View Full Version : Bettering Canon kit lens
Looking at getting back into photography after a long long time and to this end looking at getting a 400D. I am aware that the standard Canon kit lens isn't regarded as that good but I have two questions:
1. Just how bad is it in reality?
2. How much would I have to spend to significantly better it?
The EF-S 17-85 IS is lovely but at over 300 quid is rather steep. Is there anything in between which is worth the premium over the kit lens, either a Canon one or other make?
leowyatt
24-08-2007, 13:52
Well we have the 400D lens and it isn't that bad I don't think. I suppose lens suggestions boils down to what you want to do. One piece of advice would be to buy second hand as you'll save oodles of cash.
Well looking at getting a factory refurbed 400D with kit lens as these are going for around £320-330 which is a worthwhile saving over new. If I could find a used one cheaper I'd certainly consider it, or even a 350D if the savings were worthwhile.
Regards lenses, the other thing I'm thinking is that I'll need/want a reasonable telephoto too so perhaps I'd be better off sticking with the standard kit lens for the moment and getting the telephoto first to go with, replacing the kit lens at a later date when funds permit. Thinking about the 70-200 F4L if I can get it at a good price. Can't afford to get two lenses straight away so basically thinking kit lens + 70-200 F4L would be better than just the 17-85 IS, make sense?
leowyatt
24-08-2007, 14:23
I'd agree with the 70-200. That is Kitten's next purchase I think. She actually had a 28-90 lens already but I think the kit was is ok to start with but you'll find the limits shortly after you get it. (the 28mm lens was off eBay and has been great, I think we got it for something like £40 including delivery.
The 17-85 isn't actually that much of an improvement over the kit lens except for the IS and the extra reach. The F numbers are the same and the quality of glass isn't great for £300, you are literally paying for the IS and the range.
The Tamron 17-50 2.8 is a MUCH MUCH better glass, so much so some people say it's the same (or at least close to) the Canon 17-55 IS 2.8. You can get the Tamron for £215 online. :)
Check out this page for lens review before buying any lens thou.
http://www.photozone.de/8Reviews/index.html
Thanks for the input. What would you say to my theory on living with the kit lens to start with and getting the 70-200 first, then replacing the kit lens later?
leowyatt
24-08-2007, 15:57
I'd say that probably your best bet yes. You can use the kit lens some wider-ish angle stuff and portrait and then get the zoom for your other stuff.
The kit lens is good enough to give you a taste really. Its not hugely sharp and it has distortion. But then my 10-20 also has distortion and I'm not selling it :) Raymond's suggestion is a good one. I think Lostkat has the same lens and the samples I've seen look great. You can't go wrong with anything L based either.
The Tamron 17-50 is a cracker of a lens if you are looking to replace the kit lens just covering the same range.
The 70-200 F4L is an absolute no-brainer. Absolutely superb lens indeed.
Been looking a bit more into this, I reckon I can stretch my budget to both the 70-200 F4L and a kit-lens replacement walk-about.
Whilst the Tamron is definitely a possibility, I've also been looking at the Sigma 17-70 which seems to get very good reviews. Anyone have experience of this one?
Current plan is:
400D
Sigma 17-70mm DC USM Macro
Canon 70-200mm F4.0/L
The 70-200L is an absolutely superlative lens. Absolute cracker!
The 17-70 I know nothing about, but have had a play with cyk's 24-70 and its pretty nice :)
Chuckles
15-09-2007, 17:45
Sigma F/1.4 30mm and move closer or further away from the subject :)
The Sigma 17-70 seems to be very well regarded. The review on Photozone puts it up there with the Canon EF-S 17-85 IS yet it can be had for under £190! Looks like a bit of a bargain with a wide enough range to make a very good walkabout lens. It's either that or the Tamron 17-50 tbh and I don't think there's much between them quality or cost wise so the extra 20mm (32mm effective) of the Sigma is attractive.
Tysonator
19-09-2007, 09:49
My suggestion is buy the 400D body and source other lenses.
I am selling my standard Canon kit lens 18-55 F5 for £25, which is a good starting point for those that do not want to shell out on an expensive lens to be getting on with. As I have now brought a Sigma 17-70mm DC Macro II which is a great standard lens.
Also I am selling a Tamron 55-200mm f/4-5.6 LD Macro Di ll for £95, costs £199.99 in Jessops & about £180 in camreaworld. As I now have a new canon lens 70-300mm USM IS
The tamron is a cracking lens, as qouted by Kitten_caboodle, as I have had some great shots with this lens.
I've found the kit lens on the 350D a bit restrictive tbh because I like to take my pictures from a distance. 18-55 I think it is, just doesn't get in as close as I want it to. It also takes a lot more picture than you see in the viewfinder, but I think that might just be a trait of the camera itself. Other than that it's a fab camera. I think I need a 100mm but the 70-200 mentioned up there somewhere sounds the business.
like the look of that Tamron :)
i'll have to pick that up whilst i'm in HK :D £150!
Tysonator
19-09-2007, 14:35
I've found the kit lens on the 350D a bit restrictive tbh because I like to take my pictures from a distance. 18-55 I think it is, just doesn't get in as close as I want it to. It also takes a lot more picture than you see in the viewfinder, but I think that might just be a trait of the camera itself. Other than that it's a fab camera. I think I need a 100mm but the 70-200 mentioned up there somewhere sounds the business.
as SHOW has mentioned, check out the Tamron, it really is a cracking lens.
It is light and takes sharp pic's.:)
As I have mention I am selling my tamron as I have just purchased a canon 70-300mm USM IS, which is alot more money than the Tamron.:'(
Tysonator
21-09-2007, 14:07
Hi, does any one know any reasonable Used camera shops I can shops I can contact about selling my old camera gear.
Cheers
Well I plumped for the Sigma 17-70 in the end to go with a 400D body, skipping the kit lens altogether. Will let you know how I get on with them but, although I have both body and lens here now, as yet I have no memory cards and I'm not supposed to be using it at all until my birthday as people are donating towards it so it's technically a pressie.
Tysonator
24-09-2007, 21:36
Well I plumped for the Sigma 17-70 in the end to go with a 400D body, skipping the kit lens altogether. Will let you know how I get on with them but, although I have both body and lens here now, as yet I have no memory cards and I'm not supposed to be using it at all until my birthday as people are donating towards it so it's technically a pressie.
The Sigma 17-70 is a really good lens, well made, quick AF.
You will enjoy it ;)
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