 Margie R. Kirby |
need input for new lens I am making the move from a Canon AE-1 to a Canon Elan 7E. Now I have to purchase new lenses for my new camera. For my first lens, I am looking at the EF 50 mm f/1.4 USM or f/1.8 II and the EF 28-105 mm f/3.5- 4.5. I would appreciate any opinion or advice you may be able to give. If you were buying your first lens, which would it be.... the 50 mm or 28-105 mm? If it is the 50 mm.... would it be the 1.4 USM or 1.8 II? Could someone explain what the "II" stands for? I know the USM stands for UltraSonic Motor. Once again, all comments will be appreciated! Sincerely,
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Jon Close |
The EF 28-105 f/3.5-4.5 USM gives great utility, is well made, and is the lens I use most on my Elan IIe. Do not confuse this terrific lens with the cheaper EF 28-105 f/4-5.6 USM. Similar to the EF 28-105 f/3.5-4.5 USM are the EF 24-85 f/3.5-4.5 USM (trades shorter tele for wider angle) and the EF 28-135 f/3.5-5.6 IS USM which adds Image Stabilization and longer tele. All of these lenses have fast/silent ring USM and with a nicely damped focus ring and full-time-manual focus (FTM) without resorting to the AF/MF switch. The EF 50 f/1.8 II is very cheaply made with a noisy conventional AF motor, but it is a very sharp lens. f/1.8 is 2 1/3 stops faster than f/4 and is good for use in low light. At only about $70 or $80 it is cheap enough to get with the 28-105 zoom rather than choose between them. The "II" means it is the revised, current production model. There was an earlier version that was identical optically, but was a little better built with metal mount lug and included a focus distance scale. The EF 50 f/1.4 USM is much better made, is 2/3 stops faster maximum aperture and has USM focus motor that allows FTM.
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Margie R. Kirby |
Thanks Jon for the input. It was very helpful. Now I just have to decide which ones to purchase. Thanks! Margie
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Christopher A. Walrath |
Also, there should be adapters to use you AE lenses on your Elan. They may reduce the features of the lenses somewhat, but you should still be able to use them while you are trying to raise funds to replace them.
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Margie R. Kirby |
Thanks Christopher! That's exciting news and will definitely help. I'll check into it. Margie
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Christopher A. Walrath |
FYI. Your AE lenses were FD mount type. The lenses for the Elan are EF mount type. So look for an adapter to mount FD lenses onto an EF mount, or FD adapter for an Elan 7E. That oughtta get you started.
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Christopher A. Walrath |
PSS. There are NINE on eBay right now. Just go to Cameras and Photo and run a search for 'canon adapter ef fd' and good luck.
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