Cheap but excellent alternative to 70-200L

[christian_odell1]

<p> Right now, I'm getting ready to drop some change into a 5DmkII. I also am really wanting a 70-200/2.8. However, my wife would kill me if I got both right now. So the 5D2 comes first. Since I still shoot a bit on my m645, I bought an adapter to mount my m645 lenses on my EOS digital and film bodies.<br>

<br /> Generally, because of my style of shooting, I shoot with wider lenses on the adapter. Last week though, I got a 150 and a 210 Mamiya-Sekor lenses off ebay and finally tried them out this weekend on the EOS just for kicks with my daughter.<br>

<br /> I have to say, I'm impressed. Mamiya lenses have always been good. The contrast is great, the color is solid and the bokeh is smooth as silk but both of these really impressed me. The 210 in particular is tack sharp, even wide open and using it on the 30D means it only uses the sweet center spot, so the edge to edge is virtually perfect.<br>

<br /> If you're looking to get some L teles and can't quite foot it out yet, look this adapter/lens combo. I got the 210/4 for 50$ and the 150/3.5N was just a bit more. Solid construction and clean glass. Anyway, just my two cents worth. Thought I'd pass along the info.<br /> <br /> Here's one example of the combo when used. Sorry for the size.<br>

<img src="http://d6d2h4gfvy8t8.cloudfront.net/8460634-md.jpg" alt="" /></p>

[henrik_lauridsen]

<p>I agree, you can get cheap tele solutions by going for older, manual focus lenses. I use a Yashica 135mm f/2.8 with a m42 -> EOS adaptor. The lens was a gift from my father, along with a Yashica TL-Electro + a couple of lenses, but you can get them on Ebay for around 30 - 50 GBP.<br /> A couple of examples:<br>

<a title="Kittens by Necator, on Flickr" href=" title="Kittens by Necator, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3065/2973365181_3afbb905f6_o.jpg" alt="Kittens" width="640" height="426" /> </a> <a title="Autumn Leaves by Necator, on Flickr" href=" title="Autumn Leaves by Necator, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3277/2949801042_8b85a97675_o.jpg" alt="Autumn Leaves" width="640" height="426" /> </a></p>

[photos of hans koot]

<p>Tamron 70-200 /2.8 http://www.slrgear.com/reviews/showproduct.php/product/1090/cat/23<br>

but of course everything has its 'price'</p>

<p>as an alternative you might think about the 70-300 4-5.6 IS of canon.</p>

[joe_peterson3]

<p>Where do you buy the adapters?</p>

[tommyinca]

<p>Get non-IS and get them used. It is worth it for this lens (from someone who also uses Tamron, Sigma and Tokina). One have the cake and eat it too way, is to lock the 5D MK2 $2700 away san $700 for a used 70-200/2.8 now. When the 5D MK-2 drop to $2000, pull the buy trigger. It will. They always do :-)</p>