Buying a lens

[DaiTheDragon]

I don't think you can really test a lens in a shop exept for obvious flaws. To test a lens properly you would have to try the lens on a tripod with IS off and various camera settings and lighting . Then do the same off tripod with IS on. Also if two people look at the same photograph' one will say its `ok and the other may say the IQ is not good. My only advice is get the lens, take a lot of photo's and if you are happy with them then the lens is OK.

Dai

[Boddie]

Originally Posted by DaiTheDragon

I don't think you can really test a lens in a shop exept for obvious flaws. To test a lens properly you would have to try the lens on a tripod with IS off and various camera settings and lighting . Then do the same off tripod with IS on. Also if two people look at the same photograph' one will say its `ok and the other may say the IQ is not good. My only advice is get the lens, take a lot of photo's and if you are happy with them then the lens is OK.

Dai

Yep, that sounds spot on Dai. I think you have summed it up pefectly.

Thanks Dai and thanks Eeeyore

[bob hastie]

Thanks for all the advice everyone.
I had a feeling that the conclusion was going to be 'you can't tell in the shop'.
I just didn't want to spend that much money without checking things out first.
I can now head off on Saturday and abuse that credit card with confidence.
Bob

[Boddie]

Originally Posted by bob hastie

Thanks for all the advice everyone.
I had a feeling that the conclusion was going to be 'you can't tell in the shop'.
I just didn't want to spend that much money without checking things out first.
I can now head off on Saturday and abuse that credit card with confidence.
Bob

So which model did you decide on then Bob?

[bob hastie]

I'm going for the Canon 100-400 - it ticked all the boxes for me, sharp throughout the range, IS, weight and after the £105 Canon rebate the price isn't that bad either (still more or less a grand though.)
I've spent several months talking to people and reading reviews/looking at photos whilst trying to work out what to buy and I think for the way I will be using the lens this is the one for me, its a very capable lens which seems to give great results in the right hands. whether or not I have the right hands remains to be seen

[Boddie]

Originally Posted by bob hastie

I'm going for the Canon 100-400 - it ticked all the boxes for me, sharp throughout the range, IS, weight and after the £105 Canon rebate the price isn't that bad either (still more or less a grand though.)
I've spent several months talking to people and reading reviews/looking at photos whilst trying to work out what to buy and I think for the way I will be using the lens this is the one for me, its a very capable lens which seems to give great results in the right hands. whether or not I have the right hands remains to be seen

What £105 rebate?

[eeyore]

Originally Posted by Boddie

What £105 rebate?

Even with the 105 rebate the price still wont beat pxl8s guy in scotland - see post 3 of this thread http://www.wildaboutbritain.co.uk/fo...-5-6l-usm.html - he was looking at £860 if you deal direct.

[bob hastie]

The rebate comes directly from canon europe. When you buy a 30D you get a book of vouchers which you send off together with the barcode from the corresponding lens packagingand canon send you a cheque. (sounds simple - probably isn't)
As to buying from Kerso in Scotland, I've heard good things about him and went as far as emailing him a few months back. The difference between what he quoted me and what I will be paying isn't that great and personally I would rather spend a little more to support a local(ish) camera shop

[bob hastie]

Well I finally got the canon 100-400 today, and I couldn't be more pleased with it .
It's going to be another steep learning curve.
Here's a couple of shots from my first time out, the weather was bad and I deliberatly chose easy targets.


Thanks again for all the above advise
Bob

[Roy C]

[quote=bob hastie]The rebate comes directly from canon europe. When you buy a 30D you get a book of vouchers which you send off together with the barcode from the QUOTE]

You can get this book of vouchers even if you have not purchased the 30D - Just apply for them via the web site and they will send you the book.