Ken Durling wrote:
> OK, indulge me here. ;-) I think we all like to think about lens
> kits. So, since I've had my Elan 7 w/28-90 and 75-300 lenses for
> about 2-3 months now and have shot 20-30 rolls, I'm starting to get an
> idea of what my patterns are and what I want my lens kit to be when
> I'm "done." In probable order of purchase:
>
> 50mm f/1.4 - GP and low-light use
I have this lens, and it's a pleasure to use and a great performer. If I
hadn't got a good price on it used, I would still be happy with the
50/1.8, which is also a great performer, but somewhat less pleasurable to
use.
> 100mm f/2.8 macro - Macro and portraiture
Macro's not really my bag, so I can't comment.
> zoom 100-400mm f.4.5-5.6 IS - wildlife, especially birds
I was lucky to find a used 200/2.8L, which is a great performer. The
previous owner had traded it in on a 70-200/2.8L. It is very sharp, and
will blow out backgrounds beautifully when used at f2.8. I recently got a
Canon 2X converter to go with it, and am favorably impressed. There's no
IS, but it cost a lot less than the 100-400, and gives me the f2.8 if I
want it.
> zoom 17-35mm f/2.8L - people and scenery
The widest I have is a 24/2.8, but I don't use it all that much. Maybe a
wide-angle fan can add some more meaningful comments.
> Couple of questions: for those of you that frequent such venues - do
> any of these show up on the second hand market much? The lenses I
> have probably don't have much resale, right?
As noted above, I found 2 lenses in excellent condition used. Unless
you're in a large urban area (I'm not), you probably have to be patient
for something to show up. I have heard of several other people finding
used 200/2.8L's, so they may be more common. The 50/1.4 came from someone
who traded in all his EOS gear for a Hassey.
I traded in the two cheap zooms I had, when I went to primes, and the shop
gave me about half what I paid for them. I think that's pretty reasonable
considering the used lenses I bought from them were about 60-70% of new
cost.
> I understand that the 100-400 IS is probably too slow to use with an
> extender, but that it IS tripod compatible. Plus you can put a
> close-up lens on it. I'd love to have more "reach" - but I don't
> think I can afford a lens fast enough to use with a TC effectively, or
> one of the super zooms. Comments?
Again, the 200/2.8L is fast, and works fine with converters. But you may
find it a bit short for birds, unless they're really tame!
Geoff Doane, Halifax, N.S.
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