BetterPhoto Q&A
Category: Camera Lenses

Jaclyn Klassen		New Lens: Telephoto? I am thinking of buying a telephoto lens (or a different lens) for my new Rebel XT. My price range is $100-150. What would the best lens to get? Right now I have a 18-55mm lens. Also, I would like to know if the next lens to get would be a telephoto lens or some other kind (I have a +10 macro add on). Thanks for the help! To love this question, log in above December 14, 2005

Cyndee Wanyonyi		HI Jackie, I have the same camera. I bought a Sigma 70-300 for $175 or so from www.bhphotovideo.com. It has been a good lens for the price. Unfortunately, that amount does not allow for much...Good luck! To love this comment, log in above December 14, 2005

Jon Close		Try to stay with f/4-5.6 or f/4.5-5.6 lenses. In that $100-150 budget category, there are some f/4.5-6.3 or f/4.5-6.7 and f/5.6-6.7 lenses, but the XT's autofocus reliability falls off with maximum apertures smaller than f/5.6 (i.e. f-numbers larger than 5.6). The better alternatives are: Tamron 75-300 f/4-5.6 LD Macro about $130 Sigma 70-300 f/4-5.6 DG Macro ~$140 Canon EF 75-300 f/4-5.6 III (non-USM) about $155 Tamron 70-300 f/4-5.6 LD Macro ~$160 and stretching a bit: Sigma 70-300 f/4-5.6 APO DG Macro about $220 Canon EF 100-300 f/4.5-5.6 USM about $280 Notes: Between the 2 Tamrons, the 75-300 is an older design than the 70-300. Between the Sigmas, the "DG" versions are new, with additional coatings on the rearmost elements for use with digital cameras. There are older non-DG versions available that are otherwise pretty good for a little less money. The APO version has 3 SLD (super low dispersion glass) elements that make it a bit sharper than the DL. The Tamron and Sigma lenses have a "Macro" setting that allows them to focus a bit closer than the Canon lenses (to about 37" instead of about 59"). For the extra cost, the EF 100-300 f/4.5-5.6 USM is not any sharper, but has a couple features worth the extra cost. It is the only lens in this group with a front element that does not rotate or extend with focus, a plus when using using a polarizing filter. It is the only one with ring-USM autofocus motor for the fastest and near silent operation, and it has nicely damped manual focus. To love this comment, log in above December 15, 2005

Jaclyn Klassen		Hey, thanks for the help and quick response. I'll look into those. J.K. To love this comment, log in above December 15, 2005

Peter K. Burian		Jackie: You can also find another discussion on zoom lenses for your camera at http://www.betterphoto.com/forms/QnAdetail.php?threadID=21144 Regards, Peter Burian, Instructor, Mastering The Digital Camera and Photography www.betterphoto.com/photocourses/PBN01.php To love this comment, log in above December 16, 2005

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