need a lowdown on lenses

[urameatball]

So after reading about a couple hundred reviews on numerous digital SLR cameras, I've come to the conclusion that the Canon EOS-10D would be in my 'but this' list because it's pretty good value and has a huge lineup of parts and accessories for nearly unlimited usability.

Now for the lenses. Are there any websites that can give me a crash course on the differences between a $40 lens and a $1400 lens? Basically I want to know what lens will be best suited for my use and which lenses have the value and why.

 

[KBOC]

I'm no expert, so take what I say with a grain of salt.

Back in the day (Early 80s), you could pretty much get a clue by looking at 50mm lenses.

A 50mm F2.0 Lens would cost roughly $50.

A 50mm F1.2 Lens would go for $350.

So far as I understand it: the quality of the lense depends largely on Optics AND it's ability to alllow light to pass unimpeeded.

I would think, in this day and age, that the quality of optics is leveling off at most price ranges, and the biggest deal would be the ability to allow light to pass.

 

[KBOC]

Here are some examples of why I believe this:

http://www.sigma-photo.com/html/pages/120-300ex.htm
120-300mm f2.8 EX APO HSM

The F-Stop on this thing is pretty increadible for a Zoom Lens to 300mm.

Now check this out:
http://www.sigma-photo.com/html/pages/70_300_dlms.htm
70-300mm f/4-5.6 DL Macro Super

This is a lens I have. The F-Stop is variable depending on what focal length you have set. It was included in my SA-7 set I got for $300 with a second short zoom lens.

The newer lens:
http://www.aaacamera.com/sigma_120_300_mm_f28.html
Try $1698.69

 

[doxx]

here you'll get an idea of prices and user reviews as well...

http://www.photo.net/ezshop/category?category_id=7

for a Canon camera - lots of people love Canon's L glass, it is very expensive though. If you want to save, look at the faster (f2.8 and up) Sigma lenses - they got a pretty good 28-70mm f2.8

The 'standard' Canon 50mm f1.8 goes for about $70 a nice fast lens - on the 10D it acts like a 80mm lens, which makes it a beautiful portrait lens...

 

[urameatball]

Hey, why are imported lenses priced less than USA lenses?
is there a difference?

btw, the canon 100 F/2 USM lens looks to be pretty good

 

[urameatball]

btw, do zoom lenses create pictures of a somewhat lesser quality?

I'm thinking maybe a zoom is better for my amateur status!

 

[voodoocat]

zooms aren't as sharp as fixed lenses because there are a lot more elements (lenses). And zooms are generally slower.

 

[oriecat]

Yes, generally zoom lenses will be produce a slightly lesser quality, due to the additional optics that are required. However, it may not even be noticeable to an untrained eye.

 

[Jeff Canes]

Hey, why are imported lenses priced less than USA lenses?
is there a difference?

btw, the canon 100 F/2 USM lens looks to be pretty good

The US and imported lenses are the same in quality, the only things that may be deferent are the markings may be only in “mm”, the warranty may not be valet in the US, and in US paperwork and packaging mostly comes only in English, Spanish and some time French

 

[photobug]

Allow me to be the rebel here, but I think you're attacking this bass-ackwards.

Pictures are made by lenses projecting an image onto a medium (film or sensor). The better the projector (lens), the better the picture. Decide what lenses you want to use first, then pick a camera body.

This is somewhat muddled by digital, since not all camera sensors are created equally, so you have to do a bit more research, but the lens first- body second arguement is still valid. Put a inferior lens on a decent body & you get a inferior picture. Put good glass on the same body & you'll get a much better result.

A camera is just a light-tight box. Some have better ergonomics or features than others, but it's still just a box that holds a lens and image media in the correct orientation to create a viewable image.

Just my NSHO!

Jim