Well basicaly I have bought a Canon 400d with their standard 18-55 lens. IT works but the lense simply isnt up to scratch for the 10 MP sensor so Im looking in to getting a new lens or maybe a couple. Im not asking for advice on what to get but simply your thoughts on good companys that make high quality lenses for canon DSLRs. Thanks for your help guys. nick fd xxx
8:19 pm on October 2nd, 2009 1
As you’ve noticed, even Canon makes a few crap lenses. But what do you expect from a $100 zoom?
For $450 to $650, you can get the Canon 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS (a bit weak at the wide end), the 17-40mm f/4 L (a bit short for a walk around lens), or the Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8. If you prefer Sigma for some vague reason, stick with their EX line – the rest is guaranteed to be garbage. For around $1000, nothing beats the Canon 17-55mm f/2.8. Well, perhaps the Nikon 17-55 f/2.8 but you’d be crazy to use that on a Canon.
If you need more reach at the long end, add a Canon 70-200 f/4 or f/2.8.
If you need more reach at the wide end, the Canon 10-20mm is fantastic, but there are cheaper alternatives from Sigma/ Tamron/ Tokina.
If you’re feeling extravagant, you can use Leica primes with an adapter ring but really, there’s nothing wrong with Canon lenses… they make some of the best in the business. What brand of lenses do you think pros use on their $8000 Canon 1Ds Mk 2?
8:31 pm on October 2nd, 2009 2
if you an can afford, the Canon 17-55mm Image Stabilizer f 2.8 then go for that. Because that lens gives you the best range. 17-55mm is about 27-88mm on the 400d because of the 1.6 crop factor. It is a 2.8 making one of the fastest lenses in its class and on top of that it has image stabilization so you can hand hold your camera and shoot without flash. It is so sharp that you will be blown away.
9:19 pm on October 2nd, 2009 3
Stay within Canon, Tamron, Tokina, or Sigma brands in that order.
9:44 pm on October 2nd, 2009 4
Carl Zeiss makes the best lenses.