I know this topic comes up a lot, and the conversation seems to hover around the $400 price point. Pretend like I'm *really* strapped for cash. What are some good lenses for < $200 (used or new)? I own the 50/1.8 and the 35/2 and I know that those are good. I did some research and people seem to generally like the EF 28-70mm f/3.5-4.5. The Sigma 24-60mm f/2.8 also falls into this list. I tried a copy and it was soft and had poor contrast, but other people seem to really like it. Anyone have any others that they've been pleasantly surprised by?
Thought I would summarize what people have posted so far (I tried to get all AF lenses that were mentioned at least twice).
I think the nifty 50 is one dirt cheap lens that everyone should own, especially when they are starting out or on a budget. I used mine to death for three years and it is still ticking on a friend's EOS, as we speak.
Go over to the Alternative Forum and look around. Like Jman13 mentions there are a lot of bargains. I have 7 good lenses that I use that cost $100 each or less.
should be able to pick up either the 28-105 3.5-4.5 usm or its smaller brother 24-85 for less than $200 . good optics and proper Ring USM thats fast and acurate.
I have the 28-70mm f/3.5-4.5 MKII and although it is old and has an old autofocus motor and the front element rotates, it just takes great pictures. I picked mine up for under $100. One tip is you do buy one, also get two cokin 52mm extension rings. Without these rings the front element and threads retracts into the barrel of the lens and makes using filters or even keeping the lens cap on a bigger pain. The extension rings fix that problem. Here are a few shots with it:
Canon 28-105 3.5-4.5 is great as well.
The kit IS lens is $170 brand new and is awesome for the price, assuming you have a crop DSLR.
I only disagree with Jman13 about Oly 24/2.8, it's much more expensive than the other lenses mentioned (about $150 on its own). All other can be bought for less than $200, and all of them are worth it.
patrickphoto wrote:
Incredible lens sharp without SF and awesome fun with SF
I have one too. The lens is as sharp as my 80-200L. Not bad at all. The lower levels of SF seemed to work best for me. I didn't like the full SF effect. The next foggy morning, I think I should get the SF out.
