First Zoom Lense

chrisw · 21-11-2006, 10:40 AM

I've bought my other half a Canon 400d and want to get a second hand zoom lense. I've no idea what lense to get her - she likes taking wildlife shots and action shots. She's new to DSLR's so still need something relatively 'point and clicky'... and suggestions?

Budget is up to £150.

geofftelforduk · 21-11-2006, 10:51 AM

Mmmm, not sure if there is such thing as a 'point and clicky' lens for a DSLR!! Keeping within your budget you could look at something like the Sigma 70-300 APO DG which sells online for about £158 or so!! I dont have one myself but there are a few people here who do and get good results!!

WAREHOUSE EXPRESS

Anything else (telephoto) is going to be more expensive I would reckon!!

lmccauley · 21-11-2006, 10:51 AM

The Sigma 70-300mm f4-5.6 APO DG Macro is well regarded as a budget zoom. You can get it for £119 from onestop-digital.

Cheers,
Liam

iGiDK · 21-11-2006, 11:05 AM

If you're going for this lens make sure you get the APO instead of the one that's about £50 cheaper

APO lens = superior optical quality to the £100 Sigma 70-300mm

geofftelforduk · 21-11-2006, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lmccauley

The Sigma 70-300mm f4-5.6 APO DG Macro is well regarded as a budget zoom. You can get it for £119 from onestop-digital.

Cheers,
Liam

Bearing in mind that Onestop Digital is in Hong Kong!

JohnG · 21-11-2006, 11:27 AM

I've got that Sigma 70-300 APO and for the price it's excellent

chrisw · 21-11-2006, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by geofftelforduk

Bearing in mind that Onestop Digital is in Hong Kong!

Thanks... didn't spot that!

May try and get one from ebay - this is still a new thing for her, so don't want to break the bank before she decides if she likes it or not...

geofftelforduk · 21-11-2006, 11:31 AM

My goodness! Onestop Digital also do free postage!!! You have even got me tempted now!!!!

geofftelforduk · 21-11-2006, 11:32 AM

JohnG - could you post a couple of examples please!!??

Valleyman · 21-11-2006, 11:35 AM

I've purchased several lenses and a flash from One Stop Digital.

Postage is free and they refund you the VAT if you get caught. Though personally I havn't been stung with VAT yet so havn't had to go through the hastle.

Just ordered a Tamron 90mm Macro today actually. They emailed me to say I should expect it later this week. Very quick service, and they always reply to email enquiries within an hour or two.

JohnG · 21-11-2006, 11:36 AM

I think all of the photos in JohnG's Photo Album have been taken with that lens. Remember they have been cropped and resized for the forum and that it doesn't include any of my most recent photos when I'd actually got used to the camera !!

geofftelforduk · 21-11-2006, 11:55 AM

John

Thanks for that! I have to say that I wasnt convinced with the sharpness for the first page, but then the tides turned somewhat on the second page!!

i would love to see what it is like out of the camera and then tweaked with PS!!

Mark123 has one, so I might ask him nicely if I can "borrow" it!!!!!

Thanks for the photos though!!

lmccauley · 21-11-2006, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Valleyman

I've purchased several lenses and a flash from One Stop Digital.

Postage is free and they refund you the VAT if you get caught. Though personally I havn't been stung with VAT yet so havn't had to go through the hastle.

Just ordered a Tamron 90mm Macro today actually. They emailed me to say I should expect it later this week. Very quick service, and they always reply to email enquiries within an hour or two.

Yes, I've just received a 50mm f/1.8 lens from them today that I ordered last Wednesday. No VAT, no duty. Just like the Sigma 70-300mm I ordered from them a couple of months ago.

Cheers,
Liam

chrisw · 21-11-2006, 1:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnG

I think all of the photos in JohnG's Photo Album have been taken with that lens. Remember they have been cropped and resized for the forum and that it doesn't include any of my most recent photos when I'd actually got used to the camera !!

John, you've got me convinced with these photos... Thanks!

Mark123 · 21-11-2006, 2:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by geofftelforduk

Mark123 has one, so I might ask him nicely if I can "borrow" it!!!!!

No problem fella you can borrow it any time, attached photo was taken with it.

geofftelforduk · 21-11-2006, 3:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark123

No problem fella you can borrow it any time, attached photo was taken with it.

Cheers mucker!! I shall be in touch!!

chrisw · 22-11-2006, 4:06 PM

I bought the Sigma in the end... for some reason I'm excited about using it now! Think I could get into this photography lark..

PaulBoy · 22-11-2006, 5:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrisw

I bought the Sigma in the end... for some reason I'm excited about using it now! Think I could get into this photography lark..

Run away NOW and don't look back!

Paul

RobbySpurs · 17-02-2007, 6:13 PM

Hi! I've just entered the world of DSLR camera's and got myself a 400d. Mainly looking at taking portrait shots (baby on the way!) and sports/nature shots. Been playing around with the kit lens, but fancy a zoom lense. Trouble is, a little short on dosh at the moment (baby on the way!),so looking for a resonably priced zoom lense and the Sigma caught my eye. I also believe there is a Tamron 70-300 lense as well.

Are you pleased with the Sigma? Any views on the Tamron?

PaulBoy · 17-02-2007, 6:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobbySpurs

Hi! I've just entered the world of DSLR camera's and got myself a 400d. Mainly looking at taking portrait shots (baby on the way!) and sports/nature shots. Been playing around with the kit lens, but fancy a zoom lense. Trouble is, a little short on dosh at the moment (baby on the way!),so looking for a resonably priced zoom lense and the Sigma caught my eye. I also believe there is a Tamron 70-300 lense as well.

Are you pleased with the Sigma? Any views on the Tamron?

Robby - In this price bracket the Sigma has no equal or even close - Being a Nikon user I first had their budget 70-300 which was ok but tough to get a good sharp image - I also tried the Tamron & it wasn't much better - In this case it is worth believing the hype - until you can afford to spend double the price of the Sigma there is nothing else worth considering IMHO ... Paul

**senu** · 17-02-2007, 7:16 PM

To "Borrow" is a really good idea as you have first hand experience of its strengths and weaknesses in your own hands.
i like it a lot
but
having used a Canon one with IS (albeit more than twice the price). ... I wish it had IS!!

RobbySpurs · 17-02-2007, 7:16 PM

Sigma it is then!

RobbySpurs · 17-02-2007, 8:03 PM

Just one more question - how does the Sigma compare to this canon lense?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Canon-75-300...844683-0636757

denno75uk · 18-02-2007, 10:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobbySpurs

Just one more question - how does the Sigma compare to this canon lense?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Canon-75-300...844683-0636757

Haven't got the Sigma but I do have the USM version of this Canon and IMHO it's cack. Just too soft at 300mm. I've tried stopping down on a tripod with timed shutter release. The only thing I haven't tried is mirror lock up, all to see if I could get a shot I'd be happy with.
I can't. Avoid it.

richard plumb · 19-02-2007, 9:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobbySpurs

Just one more question - how does the Sigma compare to this canon lense?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Canon-75-300...844683-0636757

agree, that lens isn't that good. The only lens IMO that is better is the Canon 70-300IS. And thats only because of the IS. Optically that and the sigma are very close - and the Canon is three times the price.

I have the canon because I find the IS very helpful for handholding, but I'm sure i'd have been very happy with the sigma too.