Canon 350D - Which Lens?

[Disco Panda]

Hi there

I've just bought a Canon 350D with the standard 18-55 zoom lens. I want to buy another zoom lens and someone has suggested a 55-200 Sigma. I'd be using this lens for outdoor/landscape photography mainly but would like to be able to take wildlife pics too. I don't have a lot of money to spend so want to buy the right one. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Also, because I haven't read the instruction manual properly yet, would I need any accessories or do the Canon fit lenses just click on?

Thanks

Amanda :cat:

[delia todd]

Hi Amanda and welcome from all the staff and moderators at Bird Forum.

I can't help you with your lens choice, but I'm sure someone will be along soon to advise.

Looking forward to seeing some of your pictures in the Gallery

D

[postcardcv]

Hi Amanda (the disco panda) and welcome to BF

Personally I would not recommend the 55-200mm lens as it will be too short for most bird photography and not wide enough for most landscape work. I would recommend either a 28-300mm or an 18-200mm lens. The 28-300 would be a better option if you want to try for bird photos, though be warned even 300mm is often far less reach than you want for birds. Bird photography can be dangerous to your finances as you'll soon find you want a longer, faster lens. The 18-200 would be better if you plan to do more landscapes as it is significantly wider angle at the bottom end. Both Sigma and Tamrom make versions of these two lenses so once you decide which set up is best for you it's worth comparing the two makes.

I also use a 350D and think you'll be very happy with it. The kit lens gets a lot of bad press, but it's actually a very useful lens. If you stop it down a bit (shoot in AV setting it to about f8) it can give very good results.

[Robert L Jarvis]

The barest minimum as Postcard states is 300mm which with a 1.4 TC could give you the reach you will need. Also why not consider getting a prime lens instead of a telephoto, it would be cheaper, after all any bird shots will invariably always be at the higher end of a zoom.

All lens just fit on the same way as the standard lens which the camera came with, just make sure if you buy a lens tell them which camera it is for.

[Disco Panda]

Thanks for your replies. I did suspect that a "one lens suits all" option wouldn't work and my bank manager is already fearing the worst ;) . I'll check out the ones you've suggested. I'm going to Norfolk in October for a week of birding and general holiday so would like to buy a new lens before then. Landscapes and wildlife are the main two areas that interest me but I'm only just starting out and the choice is a bit bewildering.

Thanks again!

Amanda

[postcardcv]

The barest minimum as Postcard states is 300mm which with a 1.4 TC could give you the reach you will need. Also why not consider getting a prime lens instead of a telephoto, it would be cheaper, after all any bird shots will invariably always be at the higher end of a zoom.

Prime lenses will usually deliver higher quality images, but are less versatile and a lot more expensive. Using a 1.4x tc with a 28-300 zoom will also lead to poor quality images. I don't think it would be cheaper to get a prime, the 28-300mm lenses that I was recommending retail for about £200, but a 300mm prime will set you back at least £850...

[postcardcv]

I did suspect that a "one lens suits all" option wouldn't work and my bank manager is already fearing the worst ;) . I'll check out the ones you've suggested.

While it might not work entirely it will give you a goood start. I think the 28-300 is the way to go, it will give you a chance of getting some bird shots, if you need a wider angle you can use the kit lens. Also this lens has a decent macro facility so you can use it for close up shots too.

Have a good week when you come up to Norfolk (I might bump into you out birding), you'll find that at some sites (Titchwell, Salthouse) you can get fairly close to the birds.

[Leicaman]

While it might not work entirely it will give you a goood start. I think the 28-300 is the way to go, it will give you a chance of getting some bird shots, if you need a wider angle you can use the kit lens. Also this lens has a decent macro facility so you can use it for close up shots too.

Have a good week when you come up to Norfolk (I might bump into you out birding), you'll find that at some sites (Titchwell, Salthouse) you can get fairly close to the birds.

I'd agree that the 28-300 would probbly be the best. Birds are hardly ever obliging and don't come too close. Still at Southend you have have the seafront gulls, the end of the pier and Two Tree island at Leigh where the sea birds are not too far away.

[Steve Babbs]

Why get a 28 - 300 when you have the lower end of the range covered. How about a sigma 70 - 300mm APO macro? A very good general wildlife lens, dirt cheap (c.£150 I think) and while I totally agree that 300mm is not really enough for birds (it's about equivelent to 480mm on film SLR), I did get some very pleasing bird shots on a recent trip to Canada.

If you really want to be serious about birds you'll want about 500mm e.g the tamron 200 - 500mm which I think is about 650.

Sorry to disagree with Robert but prime lenses are much more expensive.

[ianrose82]

Hi Amanda

I agree with all that has been said but....I recently bought a Canon 300D which came with a Canon 100-300 lens. It's fine for large birds but for smaller ones, you need to get very close. I am already looking for something larger..like a 175-500.
Ian

[macshark]

The lowest cost option that will give you decent results is the Sigma 70-300mm APO lens. To get to the next quality grade, you will have to spend more than 2x-3x. For general purpose use, the Canon 70-300mm IS lens is very versatile, and can be used for birds, though not ideal. For birding, a better option would be one of the XXX-500mm lenses made by Sigma or Tamron. The next quality grade comes at yet another 1.5x-2x price point increase. The best choice for birding would be an EF 400mm f/5.6L lens from Canon, which is not a zoom but will give you excellent picture quality. Another option is the Sigma 100-300mm f/4 lens combined with a 1.4x teleconverter.

[greypoint]

If you're on a budget, a second hand Sigma 135-400mm gives a fair reach for not too much outlay - easy to handhold if you keep your shutter speed up as it's not too long physically and the front does'nt rotate during focussing.

[macshark]

In addition to the Sigma 135-400mm lens mentioned in the previous post, the Tokina 80-400mm (older version) is another economical long lens alternative...

[greypoint]

In addition to the Sigma 135-400mm lens mentioned in the previous post, the Tokina 80-400mm (older version) is another economical long lens alternative...

Having used both the Sigma and tokina mentioned above the only point i would make, with bird photography in mind, is the better performance of the Sigma with regard to lack of purple fringing in sunny/backlit conditions. Sigma APO lenses are highly recommended for keeping you photos free of this problem.

[mrdaz]

I have the 70-300mm Sigma (non apo) and it is a great all purpose lens for the price, the apo should give better optical quality. I use it a lot as I find it is a useful zoom range and the macro is great when it is needed, an example from this weekend...

http://static.flickr.com/84/245295060_b725e9ea47_o.jpg

As others have said, I soon found it too short for birding and have bought a Sigma 170-500 APO, these you can get off ebay for anything around the £400 mark (if you are on a budget) and are also great value. Most of my 'Nature' set on flickr were taken with either of these lenses.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/thinkdeep/sets/72157594209136547/

The 70-300 and the Kit Lens make a versatile pair on a budget and will cover the majority of shots you want to do.

[Bernard the cat]

Hi there

I've just bought a Canon 350D with the standard 18-55 zoom lens. I want to buy another zoom lens and someone has suggested a 55-200 Sigma. I'd be using this lens for outdoor/landscape photography mainly but would like to be able to take wildlife pics too. I don't have a lot of money to spend so want to buy the right one. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Also, because I haven't read the instruction manual properly yet, would I need any accessories or do the Canon fit lenses just click on?

Thanks

Amanda :cat:

Hello Disco Panda

I'm a bit concerned vis-a-vis your comment that you "don't have a lot of money to spend"...You have got to treat me to at least 1x 'Bishop's Tea' in Walsingham when we go to Norfolk! Are yer 'avin that panda?!

Ocelot

[Disco Panda]

Hello Disco Panda

I'm a bit concerned vis-a-vis your comment that you "don't have a lot of money to spend"...You have got to treat me to at least 1x 'Bishop's Tea' in Walsingham when we go to Norfolk! Are yer 'avin that panda?!

Ocelot

The Disco panda has quite rightly pointed out that 'vis-a-vis' should in fact be spelled 'viz-a-viz'. Though perhaps she should focus more on improving her birding skills rather than picking holes in her husband-to-be's spelling - bad panda, on your rug! - Ocelot (using Disco Panda's login).

[Disco Panda]

Dear All

Thanks for all your replies. Just thought I would update you - I bought a Sigma 70-300 APO Macro lense. Have used it a few times photographing birds in the garden (just got my first Goldfinch - not a great feat you might think, but considering I live in the middle of Southend, have no plants or lawn in my garden, but do have numerous cats I don't think thats too bad!!!!) Have already decided that I need something more.... Whats the best option - do I buy another lense - was thinking of a 500mm or I have seen mention of teleconverters - is this an option?

Thanks again for all your help!

Amanda

[postcardcv]

Have already decided that I need something more.... Whats the best option - do I buy another lense - was thinking of a 500mm or I have seen mention of teleconverters - is this an option?

Hi Amanda

I think you chose a good lens the 70-300 is an excellent buy, however teleconverters will not work well with this lens, they wil seriously degrade the image quality. If you want more reach the Sigma 170-500 or the Tamron 200-500 would be the best bet... it's either that or an expensive prime lens.

[Disco Panda]

Thanks Postcardcv for your reply. I'll have a look at these lenses. By the way, I saw your thread showing all your photos taken this year - there are some really lovely ones there! Hopefully my trip to Norfolk in 10 days will allow me to get some nice pics.

Thanks again

Amanda

[davem]

Hi Panda,

Have just quickly ready through this thread and though I'd add my 2p worth. My kit is similar to yours apart from I've got a 20D and my 75-300 III is Canon's. The 18-55mm kit, although it feels light and plasticy does have its uses especially if you stop down your aperture and sometimes out-performs my 28-105 USM (which makes me think the latter is faulty!).

However, there is one cheap-ish solution to a good telephoto prime lens.

No matter what camera I've used, I've always been able to get my hands on a Sigma 500mm f7.2 APO lens. I've owned 4 over the years (started with an AF version with an EOS 1000Fn, 2x MF versions for the Canon T90 (inlcuding one replacement after someone robbed my car) and now another AF verison to go on to EOS-5 and 20D. The latest one cost me just £100 off Ebay and although the focussing is suspiciously noisy it still gives a reasonable result when used correctly. You have to use it on AV aperture priority mode on the widest setting (it's an f7.2 but registers on the camera as an f5.6 so you have to underexpose by 1 stop) but apart from that it does more than a good enough job for the lens it is. (while I can't afford or justify a 100-400 L or big 500mm prime from whoever!).

Hope this helps a bit,

ATB,

Dave.

[Quacker]

Why get a 28 - 300 when you have the lower end of the range covered. How about a sigma 70 - 300mm APO macro? A very good general wildlife lens, dirt cheap (c.£150 I think) and while I totally agree that 300mm is not really enough for birds (it's about equivelent to 480mm on film SLR), I did get some very pleasing bird shots on a recent trip to Canada.

If you really want to be serious about birds you'll want about 500mm e.g the tamron 200 - 500mm which I think is about 650.

Sorry to disagree with Robert but prime lenses are much more expensive.

Amanda I would agree with this too!

I took the cheap option, kit lenses 18-50mm & 55-200mm Sigma - for birding I took the Sigma 170-500mm zoom. If I had my time again, I would have went for the Canon 100-400mm IS (can be used with converter). I have recently purchased the Tamron small zoom (28-75 I think) and Canon 50mm 1.8 as they were "recommended lenses" from various review sites.

I am aware the 70-300 Sigma APO is very highly regarded - especially at its price. I'm torn between it and the Canon 70-200 2.8 - too many options out there I'm afraid, none of them cheap lol.

The reviews of 28-200 & 28-300 were enough to convince me not to - but that's not to say they are not a decent lens - especially the ranges they cover.

Edit:

As Postcard CV said 170-500mm or Tamron 200-500 - having obtained my first Tamron I'd go for that (even though I have the Sigma 170-500) that's honesty for ya!

Steve

[postcardcv]

I see that warehosueexpress have a Sigma 170-500 on special offer for £408, bit of a bargain...

[Disco Panda]

Thanks again postcardcv - just ordered that Sigma lense from Warehouse Express! Looking forward to its arrival on Friday! Will let you know how I get on.

Amanda

[Quacker]

Thanks again postcardcv - just ordered that Sigma lense from Warehouse Express! Looking forward to its arrival on Friday! Will let you know how I get on.

Amanda

Hooked!

FYI the cheapest i have located the Canon 100-400mm IS is £880 new;-)

I assume that will be your next lens lol.

[hollis_f]

Hopefully my trip to Norfolk in 10 days will allow me to get some nice pics.
Amanda
Hi Amanda,

I'm off to Norfolk, with R2Didi2 that same weekend (Titchwell on Saturday, unknown after that). If you see two people wandering about with big, white, lenses be sure to say 'Hi'. I'd be interested to see how the new lens turns out.

[Disco Panda]

Just taken delivery of the said lense - can't wait to try it out - will NOT be purchasing any more lenses this year!

Will be in Norfolk from 14 October for a week. Not sure of movements yet, but will be looking for Little Owls. Also planning to do the walk out to Blakeney Point and will defo be at Titchwell at some point.

Amanda

[Bernard the cat]

Dear All

Thanks for all your replies. Just thought I would update you - I bought a Sigma 70-300 APO Macro lense. Have used it a few times photographing birds in the garden (just got my first Goldfinch - not a great feat you might think, but considering I live in the middle of Southend, have no plants or lawn in my garden, but do have numerous cats I don't think thats too bad!!!!) Have already decided that I need something more.... Whats the best option - do I buy another lense - was thinking of a 500mm or I have seen mention of teleconverters - is this an option?

Thanks again for all your help!

Amanda

Hello Disco Panda

At the risk of once again lowering the tone of this fine thread, I just thought I'd point out that lens is spelt 'lens', not 'lense' - call it payback for you picking me up on the spelling of 'viz-a-viz' earlier in the thread! (uh oh now I'm in trouble, please don't hit me with your new camera!).

Ocelot, and no. 1 fan of the Disco Panda (please don't hit me, I mean no harm!)

[Henry B]

Spelling spelt, should be "spelled " I think.teacher,teacher.

[Steve Babbs]

I see that warehosueexpress have a Sigma 170-500 on special offer for £408, bit of a bargain...

Is this a returned one or a special offer for the lens generally because I can't find it.

Steve

[postcardcv]

Is this a returned one or a special offer for the lens generally because I can't find it.

Steve


Sorry Steve it was a one off mail order return... it's worth keeping and eye on their site as these bargain to crop up from time to time. Be warned thought that not all of the mail order return stuff works out to be particularly good deals, so check before you buy.

[postcardcv]

Just taken delivery of the said lense - can't wait to try it out - will NOT be purchasing any more lenses this year!

Will be in Norfolk from 14 October for a week. Not sure of movements yet, but will be looking for Little Owls. Also planning to do the walk out to Blakeney Point and will defo be at Titchwell at some point.

Amanda

Hi Amanda

I'm glad you got the lens, it was quite a bargain...

I'm sure you'll have a great time in Norfolk, if you see someone with a camera and a baby (probably at Titchwell) say hi, it will probably be me!

[CurtMorgan]

What do you think about this lens for the 350d? One seller describes it this way: "This lens is 400mm on normal canon film and full-frame digital cameras ( 1Ds MK II, 5D), but it converts to a whopping 640mm on the smaller chip cameras like 10D, 20D, 30D, 300D, 350D and 400D, which is ideal for extreme sport and wild life photography." I just saw a used one in excellent condition sell for about $740 (including shipping).


The lowest cost option that will give you decent results is the Sigma 70-300mm APO lens. To get to the next quality grade, you will have to spend more than 2x-3x. For general purpose use, the Canon 70-300mm IS lens is very versatile, and can be used for birds, though not ideal. For birding, a better option would be one of the XXX-500mm lenses made by Sigma or Tamron. The next quality grade comes at yet another 1.5x-2x price point increase. The best choice for birding would be an EF 400mm f/5.6L lens from Canon, which is not a zoom but will give you excellent picture quality. Another option is the Sigma 100-300mm f/4 lens combined with a 1.4x teleconverter.

[Disco Panda]

Hi Amanda

I'm glad you got the lens, it was quite a bargain...

I'm sure you'll have a great time in Norfolk, if you see someone with a camera and a baby (probably at Titchwell) say hi, it will probably be me!

Hi Postcardcv - only just checking posts as back from Norfolk now. You weren't at the Pallas's Warbler site at Salthouse last Wednesday were you? I'm really pleased with the lens and got a few reasonable pictures over the week - Whiskered Tern at Titchwell was ok and also got a Water Rail there. The Pallas's was a bit too far away (it didn't help having my camera on the lowest quality setting by mistake :-C !!!!!). Also got quite a nice Robin singing. Went for the Bluetail on Saturday but only just saw the bird and certainly couldn't get any photos!

Norfolk was lovely - got 12 ticks overall - going back for a weekend in early December I think.

Amanda

[postcardcv]

Hi Postcardcv - only just checking posts as back from Norfolk now. You weren't at the Pallas's Warbler site at Salthouse last Wednesday were you? I'm really pleased with the lens and got a few reasonable pictures over the week - Whiskered Tern at Titchwell was ok and also got a Water Rail there. The Pallas's was a bit too far away (it didn't help having my camera on the lowest quality setting by mistake :-C !!!!!). Also got quite a nice Robin singing. Went for the Bluetail on Saturday but only just saw the bird and certainly couldn't get any photos!

Norfolk was lovely - got 12 ticks overall - going back for a weekend in early December I think.

Amanda

Glad to hear that you had a good week. Alas I missed the Pallas's on Wednesday as I was in Suffolk for the day. I look forward to seeing some of your shots from the week.