Hi, Diego,

If you're going to shoot wildlife, you'll need a zoom of at least 300mm at the high end. More would be better, but your preferred price range will probably limit you somewhat. I suggest you check out used equipment at some of the on-line dealers, such as B&H Photo, Adorama or KEH, and look for Tamron, Sigma or Tokina zooms. You should be able to find what you want at a reasonable price. Do NOT go to Ebay, however, unless you're experienced with it! I have a Tamron 70-300mm zoom which works well with my old Rebel G as well as my EOS 20D. Interchangeability of lenses is a good thing if you ever plan to go digital in the Canon line. Good luck....

Thanks Bill, I appreciate your help.

By the way Bill, is your 70-300 tamaron lens an autofocus lens?

Yes, it is....

thanks again Bill

Hi William,
I too need ur expert opinion. I have CANON EOS-300 35mm film camera...and I wud like to upgrade my self to Canon 300D (Digital). Recently I got my heart attached for Tamron 70-400mm Zoom Lens (used one). But unfortunately I found it not fitting on my CANON EOS-300!!! As well as all the other TAMRON/ SIGMA lenses weren't fitting on my CANON camera!!
These lenses had only one connect-point in the back while the Canon Camera has 5-6 electrical contacts!
1. Can you please share ur gems on this scenario?
2. Also, I can u plz suggest me what things should I look while buying a used lens?
2. Though my defauly lens (28-80mm) which comes with CANON 300, supports AF mode and is autofocus. I would like to go for Tamron non-AF lenses (even if its not AF). The most important things I need to know is... I should be able to take sharp and best images!
Please help me on this.
My mail-id is: prashant.soni@gmail.com

Thanks in advance.
P.J. Soni ________________

Hello, P.J.,

I'm not sure my advice qualifies as "expert" but I'll tell you what I know:

First, it sounds like the lenses you were trying were either (a) made for cameras other than Canon; or (b) made for non-EOS Canon models. You'll have to find a lens made specifically for the EOS cameras.

On buying a used lens:

1. Don't buy one sight unseen (i.e., on the internet) unless it comes from a reputable dealer. Most dealers have some kind of rating system for their used equipment, usually numerical, to tell you the condition of the item. I partcularly like KEH's system, which rates gear all the way from "like new" to "ugly".

2. Inspect the lens carefully. Signs of external wear or abuse can be clues to internal problems. See if the lens coating is abraded or worn, and make sure the glass itself isn't scratched or worn. Look through the lens for signs of internal mold. Make sure the focus and zoom functions all move freely and smoothly. Check the mounting end for a good, smooth surface and sound electrical contacts.

3. If possible before purchase, try the lens on the camera. Particularly, you'll want to check those things that don't function off-camera, like the diaphragm. Obviously, this is impossible when buying from an on-line dealer. If there's a problem, this is where the "reputable" part comes in because you may want to return it.

On Tamron non-AF lenses: I'm not familiar with these per se. However, Tamron AF lenses are switchable from AF to manual focus. Having a lens with both capabilities seems to me to be a better choice, especially given Tamron's reasonable prices.

I hope some of this is helpful.....

Mr. Kahn;

I have a question, too.

My dad gave me his Canon EOS Rebel G. One of the lenses he gave me with it is a Quantaray 70-300mm F4-F5.6 (AF Tech 10) automatic zoom lens, macro focusing. I have heard many less than flattering remarks about Quantaray, but my dad got it for a class, so there may have been a number of reasons for the choice.

At any rate, I really enjoy taking pictures of bugs, lizards, flowers, etc. It seems I don't have the touch. So far the pictures I've taken for the most part are a little blurry. It might be a problem holding my hand steady. Unfortunately a lot of bugs and such refuse to wait around until I grab my tripod.

In your opinion, would you recommend some sort of macro lens specifically for that sort of thing, or just more practice with what I have.

Thank you for any help.

Mark

Hi, Mark,

I still have my old Rebel G, which I carry as a back up. You should be able to get good results with it. The Quantaray lens isn't the world's sharpest lens, but it should be adequate for what you're doing. The problem is more likely related to shooting handheld. In order to avoid blurring from camera shake, you need a shutter speed of at least 1/125, and 1/250 would be better. With your lens wide open in macro mode at f5.6, you need to be using a fast film in order to get the shutter speed up to where you need it. ISO 400 film would be good, 800 would be better, depending on the light. There will be more grain at ISO 800, but I wouldn't worry too much about that just yet.

The other thing to watch carefully is your focus. I'd use manual focus, rather than automatic. Focus is critical at wide apertures, because the depth of field is pretty narrow. Select the object you want to be in sharp focus, and focus manually on that.

Hope this helps some. Good shooting!

I have a Pentax ZX30. I was wondering if anyone knew if a smc P-FA 80-200mm F2.8 ED(IF) would work for my camera. And if not, what would you recommend? I am a landscape photographer mainly, but also do portraits. Is there anything you would suggest for my Pentax to bring the landscape closer. I am always running into situations where I see what I want to get but can't get close enough to get exactly what I am after cause the mountain range, or something in the distance is too far away. I currently have a 25-90mm zoom and it's just not enough for me for my landscape photography. Any suggestions would be much appreciated. Also, if anyone knows where to get film specific to night time shots, that would be grateful too.
Thanks,
Tokia

Bill;

Thank you for your prompt and helpful response.

It's funny, but the enjoyment of photography all started when I "inherited" a little Sony DSC-S30 from my wife who needed a camera with more megapixels. When I was offered the Canon, I jumped on it, knowing it was film rather than digital.

I'm not sure if I took a step backwards or not but I'm glad I did.

Thanks again!

Mark