Zoom lens for my Rebel?

[bigWig]

Hello,

After taking advice from this forum I bought a Canon Rebel XT (300d?) before Christmas, the standard 35-55mm lens is great for close ups but that's about it IMHO.

1. I now feel the need for a long distance lens. I've seen 2nd hand Sigma lenses on ebay, are these any good?

2. I keep seeing the word 'macro' on a lot of the ads, what is that?!

3. Can anyone recommend a lens? I'm on a tight budget so 2nd hand will be the only way for me.


Many thanks,

Ad

[robdickinson]

1. I now feel the need for a long distance lens. I've seen 2nd hand Sigma lenses on ebay, are these any good?

Some sigmas are great, some are crap, the 70-200f2.8 is class, as is the 'bigma' 50-500 (for its price). Likewise some canon, nikon , tamnron lenses are poor, others great etc.

2. I keep seeing the word 'macro' on a lot of the ads, what is that?!

Technicaly the ability to produce 1:1 image sizes on the 'film/sensor' , so close up photography, if an insect is half an inch long at 1:1 its half an inc of the film (full frame 35mm thats half the picture etc). Typicaly 'macro' zoom lenses can just focus very close and do 1:2.5 or so. Theres 'proper' macro lenses usualy 50-100mm for 1:1 photography. If a zoom has 'macro' its worth a play, IMo unless your specialised you'll soon get bored of insect/flower photo's

3. Can anyone recommend a lens? I'm on a tight budget so 2nd hand will be the only way for me.

Whats tight? £50 or £500?

[BigWig]

Thanks for the reply, much appreciated.

Budget wise, around £100 mark.

[tertius]

What about the Canon EF75-300mm f4.0-5.6 III about £159 from warehouse Express.

Not brilliant, but good value, and pretty versatile. Maybe a little long on a 300/350D, but I have one I use with my 350D and it comes in handy.

[b2tus]

Be very careful if you are thinking of buying a second hand Sigma EOS fit 75-300. Depending on its age, it might not work with a digital Canon EOS.
I bought a Canon 300D body last year and my old Sigma zoom (from 35mm days) kept locking up on it. Incompatability problems the experts told me so had to buy a new lens. Went for the Canon 75-300 IS. Not cheap but great bit of kit.

[byker28i]

For your budget, get the canon 75-300mm USM. Be sure to get the USM version as it focusses quicker.

[Mad Dave]

I have a Sigma 70-300 APO Macro - £160 new, £90 second hand. It does the job.

[_dobbo_]

Mad Dave said:

I have a Sigma 70-300 APO Macro - £160 new, £90 second hand. It does the job.

Seconded, it wont set the world on fire but with an effective 400mm range it's certainly long enough for most requirements. Don't use mine much mainly because I don't really need a long lens very often.

[Mad Dave]

_dobbo_ said:

Mad Dave said: I have a Sigma 70-300 APO Macro - £160 new, £90 second hand. It does the job. Seconded, it wont set the world on fire but with an effective 400mm range it's certainly long enough for most requirements. Don't use mine much mainly because I don't really need a long lens very often.

Indeed. Only ever use mine if i'm at a BSB meeting or similar.

[byker28i]

My 70-300 canon is fine as well.

A couple of images to see..
http://i.pbase.com/o4/12/521012/1/564
www.pbase.com/byker28i/image/56495314

I'm just thinking about buying the 70-200 F4 L Usm

[byker28i]

byker28i said:

For your budget, get the canon 75-300mm USM. Be sure to get the USM version as it focusses quicker.

Here you go - from Canon Outlet - currently £77
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dl