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A question regarding zoom lenses.

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Mike
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A question regarding zoom lenses.

Post by Mike » Fri Sep 05, 2014 9:58 am

Hi guys, I currently use a Canon 75-300 f/4-5.6 III on my EOS450D, and have never really been impressed with the results (especially on full zoom, but I know that's a common issue with zooms). Can anyone explain to me why zoom lenses have the "f" numbers in the description i.e. mine being "f/4-5.6" ?
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andygolfer
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Re: A question regarding zoom lenses.

Post by andygolfer » Fri Sep 05, 2014 11:08 am

they are the minimum settings i.e. settings for the maximum light that the lens can be set to or will operate at at both minimum zoom (f4 in your case) and maximum zoom (f 5.6) because at max zoom it will not operate as low as on minimum - think I've got that round the right way.
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Re: A question regarding zoom lenses.

Post by Radleigh » Fri Sep 05, 2014 5:23 pm

That's right, in Av if you have the lens set to f/4 @ 75mm, then zoom out to 300mm, it'll change to f/5.6 around the 150mm mark(ish).

Some lenses are F/4 zoom (the 70-200 f/4 IS L) some are f/2.8 (the 70-200 f/2.8 IS L for example) meaning if you have it set to f/2.8 or f/4 @ 70mm, then go to 200mm, it won't change aperture in Av either.
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Mike
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Re: A question regarding zoom lenses.

Post by Mike » Sat Sep 06, 2014 9:59 am

That makes sense and thanks for the replies :thumb: , the next question is :- I want a better lens and don't want to break the bank, what would you recommend?
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Re: A question regarding zoom lenses.

Post by Radleigh » Sat Sep 06, 2014 10:17 pm

Two questions, what's your budget and what focal length do you want/would like?

Make that three questions, would you mind buying second hand? MPB are great for second hand glass. :)
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Mike
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Re: A question regarding zoom lenses.

Post by Mike » Sat May 09, 2015 7:26 pm

Radleigh wrote:Two questions, what's your budget and what focal length do you want/would like?

Make that three questions, would you mind buying second hand? MPB are great for second hand glass. :)
Thanks Radleigh - sorry I went asleep for the winter and didn't reply !

The 450 and 350 need to go (along with the Canon 75-300 f/4-5.6 III lens !), which camera and lens combo would you guys recommend to replace them?

Budget is £1,000 - don't tell her indoors though. :whistle:
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Re: A question regarding zoom lenses.

Post by Wallie » Sat May 09, 2015 7:53 pm

Hi All,
If you want to stay with Canon, the 7D is really a beauty. Quick and smooth. You can buy this for about 800 Euro. The new 7D Mark II is even better, but more expensive. ( +/- 1600 Euro )
Opticals : "in the sky" aviation goes best with the 100-400L. My bag is filled with the 24-105 // 70-200 // 100-400 all L lenses.
When you have to make a choice between upgrading body or lens, my advice is go for a better lens. You will see much improvement, even on a 350.
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Re: A question regarding zoom lenses.

Post by beefsteak » Sat May 09, 2015 7:54 pm

Can't beat the 100-400 Mike (IMHO), it's a bit over the thousand pounds mark, but well worth it.
Failing that, try the "Bigma", you should get one of those in your price band


edit, sorry didn't see you wanted a camera too.

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Mike
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Re: A question regarding zoom lenses.

Post by Mike » Sat May 09, 2015 8:23 pm

Thanks chaps. :thumb:

The 350D is OK for static shots with it's kit lens and the 450D has done well for me with it's Canon 75-300 f/4-5.6 III lens, however I feel it's time to move on to something better.

Would a 2nd hand EOS7D + a 100-400 L be the best option?

p.s I'm staying with Canon !
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Re: A question regarding zoom lenses.

Post by Nighthawke » Sat May 09, 2015 8:32 pm

Mike - Personally I'd be inclined to focus (excuse pun!) on the lens purchase first and hang on to the 450D - curious as to why it "has to go"? If you are happy to go down the second-hand route, the 100-400 Mk.1 can be had for well under the £1000 - sure I've seen them around £750-800. For a lot less you could get a new Canon 70-300 which I believe is a lot better than the 75-300, and a new body too if you do want one. all this assumes Canon your preference.

Despite all the advice, choice of equipment is down to personal likes/dislikes. All the browsing, advice etc cannot beat hands-on. Hopefully you have one or more outlets near you to go and talk to the staff and try in-shop.

Just one more thought - possibly hire a lens for a couple of days. Check out Lenses for Hire on line - other hire companies are out there but I have found LfH to be good for service. Maybe worth spending a small amount to test before possibly forking out several hundred quid.

Whatever you end up with, I hope you enjoy the new toy(s).

Cheers
Ian

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Mike
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Re: A question regarding zoom lenses.

Post by Mike » Sat May 09, 2015 8:46 pm

Thanks Ian, personally I love the 450D - I don't get out as much as I used to, maybe I should keep it and get some new glass to stick on the front of it, I'll get a 100-400 and see how I get on. Many thanks for the advice. :thumb:
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Re: A question regarding zoom lenses.

Post by andygolfer » Sun May 10, 2015 6:53 am

The 100-400 is good but can be a bit of a dust pump but I've had mine (2nd hand) about 3 years now and I'm very pleased with it but have had the camera cleaned at least twice.
The downside of it it's weight especially if you are going on holiday ;) I don't take mine abroad because of that and I bought a Sigma 18-250 (about £250)which is a slight compromise on top end zoom but means I have one lens that does just about everything so I'm not changing lenses in the field.
If you're going abroad and are near an approach path a 100-400 might be necessary but if you are sitting in THAT bar at St.Marteens ;) ;) then something like the Sigma 18-250 will be big enough AND more flexible for wide angle when the biggies arrive (Canon and Tamron do similar lenses but the reviews said the Sigma was better). It's also handy for through mesh fence shots as the lens is not as wide (only 62mm) as the Canon 100-400 at 77mm so with practice you can get away without a ladder where they are frowned upon (like some of my LHR shots in February).

Basically I use two cameras when in the UK at airports/airshows one with each of those lenses to avoid changing butwhen it's holiday time I just take to sigma for ease.

I'm looking at the 70D to replace my very old body sometime soon, at least with that I don't have to but lots of new memory cards which I would need to do with the 7D and would be commonality with my 600D when using 2 cameras, batteries are still different though. The 70D body is available around £700-750ish at present.
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Re: A question regarding zoom lenses.

Post by talldan76 » Sun May 10, 2015 8:21 am

I recently picked up a year old Canon 100-400L (with a Hoya ProUV Filter fitted) for £800 as a replacement for my 70-300 f4-5.6 IS USM lens. This is fitted to a 600d.

Even though I've only used it a couple of times since getting it, I can already see the difference in quality over the 70-300, which tbh wasn't a bad lens!

If I were you, I would be looking at 100-400L. I've always been told to go for better glass before a better body - however be a bit picky on which particular one you go for - If you can look at it first, before committing to the purchase, all the better, as there are some dogs out there... luckily mine was from someone I work with, who was very fastidious and OCD about looking after it, and had only used it 4-5 times in the year of ownership so it is like it is straight out of the box!!

Dan

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andygolfer
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Re: A question regarding zoom lenses.

Post by andygolfer » Sun May 10, 2015 8:24 am

talldan76 wrote: luckily mine was from someone I work with, who was very fastidious and OCD about looking after it, and had only used it 4-5 times in the year of ownership so it is like it is straight out of the box!!

Dan

Dan - you really are a jammy *** :blush: :blush: :roll:

some people get all the luck, and your pics are certainly looking good with it :clap: :clap:
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Re: A question regarding zoom lenses.

Post by talldan76 » Sun May 10, 2015 8:37 am

Thanks Andy... Although it was a lot of money to spend (especially under the radar so 'er indoors doesn't know) it seemed too good an oppurtunity to pass on!!

Just need to get out a bit more to use it!

Dan

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Mike
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Re: A question regarding zoom lenses.

Post by Mike » Sun May 10, 2015 8:45 am

Thanks for the excellent advice chaps, I think I'll stick with the 450 for the time being (it's only 7 years old after all) and look into a decent 18-250 or a 100-400. I'll have a look at what MPB and Ffordes have to offer on the 2nd hand market first. :)
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Re: A question regarding zoom lenses.

Post by EGVP » Sun May 10, 2015 9:57 am

All wrong, you need to move to Nikon, it's just better :whistle:

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Mike
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Re: A question regarding zoom lenses.

Post by Mike » Sun May 10, 2015 10:13 am

EGVP wrote:All wrong, you need to move to Nikon, it's just better :whistle:
:P
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