I'm a 1st time buyer of SLR camera and have decided on a Canon EOS 300 with 2 lenses. I have two choices: the first with EF 28-80 mm f/3.5-5.6 II & EF 75-300 mm f/4-5.6 III and the second with the same lenses but USM. However, the USM body + lenses cost 100 pounds sterling more.

Is it worth paying 100 pounds more for USM lenses?

-- Linda Barnes (LBarnesF@aol.com), December 17, 2001

Answers

With these lenses, not particularly. They have the cheaper version of USM and not the superior "ring" type USM. It basically means that the only thing you gain is quieter focus. If you can afford it, it would be a tremendous improvement to buy the 28-105 and the 100-300 lenses instead. The two make a good pair. Not only are they fast and quiet, you get full-time manual focussing as well. Or maybe the 75-300 IS (not ring USM, but IS in nice)

-- Ming Kuo (mtkuo@hotmail.com), December 17, 2001.

USM is just a slightly faster, slightly quieter method of focusing than the older lenses. USM is associated with the lenses not the body. If budget is your biggest issue that may be worth saving the money and getting non USM lenses.

The 75-300 is an OK lens but the 28-80 is a little weak. Although it may mean you can't get it as part of a kit you may want to consider buying the body and a 28-105 lens. This lens is a huge improvement over the 28-80 in quality and features. Getting the 300 with a 28- 105 may be a good start for now and you can add a telephoto zoom later on, or get a teleconvertor.

Have fun with your new camera!!

-- Marcus (Citizensmith@lanset.com), December 17, 2001.

To 1st time SLR buyer:

Buy it with the 28-105 USM + Canon lens hood (decent lens at a good price).

Use all your remaining money to buy film and processing.

Don't think of buying any more stuff until you have run at least 20 rolls of film through the camera.

This is just my opinion of course.

Ken

-- Kenneth Katz (socks@bestweb.net), December 17, 2001.

i agree with dr. katz!

-- Jeff Nakayama (moonduck22@hotmail.com), December 17, 2001.

me, too. USM might not seem like that big a deal until you actually start shooting. It is indeed worth it.

-- Rod (rod.nygaard@boeing.com), December 18, 2001.

Ring USM that is...

It is true though...you never miss it until it's gone, then you wonder how people can stand to use non-USM lenses. I owned a Sigma 70-300 APO which drove me mad with its slow, noisy AF.

-- Isaac Sibson (isibson@hotmail.com), December 19, 2001.

I'm upgrading after 15 years with a Maxxum 7000. EVERYONE on EVERY board suggests the 28-105 usm lens. Check E-bay for this lens. I just picked one up for $165 never used, in box, warranty cards etc. Be patient..... Of course I didn't have the camera to go with it yet (I do everything backwards) so I just ordered a new elan7 for $328 (after rebate). that adds up to just under $500....only about $50-75 more than the kits. I'll save up and get a 420ex flash and worry about the larger zoom later. There are quite a few of these on Ebay also and I'll just wait around for a good deal like I got on the 28- 105. Get good lenses if you want good pictures is the consensus. good luck

-- dpfarmer (dpfarmer902@home.com), December 25, 2001.