After a Canon Lens recommendation

[[1ponders] (Paul)]

While I have some great prime lenses for AP work, I'm limited for my terrestrial photography as far as zoom lenses are concerned. I have a couple of cheap nasties, the main one I use is the 28-90 stock lens, but I'd like something along similar lines that isn't going to cost me a second mortgage.

Any suggestions?

[sejanus (Gavin)]

how much $$ can you spend on it?

[h0ughy (David)]

I know its not a canon lens Paul but I use a Sigma 18-250mm IS lens – for the general shots

[[1ponders] (Paul)]

I was looking at the 24-105, until I saw the price LOL.

I could probably go up to $500, maybe $600 Gavin. Though a good second hand below those prices would definitely get a look at.

[[1ponders] (Paul)]

what's it like wide open dave? Both as far as f ratio and 18mm. Stopped down a bit? Price?

[sejanus (Gavin)]

prob 28-135 IS for $600 odd.

If you want wider that descends into the cheaper stuff that I havent used.

[sejanus (Gavin)]

btw this is a good link ;

http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/

[h0ughy (David)]

Originally Posted by [1ponders]

what's it like wide open dave? Both as far as f ratio and 18mm. Stopped down a bit? Price?

http://www.photoreview.com.au/review...-hsm-lens.aspx for a review and they range in price around the 600 mark. i did make a mistake mine is 18-125 so review and price is here http://www.shopbot.com.au/pp-sigma-1...ce-100252.html

[[1ponders] (Paul)]

A couple of good choices. Both fit the range and price. The Canon is more likely the option. I'm not sure how I feel about having a non-canon in the stable.

Gavin what're your thoughts on the zoom creep and the zoom wobble. They appeared to be two of the major concerns for this lens, though I won't be using it straight up much.

[sejanus (Gavin)]

I only used the 28-135 briefly but never noticed anything.

Make no mistake, it's a cheap lens but in that price bracket it's ok

The sigma 24-70/2.8 might be worth a look also if you can cough up a touch extra (never used it myself)

[hotspur (Chris)]

May I suggest a 18-200 canon,I saw on second hand,on AP a few weeks ago,it sold for $400,which was quite reasonabe.

A friend in town recently purchased a 50D and she got this 18-200 lens

I think its F 3.5-5.6.She is very,very happy with it,she is a fairly advanced photographer,so I would take her recomendation.Although I have no eperience with this lens,from what I have heard else where its well regarded,It certainly would be very use focal lengths,and much lighter than my 70-200 L.

From what I have heard lots of people get the 18-200 for holidays and travel.

hope this helps,also check reviews on Fred Miranda,I check it before I buy any lens.

Cheers Chris

[luigi]

The Tamron 28-75 is a very good quality lens for a very fair price.
And if you want to go wider the Tamron 17-50 F2.8 is very very nice.

Luis

[troypiggo (Troy)]

Sorry Paul. I'd love to be able to give some options, but don't have any hands-on experience with lenses in that range. I do love spending other people's money, though

[xstream (John)]

Paul, In all honesty go the 24-105 you know you'll be disappointed if you don't. Just ask RB, Mike, Phil or myself it'll end up being your most used lens.

It's worth hanging back and saving for!

[Octane (Humayun)]

Or, me.

It's my most used (general purpose), as well. Worth the extra money.

H

[acropolite (Phil)]

Yep, I have to agree with John and H, the 24-105 F4 Lis a very good lens.

It's wide enough to be useable on a crop body and the 105mm end gives good reach.

The 24-105's only vice is moderate CA at the wide end and a touch of barrel distortion, both easily corrected in Canon's DPP software, overall it's very sharp and has excellent contrast.

I had the 24-105 at the same time as the Sigma 17-70, after buying the 24-105 I never bothered using the Siggy, the difference was that great.

Then there's the bonus of Image Stabilisation....

From memory you already have a 17-40 F4L that would compliment the 24-105 nicely.

I know it's out of your budget range, but a good second hand 24-105 just sold for $900 on http://www.ausphotography.net.au classifieds (you need to be a member to access the classifieds). If you can stretch the budget and are prepared to wait there will be more for sale.

[[1ponders] (Paul)]

Thanks for everyone's input. I'm leaning towards the 24-105 atm, but it won't be this month.

[hotspur (Chris)]

There is someone selling a 24-105 over on AP,they are at Caboolture.

last I saw it was $800.

Down at cameras direct on Gold Coast,they are having some quite good specials at the moment,a new 24-105 sells for a bit over $1100.

Apparently its known as the "Swiss Army knife'" of canon lenses.

Be a really good "allrounder" on a full frame,and still very useful on a crop.