 |
Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM
|
|
Review Date: Oct 18, 2005
|
Recommend? no |
Price paid: $550.00
| Rating: 8
|
|
Pros:
|
Zoom range, size, weight, IS, performance below 200mm
|
|
Cons:
|
Performance above 200mm; very soft left edge below f/11, build quality (smooth operation, just feels flimsy).
|
|
|
I have been using the L-series "tanks" (24-70, 70-200) very successfully with my 1Ds and 1Ds MII for several years. I recently decided to put together a lighter weight combination, using a 5D, for longer hikes, etc. I was very eager to see how this lens performs. I just tested a 75-300 DO, but returned it to the dealer because of soft performance above 200mm. Based on the other positive reviews here, I'm wondering if I got a poor "copy". I will likely return it and get a second one to try out. Meanwhile, I'm very excited about the 24-105 f/4L IS. It's an excellent foundation zoom.
|
|
|
|
|
Canon EF-S 17-85mm f4-5.6 IS USM
|
|
Review Date: Nov 4, 2004
|
Recommend? yes |
Price paid: $500.00
| Rating: 8
|
|
Pros:
|
Zoom range is ideal on 20D, IS, fast/quiet focusing, size and weight, build quality, balance on 20D, decent (though not exemplary) optical quality, and just plain usefulness.
|
|
Cons:
|
Edge sharpness at wide apertures, some CA, lens hood not included (and hard to find at first), would be great if it was even a tad faster.
|
|
|
I bought this for a take-anywhere lens when I didn't want to bother with a lot of gear, and didn't want to have to worry about carrying a tripod. I didn't expect L-series performance, and I decided to view the lens differently...more as a tool to take away my excuses to not carry a camera with me. It covers a practical focal-length range and has an excellent feel on the 20D, particularly with the battery grip.
|
|
|
|
|
Canon EOS 20D
|
|
Review Date: Oct 4, 2004
|
Recommend? yes |
Price paid: $1,995.00
| Rating: 10
|
|
Pros:
|
Relatively light weight (vs. 1D/1Ds), responsive/fast, very low image noise at moderately high ISO settings, 8 MP resolution, good build quality, multiplier factor for telephoto work, EFS lens compatibility, fast autofocus, excellent battery life, improved flash height vs 10D, new EFS IS zoom (zoom range, IS, decent quality).
|
|
Cons:
|
Multiplier not ideal for existing normal/WA lenses; had lock-up problem with 1.0.2 firmware (updated now); smaller/dimmer viewfinder compared with 1D/1Ds, no interchangeable focusing screens, build quality on battery grip; 17-85 EFS IS lens is a bit pricey for its quality compared with 17-40L; 20D body shape/size not ideal for me (I like the light weight, but if I could choose, I'd prefer a body style more on par with an EOS A2 or EOS-3...clearly a subjective thing).
|
|
|
I bought this as an upgrade to my 10D, but also to hold me over now that I've sold my 1Ds, and before I purchase a 1Ds Mark II (or the new Mamiya, perhaps). I've tried more compact, non-interchangable SLR-type models for lightweight uses (e.g., Minolta A2), but I've not been happy with the noise at higher ISOs, or with the EVF viewing systems. So, I was happy to see the new 20D with the 17-85 EFS IS lens, and I'm impressed with its performance when stopped down a few clicks. I wish the camera had an anti-shake feature on the sensor (like Minolta). If Canon could do this with a new DSLR, it would be a huge step forward. All of this said, I would recommend this camera without reservation to a friend; the EOS 20D is an excellent value, considering the alternatives on the market today.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
