Oly 70-300mm Lens

Willo · #1 (**permalink**) 14-02-2010, 09:13 PM

My local camera shop has a second hand 70-300mm for sale in the region of £250. I was just wondering if that is a decent price for that lens? I know they are going for about £300 on the internet. It does come with a three month warranty.

Bizarrely I have yet to get a camera but am 95% certain it will be an Oly (e-620 but I am just waiting what PMA brings up at the end of the month before making my final decision) and the 70-300mm will be a useful lens to have in my arsenal.

Simples · #2 (**permalink**) 14-02-2010, 11:10 PM

I would say that is quite expensive for a used example of this lens - new ones can be got on ebay for £260 + £10 p&p.

If you buy it, post some sample pics as I was thinking of getting this lens! My 150mm is a bit short for small birds. I'd be interested to see the quality.

Jim Ford · #3 (**permalink**) 15-02-2010, 09:53 AM

The lens is highly regarded, though a bit slow. It's optical performance is very good, although not up to that of the 50-200 - but then the 50-200 is twice the price! What's not often mentioned is that it can focus very close to give a 'macroish' performance. It's also light and almost pocketable. I think it will be a great accompaniment to the E620.

I have this lens but rarely use it as I also have the 50-200. I think the only image I've posted on this site taken with the 70-300 is this one:

If you want to buy a new 70-300, check out the user name 'kerso' on the online popular auction site. I've bought a few lenses from him and his prices are good (they're also cheaper if you buy them 'off auction').

If you register with the Oly forum Olympus UK E-System User Group
You can hire a 70-300. It's £12.77 for 3 days. You can also hire most other Oly lenses and cameras, including the awesome 300mm f2.8 (£107.28 for 3 days).

Jim

Simples · #4 (**permalink**) 15-02-2010, 12:20 PM

Cheers Jim that's useful to know - I might hire one and report back

Willo · #5 (**permalink**) 15-02-2010, 09:43 PM

Thanks for the comments you two. I might go in there and see if I can haggle the price down a bit. Any money saved is extra to go on the body.

Jim, sadly it is a bit slow and I have considered the 50-200 but unfortunately I don't have the money at the moment. You obviously don't find the shorter range a disadvantage? I suppose with a lens as fast as that you can use a teleconverter. Having never owned a dslr before I thought the 300 would be a good starter lens for wildlife photography (I am intending to get the 50mm macro too) and help me make the step up from my bridge. Thank you for pointing me towards the E-System user group. I had been there before but had forgotten the address. It would be good to hire the body and the two lenses before I comment my savings.

Jim Ford · #6 (**permalink**) 15-02-2010, 10:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Willo

Jim, sadly it is a bit slow and I have considered the 50-200 but unfortunately I don't have the money at the moment. You obviously don't find the shorter range a disadvantage? I suppose with a lens as fast as that you can use a teleconverter.

I use a 1.4 teleconverter on the 50-200mm and can't see any deterioration of optical quality with it, other than losing a stop.

There's plenty of people do excellent nature photography with the 70-300 on Olympus UK E-System User Group, have a look there and ask for advice. Everyone's very helpful on the site.

Jim

Jim Ford · #7 (**permalink**) 15-02-2010, 10:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Willo

I am intending to get the 50mm macro too.

The 35mm macro is an excellent lens that you might like to consider. It's very sharp and at something just over £100 is generally considered a bargain. I think they've been spotted in some stores at under £100.

Jim

AndyElliott · #8 (**permalink**) 22-02-2010, 04:02 PM

I've used the E-group hire before - very good it is too. I've hired the 150/2 and will be looking to hire the 35-100/2 in April for a visit to the British Wildlife Centre. The E-620 is a great camera - I suspect a revised version with video will come out soon, so this may be an option or perhaps stick with the 620 (the price will probably come down too).

I am awaiting an announcement of the E-5 eagerly!

Andy

DavyG · #9 (**permalink**) 22-02-2010, 05:34 PM

My wife, Anita, bought an Oly 70-300 around 18 months ago, I don't think it's been removed from her E520 since!

Like Jim, I tend to use my Bigma or ZD 50-200 with either of the TC's however, Anita finds the lightness and ease of use of the 70-300 more to her liking.

I wouldn't pay £250 for a second hand version, buy new from a reliable source, you'll then have the full guarantee.

If I recall correctly, we paid £168.00 for Anita's on eBay but that was a while ago now.

Dave