Originally Posted by TucsonTRD
yeah, you hit the nail on the head. It takes me too long to save up that money to spend it on a rental.
I'll throw out there that I am willing to buy used and a couple have popped up in the right range:
100-300 4.5-5.6
sigma 70-300 4-5.6 dg macro
canon 70-300 4.5-5.6 IS
Dig into that one - there's no such lens. There are a whole bunch of different 75-300mm f/4-5.6 lenses (f/4, not f/4.5, -/+ USM, MkI/II/III, and one with IS.). There are only two 70-300mm Canon lenses - a70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM lens (that's the only one of this whole group that starts at f/4.5, and it retails for $1200, so that's probably not it), and a 70-300 f/4-5.6 IS USM. If it's that last one, that's the best choice of the ones you're considering, if it's in good condition - but make sure it's 70-300mm, not 75-300mm.
yeah, my bad on slapping that .5 in there []
In that case, get the used70-300 f/4-5.6 IS USM (assuming it's in good shape). IQ will be slightly better than the EF-S 55-250mm, and build quality will be noticeably better, it's 50mm longer, and has USM. The Canon 70-300mm IS usually sells used in the $375-425 range. If you're able to find one that fits your budget, you're getting a great deal! Else, the EF-S 55-250m would be my recommendation.
Have you considered using what you currently have for the air show and saving for longer and buying a used 70-200 f/4L (non-IS)?
You can find them for around $500 and you will have a great telephoto zoom for outdoor use.
Don't buy a lens that isn't right for you.
Don't buy a lens that won't hold its resale value.
Chances are good that a lens that isn't right for you isn't right for others either, and won't hold its value.
We're a Canon/Profoto family: five cameras, sixteen lenses, fifteen Profoto lights, too many modifiers.
yeah, you hit the nail on the head. It takes me too long to save up that money to spend it on a rental.
I get what you mean, but look at it this way: I rented a 100-400 for an airshow last week, it costs me 20 euro(like 25 dollar?) for a day and I can promise you that it will give you more pleasure and much better result then buying a "lower quality" lens. Of course you will need someone to pay a reasonable deposit/guarantee bail for you. (I don't know the proper English word for that...) I had to pay 300 Euros so you know.
I would put that money towards a faster general lens, but that's just me...
Jan
Hey Guys, thought I would post one more time on this thread. I ended up finding a mint condition 70-210 3.5/4.5 USM lens on Ebay that I picked up for $250. It is a great big brother to my 28-105 3.5-4.5 II. I haven't played with it much as I just got it, but the USM is dead silent and snappy on my XTi. Thanks for your help!
Congratulations man, hope you get much joy out of it.
Have fun! [Y]
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