Canon 50E (ElanII) standard zoom lense

greenspun.com : LUSENET : Canon EOS FAQ forum : One Thread

Hi folks! I'd like to buy a standard Canon EF zoom lense in EU for less than 500EUR (500$). Which of the following lenses is the sharpest: Canon EF 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5 USM (273 EUR), Canon EF 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5 USM (273 EUR), Canon EF 28-80mm f/3.5-5.6 IV USM (154 EUR). I am to short for the 28-70/2.8L lense, but could buy Tokina ATX pro 2.8 II in the same range for 438 EUR. Or is it better to buy a cheap Tamron AF 28-80mm f/3.5-5.6 (92 EUR)for a while and then upgrade to Canon L lense?

p.s. I already have Tokina ATX pro lense 80-200/2.8 and it is great!

-- Matija Ponikvar (matijap@robo.fe.ui-lj.si), January 06, 2000

Answers

The ATX Pro II is surely the best lens in this row. It's a bit soft at wide-open aperture but stopped down it's a great lens. The Canon 24-85 and 28-105 are pretty good though a bit less contrasty with inferior edge resolution compared to the Tokina. I heard that the 28-135 USM IS is a bit better than these two so maybe consider this one as well. The extremely cheap std. zooms like the Tamron or the Canon 28-80 are certainly less than desirable - the Tokina 28-105 seems to be acceptable if it has to be a very cheap lens.

Klaus

-- Klaus Schroiff (klaus@photozone.de), January 06, 2000.


My suggestion would be to stick with Canon EOS lenses. In my experience, the EOS 28-105/3.5-4.5 is a very decent, modestly priced zoom, and the 28-135 IS is generally receiving favorable reviews here at Photo.net, although I have NOT personally used one yet.

-- kurt heintzelman (heintzelman.1@osu.edu), January 09, 2000.

I have the 28-135 IS and can tell you the reviews are correct, it is a really sharp lens. The range is great for landscapes as well as street shots. Have also, read positive feedback on the Tokina ATX.

Good luck.

-- MIke Castles (photomc@flash.net), January 23, 2000.


Whichever one you choose do not choose the Canon 28-80. It is very cheaply made and the optical quality leaves a lot to be desired. The Canon 28-105 receives nothing but positive remarks. I personally use the Canon 28-135IS lens and it is fantastic. Optically it is great. Handling is good as well. Would definately be a great choice if you can afford it.

-- Corey Gardner (gardnerc@dnb.com), August 08, 2000.

Moderation questions? read the FAQ