Help on lens decision
Discussion
Looking for a new lens to fit to my EOS300V (very tempted to swap for 300D), but anyway, off on trip shortly to see some cricket & need something capable of zooming in to middle of ground (i.e batter/bowler).
Was thinking of a EF90-300usm (Just under £200) but unsure whether this would be capable, if not, what would.
Cheers.
p.s. I'm only a pleb when it comes to photography so don't want to spend £1000's
Was thinking of a EF90-300usm (Just under £200) but unsure whether this would be capable, if not, what would.
Cheers.
p.s. I'm only a pleb when it comes to photography so don't want to spend £1000's
I'd say you need something longer than 300mm to get right into the action, but you'll lose aperture and shutter speed the longer you get (unless you spend £loads which isn't an option). Same story with teleconverters.
Can you borrow a 300mm lens from someone and try it out in a park etc to see if you think it'll be enough? If not, try Jessops - they'll let you put one on your camera and look through the shop window with it.
Can you borrow a 300mm lens from someone and try it out in a park etc to see if you think it'll be enough? If not, try Jessops - they'll let you put one on your camera and look through the shop window with it.
I also think you'lll not get far enough in with a 300mm. Depends where you're sitting and which ground, but suspect a longer lens would be needed. And good ones aren't cheap as you'll know.
Checking Jessops would be a good idea, or alternatiely there are quite a few high streets with places that sell used gear.
Checking Jessops would be a good idea, or alternatiely there are quite a few high streets with places that sell used gear.
As others have said 300mm is not going to be long enough (probably). If this is not something you are going to need everyday then why not consider renting a lens for the day.
A decent rental outlet would get you access to the long primes and zooms in L glass for reasonable day rates. The only caveat being that once you have used L glass + long focal lengths and IS it can be difficult to accept any substitute.
A decent rental outlet would get you access to the long primes and zooms in L glass for reasonable day rates. The only caveat being that once you have used L glass + long focal lengths and IS it can be difficult to accept any substitute.
simpo two said:
Can you get a mirror lens to fit your camera? That's one way of getting good magnification for less money - though they are fixed focal length and aperture.
Yes you can...I think.
Centon 500mm mirror lens is £99.99 in Jessops.
T2 mount to adapt it to your camera is £10.49.
Go to Jessops and give it a go (and then tell us what its like!).
V6GTO said:This one:
I've got the 100-400 Image Stabilizing lens and can't praise it enough.
? If so, I'd love to hear a bit about how you've found it, what camera you use it on, if you've used it with a 1.4/2x teleconverter and the like. Any chance of a couple of sample pics?
Now I've got myself an EOS 300D this is rapidly presenting itself as my next purchase...
Yep - as DustyC says, I've also got the 100-400, and I think it's a great lens. I use mine on an EOS 30 body.
It has a good zoom range, is part of Canon's pro-level "L" range of lenses, and has an Image Stabiliser as well.
I don't tend to use my converters with it though, as if I need a longer focal length I bring out Big Bertha (my 300mm f2.8 lens).
It's not the fastest lens in the world in terms of max aperture (5.6 at 400mm), so adding converters will slow it down even more. This will also affect autofocus, although you can re-enable this by taping over some of the contacts (here was a thread on here a few months ago which mentioned this).
It's pretty big and heavy, although is still manageable hand-held, and the zoom is controlled by a push-pull action rather than turning a ring which means it can get quite long at 400mm, especially if you have the lens hood fitted.
I don't have any examples to hand, but I've been very pleased with the results and would certainly recommend it.
>> Edited by ehasler on Tuesday 30th March 17:03
It has a good zoom range, is part of Canon's pro-level "L" range of lenses, and has an Image Stabiliser as well.
I don't tend to use my converters with it though, as if I need a longer focal length I bring out Big Bertha (my 300mm f2.8 lens).
It's not the fastest lens in the world in terms of max aperture (5.6 at 400mm), so adding converters will slow it down even more. This will also affect autofocus, although you can re-enable this by taping over some of the contacts (here was a thread on here a few months ago which mentioned this).
It's pretty big and heavy, although is still manageable hand-held, and the zoom is controlled by a push-pull action rather than turning a ring which means it can get quite long at 400mm, especially if you have the lens hood fitted.
I don't have any examples to hand, but I've been very pleased with the results and would certainly recommend it.
>> Edited by ehasler on Tuesday 30th March 17:03
Slightly off on a tangent, what do you think about the Canon EF 70 - 300 mm DO IS USM? It certainly appeals to me. 
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