Camera Labs

Hi Gordon,

I was just editing my last as you posted your last. A good point as I am sure Canon must be suffering at the hands of the excellent Nikon AF-S DX VR 18-200mm 3.5-5.6G IF-ED.

Bob.

They simply have to do one...!

And they do normally launch a new lens at the same time as a new body, so it would make sense...

Gordon

That has really thrown a spanner into my thoughts!

I had been looking at perhaps getting the 17-85is & 70-300is to get an is solution to go on my 350d especially with the cashback promos that are around at the mo but the nikon 18-200 lens really seemed like a good all rounder to replace the tamron 28-300 lens that I have as a walkaround.

Although it may be more expensive it may be worth waiting to see if this comes out with a 40D? and getting an 18-200is and saving for a 10-22 to cover the wide angle (this seems like a great lens form the reviews).

Ahhhgh - everytime I seem to make a decision something new comes into the equasion (I think I am driving my good lady wife Mad!)

Glenn

Hi Glenn, I really am just speculating!

It all depends if you can wait for a 40D announcement, or if you want to start taking photos now. It's easy to keep holding back and miss out on photo opportunities today.

But, if I were considering a 30D, I would wait a few months now!

Gordon

Gordon,

I think I am going to plump for the 10-22 / 70-300is kit which I can get for a good price and wait to see what comes along with the round of canon releases in September. I can keep my 350D (which I really love) and use the kit lens for shots in the middle range until budget allows an upgrade to perhaps your speculated 18-200is.

I got my hands on the 30d the otehr day for a quick play in a shop and I did like it but being so close ot a potential upgrade I am not sure the size / build quality / 5FPS / screen / extra autofocus points are that much of a big deal for me (at least for now!!)

I am still somewhat jealous of the nikon cameras abiliyt to wirelessly control an off camera flash with the pop up flash but hey, you can have everything.

Thanks for the advice.

Glenn

Hi Bob, yes I am still pleased with the "DO" lens, but have found that at 300mm it is a devil to keep it still hand held even with IS switched on but on a tripod no problem.
Will probably do a review on this lens and the other lens I have + the 400D when I get back from my 3 week break in the Republic Of Ireland around about the middle of August.

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Roy
EOS 350D, 40D + BG-E2N, EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM, EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM, EF 100-400 f/4.5-5.6 L IS USM, 430 EX Speedlite




My Fotopic

Excuse my ignorance, but is there high demand in the DSRL market for 'do all' zoom lenses such as with a 18-200mm focal length? Are there any disadvantages to using one or will they start replacing more specialised lenses?

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Canon EOS 400D, Canon EOS 30V, EF 17-40mm f/4L USM, EF 50mm f/1.4 USM, EF 70-200mm f/4L USM, Speedlite 430EX, Kenko & Cokin filters

Well, shorter zoom ranges are easier to design optically speaking, and therefore have the potential to deliver superior quality, but a long zoom lens done well could out-perform a short zoom lens done badly.

And the Nikkor 18-200mm is certainly a long zoom lens done very well!

It's almost always on back-order and I believe has also been responsible for many new DSLR owners choosing the Nikon system.

So yes, if I were Canon, I'd be looking at the massive sales Nikon's had for the 18-200mm, and thinking 'hmmm, we should have one of those!'

Gordon

Hi Roy,



Thank you for that - that's the sort of practical tip you rarely get in the reviews! That made up my mind and as the Canon cashback ends tomorrow I have just ordered the EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM in order to qualify. For a zoom the reviews suggest that the optics are about as good as they come and if I can get pin sharp hand-held results at 200mm then I guess I lose little by not being able to reach to 300mm.

The only downsides to the EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM are the size, weight and colour. If I'm lucky I may get the Canon £80 cashback before the credit card statement arrives.

Bob.

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OM-D E-M5 + ED 12-50mm, H-PS14042E, H-F007014E, L-RS014150E, M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 45mm 1:1.8.
Gitzo GT1541T, Arca-Swiss Z1 DP ball-head.
Astrophotography: TEC 140 'scope, FLI ML16803 camera, ASA DDM60 Pro mount.

Hi Bob,

Hope that I did not put you off the "DO" lens with my comments about the shake, it is probably just me and my age being 59 and three quarters (LOL) have now found that if I can prop myself against something sturdy it is nearly as good as a tripod.

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Roy
EOS 350D, 40D + BG-E2N, EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM, EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM, EF 100-400 f/4.5-5.6 L IS USM, 430 EX Speedlite




My Fotopic

Hi Roy,

No, you didn't put me off the DO lens - entirely! It has a lot to commend it, as I am sure Gordon will confirm in his forthcoming review, but on balance I decided, with the reviews I have found praising the EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM lens for having pretty much prime quality at all its focal lengths, that this was the lens for me. Of course, Gordon will now do a comparative review of this and the DO lens and come down in favour of the EF 70-300mm f4.5-5.6 DO IS USM but that's life.

I have to admit that the fact that I am saving around £100 after cashback over the DO lens was also a factor. I should have the lens on Tuesday and, provided the monsoon season comes to an end here in the UK, I am really looking forward to capturing a few photons.

Bob.

P.S. I'm only a few years younger than your good self so probably am equally shaky.

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OM-D E-M5 + ED 12-50mm, H-PS14042E, H-F007014E, L-RS014150E, M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 45mm 1:1.8.
Gitzo GT1541T, Arca-Swiss Z1 DP ball-head.
Astrophotography: TEC 140 'scope, FLI ML16803 camera, ASA DDM60 Pro mount.