Cheaper lens with 200/300mm reach

[anesh]

I'll be embarking on an arduous trail involving some steep rocky

ravines and canoeing across some rough white-water and probably

escaping the odd pradator. I will be using my Canon 350D (RebelXT)

and kit lens. I will also require a lens of 200/300mm reach and I

don't care if it starts from 28mm or 70mm. Having broken and

scarred expensive lenses previously on similar trips I've decided

against carrying a 70-200mm f/4. Can someone recommend a cheaper

alternative (yes, I know quality is compromised). Thinking of the

Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO DG Macro.

[jim_larson1]

Canon 70-300/non-USM? a bit mushy beyond 200mm. . .but only $150.

[carnagex_carnagex]

Actually there is one lenses that comes to mind, if you can find one used. Its the Canon

70-210 EF f/4 (not the 3.5-4.5), which if you like having the constant f - stop this is the

only one I know of that is cheap.. You can try ebay or a used dealer. (usually on ebay a mint

condition will fetch under $150)

[jcolwell]

I suggest you try the Tokina 24-200/3.5-5.6 AT-X. I use mine with an Elan 7 film body in a waterproof bag on my sea kayak. It is an excellent cost/performance compromise, with generally superior reviews in the 24&28-200 zoom range, and relatively low price (about $300 US new). Also, if you want to get longer, I suggest the Tamron 300/5.6 SP. It is small, light, very sharp and has a min. focus distance of only 1.5m. Just make sure it says "SP" on the attached hood and lens body, as there is a non-SP version which is not so good. You should be able to find one in primo condition for about $100 US.

[jcolwell]

P.S. the Tamron 300/5.6 SP is manual focus with manual aperture "stop down" metering. No problem though, it is easy ise to focus and very sharp even wide open.

[yakim_peled1]

I'd think that the L construction is intended exactly for this type of abuse, no? However, if your experience proves otherwise, this Sigma is indeed rated as the best optically among the cheap telephotos.

 

 

 

 

Happy shooting,

Yakim.

[mawz]

Pentax 200 f4 SMC Takumar and an M42 adaptor?

[kin_lau]

The Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO DG Macro is good. I have the non-APO, and it's nice enough, but the APO version is better.

[icephoto]

Concur that the 75-300 USM (non IS) is likely a good bet. Mine went through hell and back through the Icelandic countryside and never missed a beat. It is a little soft past 200mm at wide open, but it's acceptable and not a huge loss if it dies.