Are L lenses worth the cash?

aztechnology · 8 Nov 2006 at 14:03

Some are, and some aren't (Think that's already been said

)

I considered getting a 17-40 F4 L a few times, but still haven't got one.

It all depends on what you like to shoot and how wide you like to go. If I were you, I'd get the kit lens with the 400D and see if you like it, or what you lthink is lacking in it, and fill the gaps with an informed purchase.

I'm not sure what "manual features" you've grown out of. We have a E550, and it's capable of outstanding results, the only thing I don't like about it, is it's poor handling (and I can never remember where a particular feature is - though the other half uses it most of the time and I still carry around a film SLR or compact).

We will probably get a 400D when the price drops a bit, but the lens we will look at is probably the 17-85 IS, as it's a more useful range.

boycee · 8 Nov 2006 at 16:10

aztechnology said:
Some are, and some aren't (Think that's already been said )

I considered getting a 17-40 F4 L a few times, but still haven't got one.

It all depends on what you like to shoot and how wide you like to go. If I were you, I'd get the kit lens with the 400D and see if you like it, or what you lthink is lacking in it, and fill the gaps with an informed purchase.

I'm not sure what "manual features" you've grown out of. We have a E550, and it's capable of outstanding results, the only thing I don't like about it, is it's poor handling (and I can never remember where a particular feature is - though the other half uses it most of the time and I still carry around a film SLR or compact).

We will probably get a 400D when the price drops a bit, but the lens we will look at is probably the 17-85 IS, as it's a more useful range.

Don't get me wrong I'll defo be keeping my e550 as a nice compact, as I love the manual features it has already. I just find that the 2/3 second max exposure holds be back.

I also find that the pics my camera look a bit artifical?

Two pics from my bike ride across the UK.

I agree the 17-85 has a nice range almost matching what I currently have on the e550, and also the max aperture is only F8. What you think? :confused:

Beansprout · 8 Nov 2006 at 16:13

morgan said:
18-200 is a big range for a lens to do well over. its both extremes and hence you will compromise performance. I would say something like the 28-135 IS may be a better bet. Its pretty cheap and if you want to do anything between 18-28mm then use the kit lens...

Aye - the 28 - 135 IS is my walkabout lens, with my 50mm f/1.8 in my pocket

I swapped from a 17 - 40L to the 28 - 135 IS, too. More zoom, and it's lighter (or if not lighter, seems easier to carry around)

aztechnology · 10 Nov 2006 at 19:16

boycee said:
Don't get me wrong I'll defo be keeping my e550 as a nice compact, as I love the manual features it has already. I just find that the 2/3 second max exposure holds be back.

I also find that the pics my camera look a bit artifical?

... cut pics ...

Two pics from my bike ride across the UK.

I agree the 17-85 has a nice range almost matching what I currently have on the e550, and also the max aperture is only F8. What you think?

I agree with the artificial look thing, but I think that's just a product of in camera processing. I think that the default sharpening on jpegs is a touch agressive. I'll just go have a hands on with the camera (as I sad before it's the other halfs really - and I always need to refresh my memory when using it.. ) and I'll get back to the point

number41 · 10 Nov 2006 at 19:26

FranchiseJuan said:
The problem with all of these non Canon lenses is that they don't have USM (or HSM). And after you have had USM for a little while, you just don't want to live life without it.

What exactly does the USM thingy do? Can't find a reference to exactly what it does!

SDK^ · 10 Nov 2006 at 20:56

number41 said:
What exactly does the USM thingy do? Can't find a reference to exactly what it does!

USM = Ultra Sonic Motor
It's basically fast, silent and accurate focus

More info here : http://www.usa.canon.com/html/eflenses/technology/ultrasonic.html

aztechnology · 11 Nov 2006 at 17:05

aztechnology said:
I agree with the artificial look thing, but I think that's just a product of in camera processing. I think that the default sharpening on jpegs is a touch agressive. I'll just go have a hands on with the camera (as I sad before it's the other halfs really - and I always need to refresh my memory when using it.. ) and I'll get back to the point

ok, Have you tried taking RAW shots, and processing these yourself (i have'nt) to get rid of the unnatural look?

..

USM, the main advantage of this is that most lenses with it also have Full Time Manual focus. i.e. you can focus manually without flicking a switch.