I have the rebel xti and I'm in the market for a new lens. I'm looking for a lens that will go telephoto between 200-300MM. Looking to spend up to $700. I"m a pretty serious photographer with winning best in show, best in division, 1st and 2ed on every picture I entered in the fair this past summer (07) The lens that came with the camera just isn't working for those shots I need to get in-close anymore. Can someone else me out?
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Which lens to get for rebel xti?
- Thread starter nismo86
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The 70-300mm f/4-5.6mm IS USM sounds like a good fit if you want the 300mm reach.
Otherwise, go for the 70-200/4L and a 1.4x teleconverter.
Otherwise, go for the 70-200/4L and a 1.4x teleconverter.
I'd have thought one of the 70-200L lenses would work very well for you. The f/4 version is very sharp and a little over $500 new...
listen to him, I've seen the photos he's taken with that and they're crystal clear and sharp.
yes
Where would I find these lens for sale at a good price from a rep. company?
Something like this be pretty good? http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/397663-USA/Canon_0345B002_70_300mm_f_4_5_6_EF_IS.html
Not sure about sources but I think you'll get some good advice on that from others here. I think BHphoto is pretty decent, if I recall correctly. 
B&H are totally reliable, although the fact they totally shut down (you can't even order on their website) for Jewish holidays can be annoying. They are well respected and I'd recommend shopping with them.
The lens you linked to is OK. It's got a longer reach, and IS which can be handy, but it's a bit slower (especially at the long end). Optically it's not nearly as good as the L lens: the contrast, colour saturation and sharpness of the L are amazing.
The lens you linked to is OK. It's got a longer reach, and IS which can be handy, but it's a bit slower (especially at the long end). Optically it's not nearly as good as the L lens: the contrast, colour saturation and sharpness of the L are amazing.
Aaaah, that's why the close down their online shop every once in a while! I could never figure that one out.
I too can highly recommend the canon 70-200 f4L
the sharpest canon zoom lens available, and still sharp when used with 1.4x extender.
the sharpest canon zoom lens available, and still sharp when used with 1.4x extender.
Where can I find this lens? I typed it on google with nothing but reviews of it.
It'll be better at the long end than the other lens you linked to (f/4 as opposed to f/5.6), but not as good as the more expensive 70-200 f/2.8 L.
It depends on which 70-200L. There are 4 different 70-200L lenses: the 70-200 f/4 L, the 70-200 f/4 L IS, the 70-200 f/2.8 L and the 70-200 f/2.8 L IS. All offer constant speed across the zoom range (unlike the kit lens or the 70-300 lens you linked to). If low light performance is a must then one of the f/2.8 lenses is the clear winner. Note the 70-300 lens you linked to is f/4 at the wide end and f/5.6 at the long end making it worse in low light than any of the 4 70-200L lenses.
It's acceptable in a lowish light environment (say a dimly lit room like the dance at a wedding reception) if you are willing to run at ISO 1600. Focus is a little hit and miss due to the lack of light. The f/2.8 would be a lot better. If you really want low light performance primes not zooms are the answer. f/1.4 primes work amazingly well in very low light (but are not really available at that sort of length).
Within your kind of budget range is the 200 f/2.8 L (not this is not a zoom: it's 200mm or nothing). This would work well in low light situations and should be very sharp.
Edit to add: the attached was taken at a friends wedding with a Rebel XTi and a 70-200 f/4 L. As you can see it was hardly dark but even at ISO 1600 (which this was taken at) this only resulted in a 1/40s shutter speed which when hand-holding a 200mm lens is not really fast enough. I had to brace myself against a wall to keep stable enough to take the picture.
Within your kind of budget range is the 200 f/2.8 L (not this is not a zoom: it's 200mm or nothing). This would work well in low light situations and should be very sharp.
Edit to add: the attached was taken at a friends wedding with a Rebel XTi and a 70-200 f/4 L. As you can see it was hardly dark but even at ISO 1600 (which this was taken at) this only resulted in a 1/40s shutter speed which when hand-holding a 200mm lens is not really fast enough. I had to brace myself against a wall to keep stable enough to take the picture.
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The 24-70mm 2.8L is the best purchase I have ever made! Get this lens and walk closer to the subject... problem solved!!!!!
Seriously, buy an L lens, you won't regret it. You need to be 2.8 or less for good indoor, no flash. If you are shooting a lot from the same distance, then go for a prime lens like the 200mm. You will always be adding to your collection of lenses.
Seriously, buy an L lens, you won't regret it. You need to be 2.8 or less for good indoor, no flash. If you are shooting a lot from the same distance, then go for a prime lens like the 200mm. You will always be adding to your collection of lenses.
As robbieduncan has very patiently pointed out, there are a number of lenses that will fit the bill for what you're asking. Since you will be using a tripod, I doubt that at the longer focal lengths (that's what it's called, rather than "good zoom") that you're asking about you will not be likely to use anything wider than f/5.6. On a cropped sensor, coupled with a still-undiscerning eye, you will not be able to tell an L from a 75-300.
With L lenses you get better build, awesome optics, and a hefty price tag. Don't get me wrong- I have the 24-70 mentioned above (though this wasn't the question you were asking), and the 70-200 f/2.8. They are both exceptional. For your needs however, even the 70-200 f/4 might be overkill.
With L lenses you get better build, awesome optics, and a hefty price tag. Don't get me wrong- I have the 24-70 mentioned above (though this wasn't the question you were asking), and the 70-200 f/2.8. They are both exceptional. For your needs however, even the 70-200 f/4 might be overkill.