I need a lens, I don't have money

[Dan Fleming]

I put "I don't have money" in the title not as a literal statement, but something close. I am going to an airshow at the end of July and want to use that as an excuse to buy a lens. I currently have a Canon 28-105 f/3.5-4.5 II a Canon 50mm 1.8, and a Sigma 150mm f/2.8 Macro. I want a lens to use to try on flying planes at the airshow which means a Tele of some sort. I think a zoom would be more all round practical for me, but I could be swayed.


As for money. I'll have $200 for sure and maybe could swing $250-270 but no more than that. I understand that won't get me L glass, (unless one of you have gone nuts and want to sell an L lens for that ) and that's OK. I just want to get the best value for my money and would appreciate input in that price range.





Thanks!

[TucsonTRD]

I will suggest renting a 100-400.


If you are determined that you will only spend money if you can keep the lens, the 75-300 seems to be the only (Canon) option in your price range. But I would say either use what you have (Sigma 150) or rent the 100-400.

[Dan Fleming]

If you are determined that you will only spend money if you can keep the lens

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

[neuroanatomist]

I'll throw out there that I am willing to buy used and a couple have popped up in the right range:


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.

[Dan Fleming]

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 []

[neuroanatomist]

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.

[TucsonTRD]

It takes me too long to save up that money to spend it on a rental.
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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.

[peety3]

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.

[Sheiky]

If you are determined that you will only spend money if you can keep the lens

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

[Dan Fleming]

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!