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Author Topic: cheap but good Canon lenses  (Read 4381 times)

AaronM

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cheap but good Canon lenses
« on: October 07, 2006, 03:55:03 pm »

I finally saved up enough money to buy a Rebel XT. I love the camera, but I didn't have much money left for lenses, so I settled for the Sigma 28-70mm F2.8-4 DG lens. Once I get enough money saved up, I would like to upgrade to something better. I would like it to have a range from wide angle to slight telephoto, be reasonbly fast, and cost around $200. A maximum of $300.
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DarkPenguin

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cheap but good Canon lenses
« Reply #1 on: October 07, 2006, 05:21:42 pm »

What's the sigma 17-70 go for?  The sigma 18-125 might also be an option.

That price is going to be tough to work with.
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Andy M

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« Reply #2 on: October 07, 2006, 07:15:37 pm »

The lens which really catapulted my learning of photography was the Canon 50mm f1.8 mkII prime.

Paired with my old 20D, a Sigma 18-125 (which is a nice lens in its own right), and later a Canon 70-300 DO, it was the 50mm which taught me the most about photography.

For approx $70-$80 you can't lose.

If you wanted to spend a little more, you could get the f1.4 version which is faster, and quite a lot better built. Many pro's have this lens in their bags alongside their much more expensive 'L' lenses.

You may wish to have a look at the review on Fred Miranda's site as well
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dobson

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« Reply #3 on: October 08, 2006, 01:48:58 am »

I do like the 50mm 1.8; the build leaves something to be desired, but the photos it takes are great.


I'm looking at the Tamron 17-35 f/2.8-4 for myself. Most review I've heard are very positive. If only someone had it in stock.
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ARD

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« Reply #4 on: October 08, 2006, 07:58:46 am »

You might get a better lens if you looked at the used market. A good second hand lens will save you money and get you better glass
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pobrien3

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« Reply #5 on: October 08, 2006, 08:30:31 pm »

I don't know what prices these lenses sell for, but IMHO they're amazingly good value for the quality.  As mentioned above the 50mm f/1.4 is fantastic, and the 85mm f/1.8 is hard to beat.
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Paulo Bizarro

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« Reply #6 on: October 10, 2006, 06:32:52 am »

Well, for that price you have to look into the used market, perhaps. A good set would be the 28 f/2.8, 50 1.8, and 135 f/2.8 soft-focus.

Certainly not fancy, but very good quality.

rkhndjr

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« Reply #7 on: October 10, 2006, 03:26:25 pm »

Quote
I finally saved up enough money to buy a Rebel XT. I love the camera, but I didn't have much money left for lenses, so I settled for the Sigma 28-70mm F2.8-4 DG lens. Once I get enough money saved up, I would like to upgrade to something better. I would like it to have a range from wide angle to slight telephoto, be reasonbly fast, and cost around $200. A maximum of $300.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=79463\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]

My favorite is the 35/2. Not good for any short tele but I use it more thn any other.
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nigeldh

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cheap but good Canon lenses
« Reply #8 on: October 10, 2006, 11:47:30 pm »

I would suggest that you watch eBay and use an auction sniper program - you set the maximum bid, near the end of the auction the program autobids for you. (Search the web for auction sniping for more info.)

After a couple of weeks you should get a good feel for the price of things and by bidding low on a number of items, you might get lucky. A Canon 28-135 can sell for $300 on one auction and over $400 on an other auction.

Be sure to select the full frame version when looking for a lens. No point in buying a lens that only works on a small sensor camera then winning the lottery (or owning YourTube stock) so you can buy a 5D or other full sensor camera.

I started with a Sigma 28-60 on my 30D then I added the Canon 28-135 because 60mm was not enough reach for framing flower shots or high school sports.

Nigel
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