suggestions for lenses

System

i was thinking, that this 18-55mm lense that comes standard with the Digital Rebel XT (350d) isn't going to do a whole lot of zooming in. so i was wondering if you guys had any suggestions about zoom/telephoto lenses that are in-expensive but do a fantastic job. Also what lense manufacturers tend to make that more..
once again thanks for your help


-daniel-

tom e

what are you looking for? faster lens? bigger zoom range? better image quality?

without knowing, i'll make a couple recommendations.

canon 17-85 IS (used available under $500)
sigma 18-50 f/2.8

and remember that "fantastic" and "inexpensive" will be mutually exclusive in a zoom lens.

System

tom e wrote:

what are you looking for? faster lens? bigger zoom range? better image quality?

i want a zoom telephoto. maybe something around a 70-300 or 75-300. and are Tamron lenses decent?? i just want something that can let me zoom in a little farther then what a 18-55 will but still deliver a great photo.

-daniel-

tom e

mr_hardcore wrote:

i want a zoom telephoto. maybe something around a 70-300 or 75-300. and are Tamron lenses decent?? i just want something that can let me zoom in a little farther then what a 18-55 will but still deliver a great photo.

-daniel-

think about the canon 70-200 f/4L. it is a fine lens and on your camera will give you alot of reach. will it be enough? if you plan to shoot birds, probably not. if you provide more info on what uses you plan for this lens you will get better info. tamron lenses can be excellent, but just as with canon there are stars and dogs.

Chase

A price range would be helpful too.....what is inexpensive? 300? 1000? That would change suggestions drmamatically....

System

Chase wrote:

A price range would be helpful too.....what is inexpensive? 300? 1000? That would change suggestions drmamatically....

price range is 300$ Max. :

DanielB

This is Mr__hardcore, this is my new Dgrin name. just so you know.:):

Chase

Save your money?

300 dollars will not really buy you a very nice telephoto IMO.

tom e

yes, definitely "fantastic" zoom and $300 are mutually exclusive.

you should consider the canon 55-200 and the sigma 18-125:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=324385&is=REG&addedTroughType=search
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=300600&is=USA&addedTroughType=search

also for a bit more, the canon 28-135 IS is a very nice lens. it has a small rebate available now as well:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=149629&is=USA&addedTroughType=search

are these links working? when i check on them they all go to the same page.

nikk

mr_hardcore wrote:

i want a zoom telephoto. maybe something around a 70-300 or 75-300. and are Tamron lenses decent?? i just want something that can let me zoom in a little farther then what a 18-55 will but still deliver a great photo.

-daniel-

how about a sigma 70-300 apo. not a f2.8 but definitely way below $300. it is 'not fast' but also 'not' a bad lens. with macro capability too.

CalfeeRider

Hey Daniel, if you haven't checked it out, you may want to go to see the reviews on fredmiranda.com. Their official and user reviews I've found to be helpful and pretty well corroborated by people I know that have the lenses I've looked at there. They also have some pricing info that will help you make sure the lens is in your price range. Other sites I like are dpreview and steve's digicam.

Btw: I've had good experience with both my previous D70 and love my new Canon. The Nikon 18-70 "kit" lens, is a great lens to start with and gives a respectable wide-angle to a decent tele-zoom. My main reason for the switch is I think that Canon has a broader range of bodies and overall their glass is awesome. The new D200 will help Nikon and is a welcome addition to the market as far as I'm concerned.

I'd also agree with previous posters that you should get a "feel" for each one and see what you like best, and also to look on Ebay, AndyBay (here on dgrin) and the forum on fredmiranda to see if you don't see a decent deal on a slightly used setup. They're out there!

Good luck and welcome!
Jack

USAIR

Go to Fred's site you can do some real good comparing there

Here's the link
I also think 300$ is not a lot for a good lens

Fred

sser

How about a tamron 28-300 its treated me very good so far check out this thread http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=21248