Should I Buy...?

jandrewnelsonjandrewnelson Registered Users Posts: 300 Major grins
edited June 13, 2010 in Accessories
I've got a chance to buy a Quantaray TECH-10 CN AF 70-300mm lens. I've got a Canon 20D EOS.

I've been playiing around with this lens/camera combo today and if I'm in Av mode, I keep getting Error Code 99. This error code does NOT show up if I'm shooting in manual mode.

Your thoughts, guidance and advice please?

The guy with the lens wants $60.00 for it.

Thanks
Jerry Nelson
www.meesoon.smugmug.com

Comments

  • craig_dcraig_d Registered Users Posts: 911 Major grins
    edited June 13, 2010
    If the lens isn't working right on your camera in all modes, I suggest not buying it.

    Quantaray is a name used by the Ritz/Wolf Camera stores. This lens is a rebranded low-end Sigma lens that typically sells for $200-$250 new.

    I googled "Quantaray Tech-10 CN AF 70-300mm" and found lots of other people complaining about error 99. It seems to be a common problem.
    http://craigd.smugmug.com

    Got bored with digital and went back to film.
  • ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 24,133 moderator
    edited June 13, 2010
    Quantaray, Promaster, etc. are simply "house brands" and re-badged items manufactured by companies like Tamron, Sigma and Cosina. They tend to be the lowest tier of consumer quality, but sometimes that is all that's required.

    It does sound like this lens is incompatible with your body. While it might be possible to find the parent manufacturer and have the lens "re-chipped", it is not likely to be able to have that done. (Support for the lowest tier products and re-badged at that tend to be terribly difficult to get support or service after the sale.)

    If this lens has $60 value to you in this condition, then it may be worthwhile. I have purchased several value lenses over the years, some with severe limitations when used with a modern body. I have gotten some real jewels that way.

    Unfortunately, I doubt that this Quantaray is a real jewel. It is probably the Quantaray Tech-10 CN AF 70-300mm, f4-f5.6 LDO Macro. If it is used as a 70-200mm, f5.6-f8 then it can deliver pretty good results in strong light. For low light and indoor conditions it is just not worthwhile. By 300mm it is soft at even smaller apertures.

    BTW, plenty of people have the same error with that lens on a Canon dSLR:

    http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=Quantaray+TECH-10+70-300mm+canon+error&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=&gs_rfai=
    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
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