starter lens to go with canon 7D (1 Viewer)

[roywez67]

hi, i have never had a full dslr so i have jumped straight in and ordered a canon 7D body only , which has took most of my budget for a camera and lens, so this leaves me around £250 for a lens untill i can save more money up, i was thinking of getting something like a Tamron XR Di LD IF AF 28-300mm or similar type lens to start with, and learn to use the camera before i get a big canon L lens which is what i am aiming for, what i would like is any suggestions other than this lens , i am not too bothered about image stabilization, or sould i be?
also is it better to use canon lenses with canon cameras, any input will be much appreciated, thanks. oh i should mention that i have been using a canon sx30is for about 6 months with some good success so am not a total novice.

 

[Mackem George]

If you can eek up to £289.00 LONDON CAMERA EXCHANGE have a Canon 70/300 image stabilized this particular one has lenshood .This lens is excellent used it before moving it along and getting L 400MM this im sure will serve you well until you can progress. ALL THE BEST GEORGE

 

[frinky]

Another option is the Tamron 70-300mm VC USD. It's not brilliant at 300mm but comparable to the canon 70-300mm non-L, and has better image stabilisation and is significantly better below 200mm or so. I know someone who has one and they're reasonably happy with it. You're not going to get fantastic telephoto performance in this price range, even second hand.

You don't have to stick with Canon, Tamron/Tokina/Sigma all do decent stuff at good prices. Generally Canon's are best but you have to pay a lot more for them.

And while IS isn't essential it can be useful at longer focal lengths, even if it's just keeping your viewfinder image steady.

 

[roywez67]

thanks for the input guys, i have got a few days before the camera arrives so i will check out those lenses, cheers

 

[Paul Jarvis]

The canon 55-250 is a great lens for your budget, I believe is as sharp as the 70-200 f4 but obviously it's not an L or doesn't have the same build quality but is a good lens.

 

[knotsbirder]

The canon 55-250 is a great lens for your budget, I believe is as sharp as the 70-200 f4 but obviously it's not an L or doesn't have the same build quality but is a good lens.

I would agree with this, was stuck with one for a while and found it a very sharp, versatile lens.

Cheers, Sam

 

[Jaff]

hi, i have never had a full dslr so i have jumped straight in and ordered a canon 7D body only , which has took most of my budget for a camera and lens, so this leaves me around £250 for a lens untill i can save more money up, i was thinking of getting something like a Tamron XR Di LD IF AF 28-300mm or similar type lens to start with, and learn to use the camera before i get a big canon L lens which is what i am aiming for, what i would like is any suggestions other than this lens , i am not too bothered about image stabilization, or sould i be?
also is it better to use canon lenses with canon cameras, any input will be much appreciated, thanks. oh i should mention that i have been using a canon sx30is for about 6 months with some good success so am not a total novice.

Where possible I'd avoid such as lenses as that. Lenses with extreme zoom ranges that go from wide angle to telephoto will have sever compromises in the IQ and might leave you underwhelmed with their performance. If you want to cover wide and telephoto then always best to split it up to two lenses. As has been said look at 70-300mm lenses or that 55-250mm and if you want a wide lens too then even the 18-55mm kit lenses can produce some great results.

 

[GraemeS]

My personalexperience is that all Canon brand lenses are worth their price.
As long as you are aware that your first lens may collect dust in the future, then buy what range you want with the budget you want.
I also recommend the 55-250, since I had it and liked it. I haven't used the Tamron. I still use the 55-250 if I am taking my camera to school.
As far as I have seen, there's no advantage of using Canon lenses with Canon cameras, it's just that Canon make consistently good lenses.

 

[2slo]

Well worth reading some lens reviews online before spending your money for something you may regret. For reviews of Canon lenses, this site:

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/

gives most of the Canon range a thorough appraisel. I like the fact that he doesn't just throw superlatives at every L series lens he reviews, some get criticised for poor performance in certain areas which is fair enough.
The monthly Canon DSLR magazine (photoplus Canon edition) also runs regular tests of Canon fit lenses for various uses. Again I like this as the Canon lenses don't always get the vote, they test Sigma and Tamron which often get recommended over Canon equivalents.

 

[stevo]

Don`t rule out a sigma 135-400mm lens they can be had for around £250-£300,when I went over to digital its the one I used with good success.

Steve.

 

[roywez67]

what about a Tokina 80-400mm f4.5-5.6 AT-X Zoom i know where i can get one for £200 it does say canon ef fit but not sure if it will go on a 7D

 

[Paul Jarvis]

That would be a decent start for a first lens, dont let it go for that price.

 

[Richard G]

what about a Tokina 80-400mm f4.5-5.6 AT-X Zoom i know where i can get one for £200 it does say canon ef fit but not sure if it will go on a 7D

That's the lens I currently use on a 450D. The majority of my photos on Flickr have been taken with this lens.

I found it to be a really good lens to learn with, but I'm now ready to upgrade (just need the funds to do so!!). I'd hope to realise a 2nd hand value higher than £200 for mine when I'm ready to sell it on though.

Richard