Lens

[KarenLynn58 Profile Private message]

I have been looking at lens...
I thought I wanted a 70-200 mm until I saw the price of one! Ouch!
Why are they so high?? Is there a cheap version?

Karen

[debngar Profile Private message]

If you are speaking of Canon, there are 4 that I know of.

Starting from the lowest price:

70-200 f/4L
70-200 f/4L IS
70-200 f/2.8L
70-200 f/2.8L IS

The lower the aperture, the faster the lens. The IS is for "Image Stabilization" and makes the lens more expensive as well as making it heavier.

I have the last one on the list. Attached to my camera the entire thing weighs over 6.5 lbs. Carry that around in addition to a couple of other lenses in a bag, a flash and misc stuff for 8+ hrs = 12 lbs of "stuff" or more.

You won't regret the quality of images these L lenses can produce though. The f/4 is less money AND weight. You can see the specs on the Canon site or look through B&H Photo Video maybe.

Once you buy an L lens, you won't want to settle for any less quality.

[gpsmikey Profile Private message]

You want sticker shock, take a look at the new Nikon 70-200 F2.8 VRII - somewhere in the $2400 range (like my wife is going to let me order that one !! Anybody got a rich uncle that is doing poorly they want to rent out ?? )

mikey

[MG - Admin]

Karen:

I'll assume you're referring to the Canon lineup of lenses. Yup, very expensive, but I can tell you that you're talking about some very high quality lenses - probably some of Canon's best out there. I have the 70-200 2.8 non-IS and it's one of my favorite lenses. Amazingly sharp, quick to focus and great in low light situations. Worth every penny!

There are versions of that lens available from Sigma and Tamron to name a couple, but they don't compare in quality of build and image quality to justify the price savings, IMHO. If you really want that range of lens, but don't have the funds for the 2.8 models or need the extra speed, go with the 4.0 non-IS. At around $639 it's one heckuva lens.

Mike

[KarenLynn58 Profile Private message]

I looked at all the lens and it just hurt my feelings!
Gosh, they are so high!!
I guess if I did this for a living and not just for fun, I would be willing to pay that much....
But......they are way over my budget! Maybe I can find a cheap used one...
Wishful thinking, anyway.....
Thanks guys!

[nannybear Profile Private messageWebsite]

Iam wishing too...

[kabeeo Profile Private message]

I have a Canon 55-250. It is not an L lens but it is a great lens and the price was not crazy.

[dnmilikan]

These are my next two lenses...should have them in hand before the end of the month

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/5 ... S_USM.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/5 ... S_USM.html

[gpsmikey Profile Private message]

Too bad those are not Nikon mount -- I'd be glad to check them out for you

Someone in the Nikon forum was showing off some pix he shot with a 600mm + 1.7 teleconverter -- rates up there with the Hubble !! (yes, I wish !! )

mikey

[MG - Admin]

These are my next two lenses...should have them in hand before the end of the month

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/5 ... S_USM.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/5 ... S_USM.html

Those are some nice pieces of glass. What do you plan to shoot with these?

Mike

[Bob R Profile Private message]

Hi Karen,

I don't agree that you have to have the most expensive lens (or camera for that matter) to get great photos. Given decent SLR equipment, not little point and shoots, (and even some of them are pretty darn good these days), anybody can take great photos.

I recently bought my wife a Tamron 18mm-270mm VC for her Nikon D70. It pretty much replaces her "old" Nikon 18mm-70mm VR. She loves it despite the fact that it is not as smooth as my Nikon 18-200 VR. But it is extemely versatile - taking macro photos as well as telephoto and wide angle shoots too.

She is taking some very good photos with this lens that does it all. While I'm fooling around with changing over to my 70-300 Nikon, she is firing off shots.

Take a look at the 18mm - 270mm Tamron: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Nt ... Search=yes and see what you think. Their price is $529 after rebate.

Or look at the Tamron 18mm to 200mm for $229 after rebate! http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/3 ... Di_II.html for only $229 This lens does not have the Vibration Compensation, which I favor, and recommend, but otherwise, it should do well for you.

Good luck finding something that works for you,

Bob

[dnmilikan]

These are my next two lenses...should have them in hand before the end of the month

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/5 ... S_USM.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/5 ... S_USM.html

Those are some nice pieces of glass. What do you plan to shoot with these?

Mike

Portraiture...at my age I don't like to walk far.

[MG - Admin]

Portraiture...at my age I don't like to walk far.

With those lenses I would guess you might not even have to leave the house!

Enjoy!!

[PhotoMill Profile Private message]

You can all order your glass, but I am a meat and taders kind of guy. I just ordered 3 of the following:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/control ... REG&m=Y&Q=

One for me, one for my wife and one for the shelf as a spare!! And don't forget, I'm Canadian so the Cdn price is what I will be paying...

Now, where did I put that winning lottery ticket

...Steve (aka Mr. Dream-on)

[gpsmikey Profile Private message]

Sheesh - and they show the available accessories include a 2 GB CF card -- what is that good for ? 1 shot ???

Actually, If I won the lotto, I would be going for some serious long glass for my camera instead, however, to win the lotto, you have to buy tickets ... well, so much for that !!

mikey