I didn't read through the whole thread, so it may have been mentioned...
The Tokina 28-70 f/2.8 (both the AT-X Pro SV & AT-X f/2.6-2.8 versions) are excellent lenses that can be found for < $250.
There were two of these in the b/s forum yesterday for < $200 ea.
I LOVE this thread, thanks to Ken for starting what could end up being a great resource for people here on FM looking for the bang for the buck lens.
I think it was mentioned briefly by a previous poster, but the Sigma 70-300mm DG APO is the poster child for value/performance. Great 300mm zoom with excellent image quality for in many cases under $200. In good light this little zoom holds its own against Canon L level glass. Don't think so? Check out the tests below.
Had a copy of the sigma 70-300 apo when I had a pentax digital and yes its a very good lens. Make sure you get the the APO as the non APO is pretty awful. When I whent Canon I got a 2nd hand ef 100-300 4.5-5.6 USM due to the better focusing speed (Ring USM) which had comprable IQ, then got the 70-300 IS which is just a little better
I shoot 5D. For portraits my go-to lens is the Nikon Ai-S 105/2.5 which I paid $140 for, and another $40 for chipped adapter. For macros the Phoenix/Vivitar/Cosina 100/3.5 is cheap, noisy and slow focusing, but has great optics and is sharp and contrasty stopped down.
Have tried the mentioned Tamron 28-70/2.8. I say it's close to my 24-105 L, but neither are as pleasing as my Contax Zeiss T* lenses in that range.
Tokina 17mm f/3.5, Tokina 28-70mm/28-80mm (f/2.8, f/2.6-2.8), Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 (can be found for about $225 used), Canon 100-300mm f/5.6 L....maybe a little too much, but it is supposed to be very good....Canon 55-250mm IS is about $220 refurb/used, Tamron 90mm f/2.8 macro is $225 used, Sigma 50mm macro, Canon 50mm macro, nifty fifty.....Trying to think if I am missing anything....
in addition ot the tamron 28-75 i mentioned, you might find a used 100-300L for somewhat close to this price point in this day and age of the 70-300 IS.
mufutau wrote:
You forgot the Sigma 24-60mm f/2.8 for $220 I mentioned earlier with the Cosina 19-35mm for $99.00
Mufutau
My understanding is that getting a good copy of the 24-60mm can be pretty tough. I hesitate to add it to the list because I suspect most copies floating around the used market are probably not good copies. Anyone else want to "second" this lens? If so, I'll add it anyway.
Got mine not long ago, (about 3 weeks) from Cameta Camera on Amazon as posted earlier and it's as good as any new lens can come.. Did I say sharp? YES.
Mufutau
KenSimone wrote:
My understanding is that getting a good copy of the 24-60mm can be pretty tough. I hesitate to add it to the list because I suspect most copies floating around the used market are probably not good copies. Anyone else want to "second" this lens? If so, I'll add it anyway.
