Odd zoom question - I don't want the best..

stevewestern

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Hi,
I want a long-ish zoom for my EOS300d and soon to be 30d.
However, from what I read, the L 70-200f4 (2.8 way too much for me..) is the one to buy, BUT, I do not want a lens that says 'PRO' or Steal Me !
So, what is there in the 70-200/300 ish range that has IS and is close to the L in qualtiy, but looks like a 'normal' lens - I need a non-rotating front, so a filter won't turn, and f4 is fine by me (we have plenty of light down here in Spain !)
Many thanks,

Steve
 
It is the white paint - it will also attract my wifes attention, and it says 'Expensive'
We are also in a rural area, so even a SLR stands out a mile..!
 
Have you thought of the Sigma route?
 
Glen - tell me more then...
What do they do - I'll do a search, but is there any particular model that is known to be a goodie ?
 
erm.....:thinking:

Sigma are proberbly the most popular '3rd' party lens manufacturer.

They do have some very good models.

I've got the 70-300mm APO Macro lens, I think its a good all rounder, not up to quality of the 70-200mm L, but at around £150 mark you can't go wrong.

Some peeps have different models in the range you might want to see if anyone comes by to give opinions.
 
White lenses are for attention whores ;)

Nikonite jealousy rears its head again :nono:







:p


//edit//

I have a Tamron 28-300 , it gives pretty good results but I'd happily swap it for a 70-200 f4 if you want to trade :D
 
Well, being new here, I don't want to upset anyone, but I slightly agree with the attention whores bit - nothing wrong with being proud, but it also puts a certain pressure to come up with the goods, and I am not sure I am good enough to take that pressure...

Glen - I dodn't mean to imply that I had not heard of Sigma - it was more a question of what lenses do they do in that range that stand out..
JoeT - are you talking Sigma here - I guess so, but..
Better go check out prices, and another thing - what does APO mean (in day to day use - is it a range of fairly good lenses or what ?) Do they have image stabilisation ?
And, thanks for the replies !
 
Cheers Glen, but the 70-300 does not have OS (or IS in canon terms..)
I feel that it is a vital requirement for me..
 
Correction Steve, the Tamron doesn't have the IS either but then IS is surely dear m8.
 
I use the Canon 70-300 f4/5.6 is usm a lot of the time. "Its a lot better than I am" but seems to be a little soft at times at 300mm It cost me under £350 from Kerso ( he has and ebay store and is a member here If your interested my gallery link is below "most" of the pictures there were taken with that lens apart from the obvious close ups

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/gallery/showgallery.php?cat=500&page=1&ppuser=1870
 
(we have plenty of light down here in Spain !)

Which by definition reduces the need for IS unless you are particularly shaky. There are actually a number of white lenses that aren't expensive, I think it's cosina who makes them. Point being, nobody but you will know what it costs, A large lens is going to look expensive to someone who doesn't know anything about cameras anyway so you're as well getting the lens you want and sod the rest :p
 
Thanks - I have added a Canon 70-300 IS to my order with Kerso - now to get some filters sorted...
 
Have a hunt around, and see if you can find an old 100-300 5.6L.

It has a non rotating front element (push pull), and an older linear AF motor.

These lenses can still be found in perfect nick for around £150, and best of all, it's a real 'L' lens.

Spares are easy, because you can buy the non L version for £100 or so.

Old fashioned maybe, but it's a brilliant lens. I only sold my copy a few months ago when I bought the 500 5.6.
 
Doug - you say 'have a hunt around' - where ? are there any good S/H sites that you know of ?
 
LCS - what ?
Please explain - a google came up with lots of tosh, and nothing to help..
 
LCS - what ?
Please explain - a google came up with lots of tosh, and nothing to help..

Sorry Steve. Typo error. Should have been LCE (London Camera Exchange).

I had a quick search of all my favourite suppliers, but couldn't find one. They do crop up quite often though.

Doug
 
always worth having a look on ebay. often get a good selection on there, and most users are decent people who will do their best to answer your questions etc
 
Well, I have now ordered a canon 70-300, so am sorted on that, have emailed teamwork about filters, and am getting help on a bag to lug it around in.
Seems like all I need to do is start learning how to use it.. Worst bit is that it will start arriving at Mums in London soon, and I am still in Spain for another 10 days...
oh wel, down to the beach to help while away the time till then (if only - I am working hard till then, but did have lunch on the beach in my shorts today - I gather it has been raining recently in the UK..?)

Cheers all, and any more help much appreciated !
Steve
 
Shorn - near Almeria - about an hours drive east, inland a bit - away from tourists, surrounded by peasant farmers and a little different from east London where we moved from...
 
Dark Star - Where ??
Guess that's a NO then..
Never heard of Torrox

Do a google for Lubrin - wade past the vaginal lubricant and you will find my village. Inland of Mojacar, a tourist spot some may have heard of, but still fairly Spanish, laid back and gentle,. and if anyone ever says 'Sunny Spain', then kick them in the whotsits - it is bloody cold in winter, and much more extreme, and then after a few minutes of spring, it is bloody hot, and 23,000,00000000000000000000000000 flies and wasps appear. Then the tourists arrive. Not sure which is worse, but going shopping in the summer makes a 3 hour return journey a 7 hour test.
Wouldn't leave unless I really needed to though.
 
Thanks Steve, I visit Mojacar on a regular basis, we have several friends out there, Turre and Sopalmo also.
Will be moving our arses over there within the next three years.
 
Also the 100-300 f4 is supposed to be very good.

Aye, very good indeed :-) (check sig).

Would you consider the new Sigma 50-150 f/2.8? It is small, got a fast aperture and is said to be one of the best Sigma lenses to date, image quality is superb and it is very affordable. On your 300D/30D it will have a field of view of 80-240mm (on 35mm equiv.). I will actually be rdering one for my D200 soon.

King.

EDIT: It looks biger than it actually is (no jokes now lads). I tested it out in a local shop and it is no bigger than a standard 70-300 zoom,... Nice, covert zoom.
 
Thanks Steve, I visit Mojacar on a regular basis, we have several friends out there, Turre and Sopalmo also.
Will be moving our arses over there within the next three years.

Shorn - not wanting to be too clever, but why not move all of your body out here - just your arse might be a bit of a bum move...
 
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