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Nature Photography & Optics

Zoom lens question

endorphinjunkie

19 years ago

Hello everyone,

I have just acquired a Canon rebel g camera body to use in astrophotograpy. It will be attached to one of my telescopes. What I would like to do is to buy a zoom lens to use for everyday use. I see zooms come in several ranges, such as 35-80mm, 45-105mm, and 75-200mm lens. What is the best all purpose zoom lens to buy?

TIA,

Michael

Comments (4)

John Perilloux
19 years ago
There really is no one "best all-purpose" zoom. It all depends what you plan to photograph and how much you want to spend.
One that will let you walk around all day without tiring you out is the 28-135 IS USM.
The 70-200 f/2.8L IS USM is excellent for butterflies and birds that are not too far off.
The 100-400 L IS USM is probably Canon's best zoom lens for birds.
Both the 70-200 and the 100-400 are heavy and pricey, but they're excellent.
I have photos on my site made with all three of those lenses. All the butterflies are with the 70-200.

Here is a link that might be useful: My pBase Galleries
John Perilloux
19 years ago
Oops. Sorry. Most of the butterflies were with the 70-200. One was with the 28-135 and a couple with the 100-400.
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endorphinjunkie
Original Author
19 years ago
Thanks. Your pictures are great. I love that one of the alligator. We actually have a few gators where I live. I hope to get a shot or two of them next summer.

Michael
Time_Catcher
19 years ago
Try www.porters.com They have a 170mm to 500mm which has mounts for all the most popular cameras. The f stop is 3.5 to 5.6. With a 1.4 tele converter it really gets you out there without affecting the f stop. With a 2x tele converter it becomes a 1000mm lens with a f 11.2. On a digital camera body it extends the range by 50%, so with a 2x converter in becomes a 1500mm lens. I also have a Meade spotting scope 1000mm at f-11; this can be purchased at www.digitalfotoclub.com for 374dollars. You need a t mount with this lens.

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