Buying a new lens, need help

MoroCycler

I own a Canon XT digital D350 and will like to buy a 28-300 lens (Sigma), I read it is not a sharp one at any focal lenght so I want to ask the experts if you can give me some advice on this subject.

I will like to have a handy, not bulky lens that I can carry easily.

Thanks
Humberto

TeamSpeed

MoroCycler wrote:

I own a Canon XT digital D350 and will like to buy a 28-300 lens (Sigma), I read it is not a sharp one at any focal lenght so I want to ask the experts if you can give me some advice on this subject.

I will like to have a handy, not bulky lens that I can carry easily.

Thanks
Humberto

Do you have a price range in mind? The Canon 28-135 is a pretty well known walk around lens for around $300, and the Sigma 17-70 or 18-50 are also pretty liked in the same price range. Canon 17-85 IS runs around $400 and the Canon 70-300mm IS runs around $500. All depends on your price range. There are some decent Tamrons in this price range as well, but I don't know much about that brand.

ziggy53

MoroCycler wrote:

I own a Canon XT digital D350 and will like to buy a 28-300 lens (Sigma), I read it is not a sharp one at any focal lenght so I want to ask the experts if you can give me some advice on this subject.

I will like to have a handy, not bulky lens that I can carry easily.

Thanks
Humberto

This is a consumer grade ultra-zoom. As long as you don't expect miracles, it does what it says. Probably best for static subjects and small image sizes. Web stuff and 4x6 prints should look OK with some USM. Use good technique at the long end because it's a fairly slow lens. (High ISO, smaller aperture, fastest shutter speed available.)

MoroCycler

TeamSpeed wrote:

Do you have a price range in mind? The Canon 28-135 is a pretty well known walk around lens for around $300, and the Sigma 17-70 or 18-50 are also pretty liked in the same price range. Canon 17-85 IS runs around $400 and the Canon 70-300mm IS runs around $500. All depends on your price range. There are some decent Tamrons in this price range as well, but I don't know much about that brand.

My price range is around $500 but I would prefer larger zoom lens. Could you recommend something?
Thanks

Humberto

MoroCycler

ziggy53 wrote:

This is a consumer grade ultra-zoom. As long as you don't expect miracles, it does what it says. Probably best for static subjects and small image sizes. Web stuff and 4x6 prints should look OK with some USM. Use good technique at the long end because it's a fairly slow lens. (High ISO, smaller aperture, fastest shutter speed available.)

Thanks Ziggy, do you have a better recommendation?

Thank you

ziggy53

MoroCycler wrote:

My price range is around $500 but I would prefer larger zoom lens. Could you recommend something?
Thanks

Humberto

I would suggest 2 lenses:

Used 28-75 F2.8 TAMRON XR ASPHERICAL MACRO DI, used "EX" condition at KEH for $275USD

New Tamron Zoom Telephoto AF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di LD Macro, $190USD at B&H
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=6974&A=details&Q=&sku=423725&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

The first lens (28-75mm) is much better in low light and interior work. Nice general purpose lens. (Not as wide as I would like, but workable.) Several folks here have this lens and like it.

The second lens is passable from 70-200mm, then it gets softer than I like, but still usable for simple subject matter. Mostly an outdoor sunny lens, but could be used indoor with flash, if you can obtain focus. Not a true macro but passable as a close focus lens.

ziggy53

Tamron samples:

28-75mm
http://www.pbase.com/cameras/tamron/sp_af_28-75_28_xr_di_ld_if

70-300mm
http://www.pbase.com/cameras/tamron/af_70300_456_macro

MoroCycler

ziggy53 wrote:

Tamron samples:

28-75mm
http://www.pbase.com/cameras/tamron/sp_af_28-75_28_xr_di_ld_if

70-300mm
http://www.pbase.com/cameras/tamron/af_70300_456_macro

Thank You Very much for the help!
Humberto