> In which category could be these lenses? > 50mm f/1.8 The 50mm/1.8, even though it has a "plastic" feel to it (the second model) and a noisy motor, IMHO offers the best quality/price ratio in the whole EF range. You get a very sharp lens for a very low price. I own a 50mm/1.8 Mk I and never regretted my choice. Unfortunately, if you want USM and a more solid feel, you'll have to spend 4 times more money on a 50mm/1.4. As far as I know, an excellent performer, but more expensive. Within the 50mm range, the "L series" lens is the 50mm/1.0L. Big, heavy and terribly expensive, it is not necessarily better than the previous ones. The wider the aperture, the bigger the price. Also, at these extreme apertures, coma, vignetting and other optical phenomena is hard (and expensive) to correct. I never used this lens, but I wouldn't be surprised that the 50mm/1.8 was sharper at the corners than the 50mm/1.0L. In this case, the "L" designation is, I believe, justified by the extreme aperture and the optical quality of the glass needed to achieve it.. This lens, alongside with the Leica M 50mm/1.0 Noctilux is the fastest 50mm in production. > 75-300 III usm I'm afraid this is a budget lens. I used to own a 75-300 USM (first model). Results between 75-200mm were not that bad, but beyond that quality and af speed started to suffer quite a bit. I traded it for a second hand 80-200/2.8L. On the second hand market, this is a excellent buy. Where I live, an 80-200/2.8L in decent condition costs about 2-2.5X times the price of a new 75-300 III. Quality is excellent, AF is fast and silent (not as fast and silent as USM, but much better than the 75-300). Overall, again IMO, one of the best second hand buys of the "L" range. If you can afford it, go for it. You won't be disappointed. I'm not a pro photographer or an expert in optics. These are my thoughts based on personal experience, tests I've read and opinions of other photographers I've met. Any other comments/corrections are welcomed. > if someone don't want one 'L' could make a big present for me! I'm afraid that "not wanting an L" is a bit like not wanting a Ferrari... ;-) One last remark: even if you can't afford an L, it doesn't mean you can't take great pictures with the lenses you mentioned. "An L lens does not a good photographer make", but a good photographer can do wonders with budget lenses. Regards Hugo Lopes * **** ******* *********************************************************** * For list instructions, including unsubscribe, see: * http://www.a1.nl/phomepag/markerink/eos_list.htm ***********************************************************
