 BetterPhoto Member |
Buying A Telephoto Lens I am interested in purchasing a telephoto lens for my Canon Rebel Ti. I am looking at the 75-300 or 100-300 range, to use for taking pictures of landscapes, animals and people. In my research I have read reviews from PhotoReview.com and this website. I am finding so many conflicting reviews, and am feeling a tad confused and overwhelmed. I am an amateur, with a serious interest in photography. At the moment I can only afford a lens that is $300 or less, so I know that the lens I get won't be of the top quality. However, I do want the best for what I can afford at the moment. I am currently looking at Sigma and Canon. So, does it basically come down to brand preference or are there any important differences that would make an impact in deciding on a lens? Also, in making this decision what would be important things to keep in mind when comparing the lenses?
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Jon Close |
My personal opinion (others may take issue) is that there is no difference in optical quality between the Canon EF 75-300 f/4-5.6 USM, EF 100-300 f/4.5-5.6 USM, Sigma 70-300 f/4-5.6 APO Macro, and Tamron 70-300 f/4-5.6 LD Macro. The Sigma 70-300 f/4-5.6 DL and Tamron 75-300 f/4-5.6 LD Macro are a very slight step down. The Sigma and Tamron models have a macro focus range that allows them to focus down to ~37" v. 59" for the Canons. This gives a maximum magnification of 1/2 life size v. 1/4, thus "macro" in the lens name. I believe both the Sigma and Tamron zooms come with a bayonet-mount lens hood where Canon's are sold separately (~$20). If you want macro on a budget, these 2 are good choices. My personal favorite of this group (other opinions also valid) is the Canon EF 100-300 f/4.5-5.6 USM. It is the only xx-300 zoom under $300 with a non-rotating front element so that a polarizing filter does not have to be reoriented each time the lens is refocused. It also has ring-USM autofocus which is (1) silent and faster than the geared micro-USM of the 75-300 or the Sigma and Tamron af motors, and (2) has a wider, damped manual focus ring with full-time manual focus override without needing to change the AF/MF switch. If you want to use the lens for macro you can add a close-up filter.
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