Best Lenses

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital.slr-systems (More info?)

Sigma makes some fine lenses. Their lower priced models aren't quite so
fine. That's OK, as Canon's lower priced lenses aren't quite so fine either.
If you can do it, choose a better quality lens to start with. You'll never
regret spending a bit more for a lens that'll deliver a significantly better
image.

Rob

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital.slr-systems (More info?)

>I am shopping for a Canon Digital Rebel XT and have noticed a number of
>package deals that include different lenses, 18 - 55 and 70 - 300 but from
>manufacturers other than Canon such as Sigma. I've heard the lens is every
>bit as important as the camera body in getting good shots and it's made me
>wonder what's the best path, which are the best cost vs. quality lenses and
>so on. I'm thinking I'll go with a body with the stock lense, and add more
>later, but the best quality I can afford. Does anyone have any good package
>deal stories out there?

I picked up the 17-85IS with my Rebel XT and have been pretty pleased with
the results. It's not the fastest lens in the world, but fortunately the
camera's excellent ISO 400 capabilities overcome much of that. And the IS is
great for indoor shots, since you can hand-hold it at very low shutter
speeds with amazingly-sharp results. It's not a cheap lens, but the range is
very nice, and it seems relatively well-made (although I wish it had a zoom
lock, so it wouldn't keep floating out to max zoom when it's pointed
downward).

I've got that lens paired up with a 70-200 F4 L-series; between the two,
I've got pretty wide-ranging capability in a pretty-light & compact package.

--Mike-- Chain Reaction Bicycles
www.ChainReactionBicycles.com

Archived from groups: rec.photo.digital.slr-systems (More info?)

"Jim Redelfs" <jim.redelfs@redelfs.com> wrote in message
news:jim.redelfs-4A415C.07202209092005@news.central.cox.net...
> In article <lW1Ue.39903$xl6.33182@tornado.tampabay.rr.com>,
> Sken <SK@nospam.com> wrote:
>
>> I am shopping for a Canon Digital Rebel XT and have noticed a number of
>> package deals that include different lenses, 18 - 55 and 70 - 300 but
>> from manufacturers other than Canon such as Sigma. I've heard the lens
>> is every bit as important as the camera body in getting good shots and
>> it's made me wonder what's the best path, which are the best cost vs.
>> quality lenses and so on. I'm thinking I'll go with a body with the
>> stock lense, and add more later, but the best quality I can afford.
>> Does anyone have any good package deal stories out there?
>
> I have been using my 20D with the 18-55mm "kit lens" for 9 months and have
> been pleased with the results.
>
> This lens is held in LOW regard by purists, for whatever THAT is worth.
> My
> experience follows years of use with a Canon AE1 and T90 body and four
> Canon
> FD lenses of good-to-excellent quality. I don't think the above mentioned
> kit
> lens is bad.
>
>
> JR

I agree with you, my version produces good images stopped down although it
should remain a little soft in the corners I can't say I have noticed this.

I have used the kit lens to allow me to fill out my lens coverage with EF
10-22, EF 200mm f2.8L, EF 100mm f2.8 Macro and EF 50mm f1.4. The kit lens is
not as sharp as these but still very usable and the difference if just doing
casual handholding photography it not too noticeable..

PS I still have my much loved FD system, A1, Ftb, 28 f2.8, 50 f1.8, 85 f1.8,
135 f2.8 and 70-210 f4 only converting to digital at the beginning of the
year.

THe problem with Canon is that there are, perhaps, too many lenses available. For anybody to give you an asnwer within reason, you need to figure out what you shoot and how you intend to shoot it.