/

Would you consider it a good purchase? It was either the 24-70 or the 24-105

[moron51]

Juggy, I think a 24mm wide angle is just not wide enough on an APS-C DSLR like the 450D - unless you're planning to buy a super-wide zoom like a 10-20 as well. Remember, 24mm on a 450D is equivalent to 38mm on a full-frame camera - and that's not wide enough for scenics, in my experience.
Rather look at the old Canon 17-85 - should be able to find a used one out there.

[Juggy]

See, this is my problem. I have the 18-55 and a 70-300 which is fine but I want a lens with lower fstop so that's why I'm considering the 24-70 F2.8. I'm also considering the fixed 50 F1.4 but money is the problem so I'm trying to get a prime that will do the most for me.

Best option would the following but obviously money is the problem.

17-40 - New
24-70 - New
70-300 - I have already

Also, anyone know where I can get a decently priced circular polarizing filter for my 18-55?

[bwana]

@juggy - yes, that's the right one. I've just sent mine to cpt for a service (I'm kind of rough with my gear :o) and I'm suffering from withdrawal symptoms because it has quickly become my every occasion glass. Right now I'm stuck with my 16-35 on my camera and its just too short for my liking.

The 50mm f/1.4 is also a great lens as is the much cheaper f/1.8.

[Juggy]

So better judgement has pushed me to get a 17-85 rather for my first purchase. I picked up a good condition 2nd hand one for 2500 which I thought was a good buy. I figured I'd rather start off small and get used to this photography thing before I go spending large ammounts of cash on a hobby I might find I don't enjoy.

[Dolby]

http://www.orms.co.za/product.php?a=view&product=1532

Sigma 200-500mm f/2.8 EX DG

R169,995.00

Wow ... :/

[SoftDux-Rudi]

http://www.orms.co.za/product.php?a=view&product=1532

Sigma 200-500mm f/2.8 EX DG

R169,995.00

Wow ... :/

The Nikon 200-400 (http://www.orms.co.za/product.php?a=view&product=150) might be cheaper, but it's a damn fine lens! It's heavy but performed very well in the Kruger Park last week :)

[bwana]

Why canon hasn't filled that 200-400mm gap with something like that is beyond my comprehension.

[DylanS]

I have a Lens question, I am getting a Canon 28mm-135mm f3.5-5.6 IS USM , but to do that I am selling my old camera but I dont know if I should increase the sales price and include my old 18-55mm lens?

[BigAl-sa]

I have a Lens question, I am getting a Canon 28mm-135mm f3.5-5.6 IS USM , but to do that I am selling my old camera but I dont know if I should increase the sales price and include my old 18-55mm lens?

If you have another lens to cover 18-28mm then yes, otherwise I'd say no. There's an appreciable difference in FoV between 18 and 28mm. But, on the other hand, you're more likely to be able to sell the camera with a lens.