Lens Advice

[scaly_piscine]

I'm thinking about getting another lens for what would essentially be for taking photographs at Scrabble tournaments (would no doubt end up using it for wildlife/landscape shots as well). I already have a 70-300mm lens for when I'm out at parks and so on which I've used at tourneys but obviously is a struggle for when you're relatively close to a game and things like during prize presentations. Light is generally an issue. Generally I wouldn't get *too* close to games as the noise can be distracting. My camera is a Canon 40D.

I've looked at the Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4.0-5.6 IS USM lens but it sounds like it's a bit rubbish at the things I'd use it for, but I don't particularly want to spend much more as I'd not use it that often. I'm thinking something like a 28mm or 35mm lens might be better.

What do you folks think?

[Lancashire Lad]

If you are restricted in where you are allowed to stand to take the photos, I would suggest a short range zoom would fit the bill better than a prime wide angle, as it would give you some control over composition.

However, as you are aware, Canon's own brand zoom, in your preferred price range will have a narrower maximum aperture than the f2.8 of their typical 28mm or 35mm wide angle lenses, and f4-5.6 or thereabouts, will be the order of the day.

Unless you are totally dedicated to Canon brand lenses, I'd suggest going down the independant route, and look at something like a Sigma 17-70mm f2.8-4.5EOS.

It would give you that extra stop of light when compared with the Canon 17-85mm. (and will cost slightly less too).

I was a dedicated Canon man for years, before switching to Nikon, but the lenses I use most of all are both Sigma's - a 180mm f3.5macro, and a 12-24mm f4.5-5.6 wide angle zoom. I love both of these lenses and they are every bit as good as any Nikon own brand lens.

Might be worth trying a couple of prospective lenses out at your local retailer before committing to a purchase.

Regards,
Mike.

[scaly_piscine]

Thanks, I'm kinda wondering what the catch is with the 17-70 Sigma lens. Resale value? Build quality? Seems a fair bit better and cheaper than Canon's 17-85 equivalent.

[John D]

Originally Posted by scaly_piscine

Thanks, I'm kinda wondering what the catch is with the 17-70 Sigma lens. Resale value? Build quality? Seems a fair bit better and cheaper than Canon's 17-85 equivalent.

I use the Sigma 17-70mm lens and find it to be very good. I use it mainly for landscapes and can recommend it. All of my landscape photographs in the 'Gallery' were taken with this lens and a Canon 400D.
Worth serious consideration. Shop around on 'the net' before you buy.
John D

[Geoff F]

I have used a Canon 28-135 IS for several years and I find it dovetails nicely with my 70-300. Maybe not the cheapest option but you wouldn't call it expensive either.

I find the size range to be ideal for general purpose photography including landscape and the macro function is quite useful as well. The IS works well, especially when you can't use flash.

After about 5 years of rough use (starting to show slight signs of barrel looseness but still working well) I have just purchased a Canon 24-105 IS as a replacement, before the VAT increases.

The new lens is, quite frankly, a much stronger build but I have just done some lens comparison tests between them and I can't find any real improvement in image quality for the extra £500. The new lens may perform slightly better on the extreme edges of the contrast range but the 28-135 is just as sharp.

So if 28mm is small enough I would fully recommend this lens as excellent value for money.

And yes, do shop around for the best deal as there are massive differences at the moment.

[scaly_piscine]

Thanks guys, how would people value Canon's lenses having image stabilization compared to Sigma in the situations where I'd use it?

Oh and I just qualified for the national final so I'll have £750/£1,500 winging its way to me. I did kinda promise myself I'd spend it on camera equipment but I'm more inclined to put it towards a good 400mm lens.