Hi,

Can anyone tell me which lens 70-210mm to buy for my Canon Rebel 2000? I am just beginner so don't know much about lens but would like to get a reasonable priced one.

Currently, i am looking at: 1) Vivitar series 1 70-210mm f/2.8-4 2) Canon EF USM III 75-300 f/4.5-5.6

Any thoughts?

-- RM (rainmaker_mail@yahoo.com), April 17, 2002

Answers

If you're not desperate to have the range beyond 200/210mm, look out for a second-hand Canon 70-210 F3.5-4.5 USM. This lens has a reputation for being very good optically (for a consumer lens), and with ring USM, it will handle better than the other two lenses you mention.

-- Isaac Sibson (isibson@hotmail.com), April 17, 2002.

I own a Canon EF 70-210/3.5-4.5 and a Canon EF 70-200/2.8L The 70-210 is very good for a consumer lens, but compare to the 70- 200/2.8L there is no comparison. The L version is wide open sharper and contrastier than non-L stopped down at f8.

I do recommend the cheaper 70-200/4.0L, optically almost the same as 2.8L and much cheaper. You will never regred buying this one.

Blord

-- Blord (bat.lord@pandora.be), April 19, 2002.

I agree with Isaac the 70-210usm is very well made, compact, and will assure you a good resale value down the road. The suggestion that you should buy a $900 L series 70-200 for your first $200 Canon rebel is just plain silly. good luck

-- joe cap (joemocap@yahoo.com), April 20, 2002.

I picked up an older 70-210 Canon a couple years ago for $175 and like it alot. Noothing to compare it to though as far as focus speed goes. It is on my camera 80% of the time. Am looking for a fast 50mm now.

-- Dave B (dave_marylou@yahoo.com), May 17, 2002.