Looking to buy my first glass (non-kit)

Jthmeffy

Hey
I'm looking into buying my first lens before I ship out to Hawaii in a month for Annual Training. I have about a $600 limit. I want something good for wildlife (a passion I'm starting to realize ), and good for portraits. I currently have the kit lens that came with my 40D (28-135mm IS). I was thinking about a telephoto zoome. IS is a must for this newbie that has no tripod as of yet (and wouldnt be feesable for the trip anyway - that will come soon!). I was thinking about the Canon Zoom Telephoto EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS.. Any opinions? Any other lenses that would fit my criteria? I would like to have a zoom for its versitility. Again, remember, newbie here .

http://www.photozone.de/Reviews/Canon%20EOS%20Lens%20Tests/45-canon-eos-aps-c/200-canon-ef-70-300mm-f4-56-usm-is-test-report--review

Rhuarc

So I had written a nice long reply post for you, bu then I lost it. So I'll summarize. I have the 70-300 you are talkinga bout and I love it! For the budget you are looking at I think it is a great lens. HERE are a few galleries I took of "wildlife" at the zoo using that lens.

Just my 2 cents!

tgelston

Second the Lens
I too have that lens and am very happy.

I hear the 70-200L is tack sharp but you give up 100mm more of reach and the IS which is great.

Jthmeffy

Rhuarc - Dont you hate it when that happens? It's so frustrating!

tgelston - I really, REALLY want the Canon EF 70-200mm f/4 USM L IS lens... but I dont have $1,100 to drop on a lense right now, so I guess I can dream

Photoskipper

just read the 70 -300 with IS. It sounds great. I think it may be good match to your need. Try it and let us know how good it is. It should be a good travel lens to cover great range.
Don't go for the 100mm Marco, unless you like to catch the insects and enjoy taking the picture of their compound eyes.

ryant35

I have a 70-300mm non IS and it's really good for the money. I'm currently waiting to get a 70-200mm f/2.8 IS but until then my 70-300mm works great.


Edit: Also in my opinion I wouldn't have benefited from spending more for the IS version of this lens. The non IS is less than half the cost...

http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&fcategoryid=150&modelid=7444

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-75-300mm-4-5-6-Telephoto-Cameras/dp/B00004THCZ

swintonphoto

Here is a good review of the 70-300 - looks like a great buy for the price in my opinion.
http://www.slrgear.com/reviews/showproduct.php/product/253/cat/11

Rhuarc

The 100mm f2.8 Macro is a great lens, I have it as well, but it isn't what you want to look at right now. Doesn't have the versatility that the 70-300 does.

Tee Why

I think the 70-300IS would be a good fit for your needs and budget.

Jthmeffy

I think I am pretty well set on the 70-300 IS... I'll probably end up ordering it tomorrow .