Reptile Forum, Reptile Classifieds - CaptiveBred

millsy · I'm new here... Joined: 06 Feb 2005 Posts: 12

hi there,
im looking for 1 or 2 new lens for my canon 350D.
a macro and a zoom lens are what im after, but in a reasonable price range, around 200-300 each. anyone got any recomendations?
thanks in advance

Stuart · Posted: Fri Feb 17, 2006 7:26 pm Post subject:

Hi mate the sigma 105mm macro is within that range and is a cracking lens..the canon 70-200 F4 is supposed to be a very good zoom which covers a nice range and with the use of a converter would probably suit your needs distance wise..
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millsy · I'm new here... Joined: 06 Feb 2005 Posts: 12

thanks for that dude,
isnt the 70-200 f4 a tripod lens only? as many people have sed that it is, wat about the 75-300 f4-5.6? do you rate this lens?
the sigma is wat i thought of from the start, might have to get this one Cool

Stuart · Posted: Fri Feb 17, 2006 8:41 pm Post subject:

Tripod only???..no way..i have a 70-200mm 2.8 and can hand hold it through entire range nps.In bad light then yes you may need monopod or tripod.Varanus on here uses one with a 2x converter and still gets fairly decent results handheld and thats no mean feat with a converter.the lens you mention maybe ok in decent well lit situations but get a relatively cloudy day and you will soon know its limitations..for the money I would get the F4 and a converter if you need that extra reach but cannot afford a prime.
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Stuart · Posted: Fri Feb 17, 2006 8:45 pm Post subject:

heres some opinions on the lens you mention..doesn't get great reviews though..
http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/showproduct.php?product=16&sort=7&cat=27&page=2
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millsy · I'm new here... Joined: 06 Feb 2005 Posts: 12

cool, cheers for the help.
ive been reading reveiws on the f4 and the f2.8 and cant reach a verdict, is there much of a price differance as i cant find them.
also what kinda converter would you recomend for this lens?

Stuart · Posted: Fri Feb 17, 2006 9:48 pm Post subject:

there will be a significant price difference between a 2.8 and a f4 lens..there are various converters out there kenkos are good..a 70-200mm 2.8 is around £1200 and the 70-200mm f4 about £400-450 or there is the sigma 70-200mm 2.8 at around £650
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varanus · Key Member Joined: 14 Oct 2005 Posts: 400

Prices are a bit wierd with these for starters you cant get a 70-200 f4 for love nor money at the moment in the UK unless you get one from an ebay source, Personally i can recomend one stop digital http://www.onestop-digital.com/ for any of these lenses but I would suggest starting with one lens that being the 70-300 IS USM and getting yourself a 500d close up adapter for it the results are great and its a very practical and cost effective thing to have on hand for the longer lenses once your more settled get yourself a 100 canon or a 150/180 sigma macro lens personally I have the canon 100 and will soon add the 180 sigma aswell.
I went for the canon 70-200f4 as I wanted this lens after using it and the canon 70-200 2.8IS back to back and didnt need the IS or the 2.8 it offered and I didnt want to risk getting a dud copy of the sigma 2.8 when I knew the canon f4 would do the job for me just aswell

from one stop
100 macro is £320.99
150 sigma is £339.99
180 sigma is £348.99
Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG APO Lens £458.99
Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L USM Lens £423.99
from warehouse exspress
70-300ISusm is £369
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Stuart · Posted: Sat Feb 18, 2006 10:30 am Post subject:

As Paul states onestop digital are so much cheaper than any price you will get in the UK but remember they are a Hong Kong company so you pays ya money and hope nothing goes wrong.I know a few have used them with no problems but personally I would rather pay a little more and know I could take it back if problems arise.
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chris · Posted: Sat Feb 18, 2006 11:21 am Post subject:

guy on ebay called kerso from scotland, seems to have a good rep