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Tamron 11-18mm F/4.5-5.6 Di II LD Aspherical [IF]
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Review Date: May 26, 2008
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Recommend? yes |
Price paid: Not Indicated
| Rating: 9
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Pros:
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Excellent image quality,light and compact,good value.
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Cons:
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None
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This is the first ultra wide lens I have used so I have no comparison s with other lenses but I am very happy with the results I have achieved.Colour rendition is very accurate and detail is sharply reproduced,also the lens is nicely built and finished.It is also worth noting that this lens will produce a better result on a Canon camera than on a Nikon because the optics are the same for both but the Canon has a 1.6 crop compared to 1.5 on the Nikon so the optically imperfect outer edges will not be used by the Canon (a nice bonus for Canon users!!)
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Canon EOS 40D
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Review Date: Sep 27, 2007
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Recommend? yes |
Price paid: Not Indicated
| Rating: 10
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Pros:
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Superb all round performance,excellent value.
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Cons:
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Cheaper build than 20/30D (more plastic,slightly looser overall feel)
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I purchased the 40D to replace the 20D I use alongside a 30D.I decided to do comparisons of all three cameras (before selling the 20D) using a 17-55 2.8 IS lens,a 70-200 f4L lens and an 18-55 kit lens.I took 10 shots with each camera and each lens then carefully compared them.The honest conclusion is that there is no discernable difference between any of the cameras!Slight changes in the light and focus point made the only noticable differences.I expect professional reviewers will find minute differences under controlled test conditions but in the real world (mine) there aren't any.This does not mean I do not rate the 40D ,it is great but don't expect anything wonderous if you already have a 20/30D.One small critisism,the "dust removal system" is as useless as all the others are, ie you still get debris on the sensor which can only be removed with a brush or swab type clean.In conclusion I am delighted with the 40D,it is everything the 20/30 are plus a few extra features.
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Canon EOS 30D
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Review Date: Jan 9, 2007
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Recommend? yes |
Price paid: Not Indicated
| Rating: 10
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Pros:
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Superb image quality (with the right lens) , all round performance , well built , value for money .
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Cons:
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None
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The most important thing with this camera is to use the right lens otherwise you will not maximise it's real potential.I purchased the camera with a 17-85 IS lens and while the results were better than the Nikon D70 I used previously I was not entirely happy.The problems were distortion at short focal lengths,noticable vignetting but most worrying was a general softness over all the images which even heavy unsharp mask did not improve so I changed the lens for the 17-55 f2.8 IS.The difference was stunning,sharpness and contrast greatly improved ,colours are brilliant and distortion is negligable.I can now say I am very pleased I have switched to Canon,overall image performance is definitely superior and the camera has a beautiful smooth feel to the overall operating operating system .This camera/lens combination at a price of under £1500 is unbeatable and even at twice the price I doubt it would be.
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Canon EF-S 17-55 f/2.8 IS USM
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Review Date: Dec 23, 2006
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Recommend? yes |
Price paid: Not Indicated
| Rating: 10
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Pros:
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Superb image quality,excellent handling,no other lens has the same all round capability.
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Cons:
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None
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I initially used a 17-85 IS lens with my 30D but was never happy with the image quality (soft,heavy barreling,vignetting,overall a very average performer) so I decided to try the 17-55 IS,I was stunned by the difference.This lens produces better images when used on my 30D than my Leica M7/Nikon Coolscan combination does,I am now happy to sell all my film equipment.What else can I say? I do not think the price is high when the obvious quality of the glass and mechanisms is considered and a composite case is preferable in my opinion (does not show marks or wear).I have had no problems with the ingress of dust but eventually any lens will accumulate some (all my Leitz lenses have) but it is has no effect on image quality.This is also the most usable lens I have ever owned,f2.8 and a 3 stop IS that really works makes previously impossible shots a reality. Anyone with a Canon 1.6 crop camera should buy this lens as it releases the full potential of the body which the 17-85 certainly does not.The combination of this lens and a 30D body at a cost of less than £1500 is unbeatable.
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