Canon Rebel 2000 with the Canon Rebel 2000 with the

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Photography Question 

Dylan McFarlane
 

Phoenix 100-400mm Lens?


Ok, I am a 16 year old (as of tomorrow) and have been using a Canon Rebel 2000 with the Canon's 28-80mm lens which came with it for about six months. So far, it has done me well, but since I live in Fairbanks, Alaska, I see wildlife all the time and wanted to get a lens that could cover it. I looked at the Sigma 70-300mm as well as the Canon's 75-300, but finally my dad has convinced into the Phoenix 100-400. I have been desperately trying to find reviews of the lens and would greatly appreciate the opinion of anyone who had used or owned this lens. But please if you are a professional photographer or high budgeted photographer, keep in mind that I have a low budget of under 300$ - that's all I got. Thank you.


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August 08, 2001

 

Orlando D. Stevlingson
  I have the same camera, and also decided to get a longer lens. I got mine via eBay and have used it for many photos and have NO complaints about the results. Have taken landscapes, wildlife-in-motion, and portraits and any flaws in them are completely mine, not the fault of the lens.
Please keep in mind that I am an amateur with limited experience, so if someone more knowledgeable comes along with advice, you should listen to them, not me.
PS--The zoom on the Phoenix is not a rotating type, but a slide or push-pull type. It's quick, but also, if you let the camera hang from your neck, it will be at full zoom when you're ready to use it. Do your best. Stev


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August 10, 2001

 

John A. Lind
  Dylan,

I have not used any of the specific lenses you mention, so I cannot speak about them. However I have used long lenses at the far end of the focal lengths you mention: 300mm to 600mm. If you do not already have a good tripod that can hold a body with longer, heavier lenses, consider getting and using one for lenses beyond about 180-200mm. 200mm is the limit of hand held work. Longer than that gets into noticeable camera shake. Even if you can run the shutter speed up to 1/1000th and faster to mitigate blurring, it's very difficult to hold it steady enough on the subject material to compose the photograph. A tripod set up with the head leveled, and the traverse and elevation loosened can allow panning and tracking from a very steady platform (just don't let go of the camera without tightening the elevation first).

-- John


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August 11, 2001

 

Piper Lehman
  Dylan,

I recently bought the Sigma 70-300mm for my Pentax (same lens; different mount). This lens is smaller (lighter) than a lot of others with this range, which makes it easier to work with. It also has macro function at the 200-300mm range--only a flick of a switch to focus close up. I've gotten sharp results with the 300 length at less than 12 inches in good light.

The price is right too--under $200. I alternate between this lens and my 24-70mm, which is also a Sigma. I suggest you look at the focal length coverage you'll get with a 70-300, whether it's a Sigma or another brand. You will have a good range with your 28-80 and a 70-300, though I believe Sigma also has an 80-300 or 80-200 to fit the Rebel 2000--(not sure about this). Keep looking until you are sure about what will work best for your needs. Your dad's input is important, but you're the one who'll be carrying all the equipment AND taking the pictures. Don't be afraid to wait--do your homework, and you'll be glad you did.


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August 11, 2001

 

Piper Lehman
  OOPS! Meant to say, "...sharp results with the 200mm macro as close as a foot, but you don't need to be this close to get good shots with a 200-300 reach.

Addendum: Be sure to compare the max apertures between the Canon tele and Sigma's f/4-5.6 max if you need the larger lens openings at this length.

Cheers, and good luck with your shooting. Would love to see some of your work.


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August 11, 2001

 

Brian
  I have the Canon 75-300 and I would recommend getting the USM version if you do get the Canon. I shoot sports action photos (outside) for track and field and cross country. Especially for track where you have fast moving objects (like you would with wildlife at some times) the extra speed of the USM comes in very handy, in addition to its quiet focus (another feature you'll find handy for wildlife).

As for the Phoenix, I've never used one nor do I know anyone who has. The fact that its hard to find a review should also tell you something, its not real popular. For the 100 mm you'll lose, you may be better off staying with a well known model (Sigma, Tamron or Canon). Oh yes, do take a look at the Tamron 70-300.

Being a fellow younger photographer (I'm 20) I know all about low budget items. I've had great luck with the Canon (w/ USM) and would recommend it. Eventually you'll find yourself wanting a 70-200 f/2.8 :-)


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August 19, 2001

 

Jon Close
  The Phoenix 100-400 f/4.5-6.7 lens is made by Cosina. It is the same lens that is also sold as the Vivitar 100-400 f/4.5-6.7. I do not have first-hand experience with this lens, but it has been tested/rated at photodo.com. On a scale of 0(bad) to 5(best) it is rated .9-1.2 (not particularly good). If you only make 4x6 prints you might be satisfied with this lens, but don't expect much from enlargements. Autofocus needs a maximum aperture of f/5.6 or larger (smaller f-number) to work reliably. Having f/6.7 at the long end of this lens will make autofocus iffy.

For $330 at (www.bhphotovideo.com or www.adoramacamera.com) you can still get the Canon EF 100-300 f/5.6L. This lens is being discontinued because of its older non-USM focus motor and unpopular push/pull zoom, but it has true Canon "L" optics with Flourite and Ultralow Dispersion elements. It is a steal at this price. Otherwise I'd recommend the xx-300 zooms from Canon, Tamron, Sigma, Tokina.


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August 20, 2001

 

Scott Wuerch
  The 100-300 5.6 L is a great lens. While it is definitely slower than my other f/2.8 optics it is sharp, and very easy to work with. Spend the extra $30 above your budget and spring for the Canon L, you'll NEVER regret the extra $30 spent.


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August 23, 2001

 

Matt Wright
  Hello, I am curious to see what you have come up with about your Pheonix lens. I am in the same position - having a offer to pick up a Pheonix 70 to 300 auto focus lens for a Nikon f4. The camera probabally outclasses the lens, but I'm curious how much of a differenc. I'd like to hear what went on with your purchase.


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October 16, 2001

 

Dylan McFarlane
  Well this is Dylan, once again, the person who first posted the question. I'm am extremely happy to say that I went with the B&H Photo deal for the Canon 5.6 L lens for $330 and havn't regretted it. Unfortuantely Matt, I can't help you much since I bougt Canon, but I'm sure you can find a Nikon lens that is in the same class as the Canon. The images are incredibly sharp, and I never use the autofocusing anyway so the manual focus should work fine for you if you know the subject. Tell me how your purchase goes and if you want any more information, please feel free to respond to this thread. I'd love to hear from you!


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October 16, 2001

 

Carl
  Hi there. I second that opinion to get the Canon one. Vivitar isn't quite what they used to be, and as photodo rates it (one of the best places for that imho) I would not even come near buying it. When I first got my camera, I got a Tamron 70-300 f/4.5-5.6, and that was my biggest mistake ever. It is rated 2.4 at photodo, but I found it awful. Low contrast / resolving power. I was deceived from day one. Since then, I've gotten a 80-200 f/2.8 (Nikkor). What a difference. I think the Canon one would be much much better of a choice. Don't waste money on bad lenses like I did.... Oh, at f/5.6 you sure want to use a tripod, especially if you stop it down at all.
Hope it helped at all.


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July 16, 2002

 

Ray
  You people just saved me money and aggrivation. I used a Canon AE1 for a long time and finally bought a newer camera. Canon EOS Rebel G. While doing a search for a 100-300 lens I found this site and plan on taking the advice found here. Common sense should have told me, "you get what you pay for".


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February 09, 2003

 

Ray
  BTW, just and update. I purchased a Canon 85-200 lens. Not my original choice but I tried it on my camera and liked it. Thanks again for reminding me not to be a cheapo! Ray


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February 22, 2003

 

Warren A. Smith
  Glad I found this Site! I have a Canon Rebel G, and until lately I haven’t had much time to use it. I like wildlife, nature, & landscape photography. (pretty much anything outdoors...:-)
Anyway I was looking at the Phoenix 100-400mm lens. But before I bought thought I would do some research, and that’s when I found this site. Glad I took the time to look, I believe I will take the advice and look for a canon lens....
GREAT SITE.


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August 29, 2003

 

Leo Enriquez
  Vivitar and Cosina are the lowest quality zooms in the market!..Ido own two Vivitars (28-300 and wide angle 19-35)...

For normal shooting and regular pics it's OK, but if you are looking for something sharp and medium quality, preferabely and definetly go for another and better quality brand!...


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August 31, 2003

 

Brad Lambert
  Dylan, There have been some great answers to your question so far. Here is my two cents worth. Being in Alaska you have a great resource for wildlife photography, one that I am enviouse of! Don't waste your money on a cheap lens. The old addage still stands true "you get what you pay for" You will have some spectacular images infront of you and your camera, the last thing you should do is jepordize the quaility and value of those images by placing cheap equipment between you and the image. The camera is not near as crucial as the lens. The Camera (Film) can only record what it sees, and it is looking through the lens!

The alternative options that have been mentioned are all good. I have the Canon 75-300mm IS USM. I got it for around $380. For wildlife the USM is a must and the IS is great to help compensate for when the light is low or you don't have (or can't) use a tripod. 300mm doesn't quite satisfy me but I am looking at a teleconverter or a tight budget (Those big tele's are really expensive) to help me get a little closer.

Final Thought. Save your money and get a good lense!


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November 25, 2003

 
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