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Archive 2015 · Two lenses I got w/ an SL1 - Maybe not worth it?

  
 
billsamuels
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Two lenses I got w/ an SL1 - Maybe not worth it?


I recently got a Canon Rebel SL1 because I liked the one I converted to IR so much when I was testing it prior to sending it to LivePixel, that when B&H had it on sale, I grabbed it. Plus, I always wanted a white Canon.

It came w/ 2 lenses, their kit-lens, the EF-S 18-55mm F/3.5-5.6, IS, STM; and the 75-300mm, F/4-5.6, III.

Before I bought the two lenses, I checked the reviews on both because I could have purchased the body only, the kit lens with the body, or all three. I figured that the 70-300, though not rated real high, was being sold for with the body and kit for a great price, so I could see if I could sell it on Craigslist.com for about $100, or if I like it, I'll keep it. Meanwhile, the kit lens got really decent reviews for a non-L lens; some even comparing it to an "L light."

The last couple of days I finally got out to take some landscape photos and I was surprised that neither lens took very good pictures. Have I become a Canon lens snob, being that I have mostly "L" lenses, Zeiss, and a few premium medium frame lenses that I use (Mamiya)? Or are they just THAT BAD

Here is the best picture I took with each lens. PLEASE tell me if I'm being over-critical or what you think.
Thanks - Bill




Canon Rebel SL1, Canon EF 75-300mm F/4-5.6 III, ISO 250, focal 300, 1/400, F6.3






Canon EF-S, 18-55, F/3.5-5.6, IS STM, ISO 200, Focal 55, F5.6, 1/250,




Mar 21, 2015 at 07:28 PM
canon pants
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Two lenses I got w/ an SL1 - Maybe not worth it?


Would a better lens make the pictures that much better at web size?


Mar 21, 2015 at 07:46 PM
Aaron D
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Two lenses I got w/ an SL1 - Maybe not worth it?


When I bought my XS few years back, it came with the 18-55 IS. I then considered either the 70-300 IS, 75-300, and the 55-250 IS. I couldnt really justify the cost of the 70-300 IS after everything I read said the 55-250 IS was just as good. Some even said better.
I eliminated the 75-300 immediately as a choice for the poor reviews I had read.

Your 75-300 looks about what I wouldve expected, and read...nothing to write home about. And while I have a mkI 18-55 IS, your STM looks about on par with where it should be...which is decent/acceptable. Not L quality, but not bad either. But, Im also viewing those on my phone.

Edited on Mar 21, 2015 at 07:53 PM · View previous versions



Mar 21, 2015 at 07:50 PM
Kathy White
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Two lenses I got w/ an SL1 - Maybe not worth it?


I "get" it. We're spoiled. I don't like my new 55 250 STM compared to my still fairly small and light 70 300L on my SL1 either, ( I really didn't expect to see THAT much difference but I do) There is a reason for those difference in prices and L designations. That said, when I need light weight and small, I'm going to just suck it up and use it.


Mar 21, 2015 at 07:52 PM
Aaron D
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Two lenses I got w/ an SL1 - Maybe not worth it?


As Kathy said about the 55-250. Mine is a mkI non-stm IS. Certainly not 70-300L, but small, light and relatively decent.
I had a hard time deciding if I was going to keep my 18-200 IS in place of the 18-55 and 55-250. In the end, I decided to try and sell the 18-200IS, but only because I wanted the extra 50mm of the 250.

Should you decide on "something else", I have the 18-200 listed in B&S. I'd consider taking a few extra $ off if you want it because I really dont want to list it on ebay.

Edited on Mar 21, 2015 at 07:59 PM · View previous versions



Mar 21, 2015 at 07:57 PM
Gunzorro
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Two lenses I got w/ an SL1 - Maybe not worth it?


Bill -- Not to be a big defender of these lenses, but . . .

The top lens is nearly wide open at the longest focal length, and the distant turbines are blurry. But the silhouetted egret on the water's edge in the "middle distance" is pretty darned sharp looking. Try it again at f/11 and see (2 stops down from wide open). Better yet, shoot on a tripod at 75, 150 and 300, running the apertures from wide open to f/16 and review the details at 100%. That will tell you the best focal length and aperture.

The second is not too terrible, but again, you've chosen the longest focal length and wide open aperture. !!! Again, do the same thing here, shoot at 18, 28, 55 and compare all apertures up to f/16 to see where the sharpest are -- you'll notice on both lenses when diffraction really kicks in at around f/11 to soften and lower contrast. Still, you'll know a lot more about this lens!

Neither will compete with the typical L, but for a cheap knock-around lens, you might be able to use in good light at their best settings!

Edited on Mar 21, 2015 at 08:00 PM · View previous versions



Mar 21, 2015 at 07:57 PM
sb in ak
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Two lenses I got w/ an SL1 - Maybe not worth it?


Kind of hard to tell from web versions, especially since this site has not been optimized for retina display. The contrast and color looks pretty good. They aren't real sharp, but it's hard to judge.

To me, the alluring lenses on the SL1 are the 24/40 pancakes and 50 1.8.



Mar 21, 2015 at 07:58 PM
chas1113
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Two lenses I got w/ an SL1 - Maybe not worth it?


Bill:

I got an SL-1 at Christmas for a great deal with the EF-S 18-55 IS STM. I took about 25 shots with it and it hasn't been on the camera since. I don't consider myself an L snob, because I love the SL-1 with my 70-300L, 35 f/2 IS and 50 1.4. I'm dumping the 18-55 for whatever I can get for it.

My very second Canon lens I ever purchased was the 75-300 III. Personally, I think it's a crime that Canon continues to sell this lens at all. I think a Coke bottle would make better images.

—chas

Edited on Mar 21, 2015 at 08:17 PM · View previous versions



Mar 21, 2015 at 08:03 PM
Monito
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · Two lenses I got w/ an SL1 - Maybe not worth it?


billsamuels, if you have other lenses that cover the same focal lengths, make some A/B pictures on a tripod with full views and 100% crops. Noting in passing that those are shot wide open or nearly so. The 300mm shot is at a shaky shutter speed considering that the 1.6x crop factor makes shake 1.6x more apparent. It is not an IS lens, right? Was IS switched on for the 55 mm focal length?

What aspect are you considering that is not so good in those pictures made by the lenses? It is impossible to see for sure, but are you unhappy with the sharpness, the composition, or the underexposure?



Mar 21, 2015 at 08:10 PM
JameelH
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · Two lenses I got w/ an SL1 - Maybe not worth it?


the 55-250 STM lens is a lot of bang for the buck. It is surprisingly good - not L good but can take pretty nice shots. SL1 with that lens is a nice lightweight combo. A tamron 17-50 f 2.8 non IS gives you a good two lens solution.


Mar 21, 2015 at 08:35 PM
sb in ak
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · Two lenses I got w/ an SL1 - Maybe not worth it?


I loved my old 18-55 on my 20D for California sand dunes. Build was so poor the sand would fall back out of the lens. After a week the grinding would go away


Mar 21, 2015 at 08:37 PM
EB-1
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · Two lenses I got w/ an SL1 - Maybe not worth it?


Those are pretty rough subjects for a lens test. I'm not a fan of using the 1.6x cropped bodies for landscapes, especially with the EF-S lenses.

EBH



Mar 21, 2015 at 08:52 PM
vilimo
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p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · Two lenses I got w/ an SL1 - Maybe not worth it?


In the right situation, the 18-55 can produce a pretty good result. While it does not have IQ on par with an "L" lens, its price cannot be beat!!! Every now and then I use the 18-55 on my T2i when I want a wide angle and light is good outside. As for 55-250, it also can produce a good IQ given the right lighting and a very good value compared to the closes "L" lens (70-200 f4 - I bought mine from canon refurb for $90).

Here is a sample from 18-55 & T2i

http://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-QgtgCt-j9VM/VIOuLTl6DiI/AAAAAAAAQqk/f4R8QLz95BY/w816-h544-no/Winter%2BStorm%2B11262014-8.jpg


And here is from the 55-250

http://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-J6OmpCdAY04/VIOuvvfihvI/AAAAAAAAQq8/qRVsTs393as/w680-h544-no/Winter%2BStorm%2B11262014-26.jpg



Mar 21, 2015 at 09:00 PM
jasonpatrick
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p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · Two lenses I got w/ an SL1 - Maybe not worth it?


The 18-55 STM is a good little lens. I've have a 24x36 print hanging in my living room that was captured using that lens. I don't have it anymore, but I wouldn't hesitate to use it again.

On the other hand, the 75-300mm III is the worst telephoto lens I've ever used.




Mar 21, 2015 at 09:21 PM
Gochugogi
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p.1 #15 · p.1 #15 · Two lenses I got w/ an SL1 - Maybe not worth it?


While neither lens is stellar, even the finest optics yield lackluster images if used for a hazy and cloudy landscape with underexposed foreground. Shoot the same scene in late afternoon sunshine and clear air and it will look a lot more detailed and crisp.

I have a certain affection for the SL1--carry one with me all the time--but mainly use the EF-s 24 2.8 STM and EF 40 2.8 STM on it and with great results. Small primes seem to make more sense on a tiny camera. If I want to use larger lenses I reach for my 6D or 5D2.



Mar 21, 2015 at 09:35 PM
Aaron D
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p.1 #16 · p.1 #16 · Two lenses I got w/ an SL1 - Maybe not worth it?


Most know the 18-55 is capable of good shots/IQ. Dump the 75-300.

Heres a sample from my 55-250. I promise the original is very acceptable.







Mar 21, 2015 at 10:07 PM
Aaron D
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p.1 #17 · p.1 #17 · Two lenses I got w/ an SL1 - Maybe not worth it?


Heres another, under similar circumstances you took yours with. I took this while being a passanger in a moving vehicle driving down the highway. (We were moving from IA to WA)







Mar 21, 2015 at 10:11 PM
billsamuels
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p.1 #18 · p.1 #18 · Two lenses I got w/ an SL1 - Maybe not worth it?


Wow, you guys are amazing! I really appreciate your input. I think you're right on about the 75-30mm and may give it another chance, but I don't think it's a very good lens. ''

The 18-55mm I'm keeping no matter what because it's also a white matching lens, and no matter what, I will most likely use my L lenses with this camera anyway when I get serious with this camera. I'll probably go back to that Mt. Diablo scene and use either my 24-105mm F/4L or the 70-200mm F/4L and see how different they are.
Thanks again!



Mar 22, 2015 at 02:34 AM
Aaron D
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p.1 #19 · p.1 #19 · Two lenses I got w/ an SL1 - Maybe not worth it?


Since Im sitting on an SL1 at the moment, thought Id throw this in...
If you havent put the 70-200 on it yet, you might find it comical, and maybe not very ergonomic.

I put my 300L on my SL1 and was laughing at the site of the big lens on the baby dslr. Picking it up, I could tell it wasnt something I would find comfortable to shoot handheld. Ymmv.



Mar 22, 2015 at 10:44 AM
mhp_sd
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p.1 #20 · p.1 #20 · Two lenses I got w/ an SL1 - Maybe not worth it?


I love the 35/2IS on the sl1 for low light shots and the 40mm pancake when I want something tiny and light.


Mar 22, 2015 at 11:18 AM
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