Best Canon mount lens for shooting action/sports.

[Sunny]

Hi all,

I have been contemplating buying a all purpose lens to shoot events and motorcycles. I have often found the need to change my lens from a wide to telephoto and vice versa in my shoots. This is annoying, time consuming and increases the wear of the mounts.

I am looking for a lens which covers the maximum range and has IS. My budget is max 35,000 INR.

I have shortlisted one:



Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS (approx 17,000 rupees)

Personally I would like to go for a 24-105 IS lens, but it is too expensive (almost 50k).

If anyone wants to sell his lens in the above focal range please let me know or suggest something better.


I am also looking for a fisheye.

[powerslave]

Have you looked at the 18-135 IS?

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-18-135mm-3-5-5-6-Standard-Digital/dp/B002NEGTT2

[Aryan]

@Sunny: Like PS said above, have you considered the 18-135 or perhaps even the 18-200mm? The 18-200mm covers a massive focal length range, has IS and has good image quality and sharpness as well. And at Rs.25k gray, you save Rs.10k too!

[prafultripathy]

@Sunny: I'm guessing you are not looking at anything apart from Canon lenses.

If you are, Tamron has just the thing, its a 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC (http://www.tamron.com/lenses/prod/18270_vc.asp) and the output is pretty damn good from what ever I saw!

[KrishnenduKes]

500mm, f5.6 @ 3L INR or thereabouts is the ideal Canon Sports photography lens capable of shooting anything from cricket to MotoGP! A lifetime lens obviously. Comes in a dedicated briefcase!

[Sunny]

Thanks all.

@praful: I am ok with non Canon lenses, the one you suggested seems good (http://www.dpreview.com/lensreviews/tamron_18-270_3p5-6p3_vc_n15/page4.asp).
The price (http://www.amazon.com/Tamron-18-270mm-3-5-6-3-Aspherical-Canon/dp/B001DYE1B6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=photo&qid=1269927978&sr=1-1) looks good too. Just enquired in Delhi, it is for 29,000 (not gray) + 12.5% VAT with bill.

It reckon it should come within 25k gray.

@PS: Let me enquire about its cost.

@aryan: thanks, will ask about for it too!

500mm, f5.6 @ 3L INR or thereabouts is the ideal Canon Sports photography lens capable of shooting anything from cricket to MotoGP! A lifetime lens obviously. Comes in a dedicated briefcase!^@ken: Obviously you didnt read my question.

[prafultripathy]

^^ The prices have dropped. It was about 35K ex-Japan the last time I wanted to get this lens in exchange for my kit lens and 55-250!!

[Sunny]

The 18-200 is for 13k, i wonder what quality it will be at such a price.

[Aryan]

Rs.13k!!?? :eek: The last I enquired, which was a month back, it was for Rs.25k! That's a HUGE drop. But, according to reviews online, it provides good quality for the kind of huge focal length it covers. One cannot obviously expect SUPER quality photographs out of it, but for the range it covers (18mm to 200mm), it is a very good lens. :)

I have used it personally on a few occassions, on my 400D and it felt quite sturdy and well built too, and that IS really works to 2-stops!

[Sunny]

After having a look at the cost / performance ratio (vfm) I have decided to get the 18-200mm. I enquired from Alfa Foto and they quoted around 18k. Will see if I get a cheaper deal otherwise pick it up from them. Wanted to go for the Tamron 18-270mm but it costs 30k, i am not sure if that extra tele focal range will really justify the extra cost.

Here are the pros and cons of the 18-200mm, overall looks like a great deal:


Conclusion - Pros

* Huge 11x focal length range, ideal general purpose and travel lens
* Excellent image stabilization system, consistently delivering three to four stops benefit
* Good central sharpness at all focal lengths (but inconsistent corners)
* Attractive rendition of out-of-focus regions of the image
* Improved build quality in comparison to the 18-55mm and 55-250mm kit lenses
* Well-placed zoom lock switch

Conclusion - Cons

* Poor sharpness across much of the frame at 18mm and wider apertures
* Pronounced barrel distortion at wideangle, and pincushion distortion around 50mm
* High levels of chromatic aberration at either end of the zoom range

[hitanshu]

I'm quite quite sure that chandni chowk will give you a better deal than Alfa. This has been my experience across all products - unless you have a good relationship with Alfa!

[KrishnenduKes]

I'm quite quite sure that chandni chowk will give you a better deal than Alfa. This has been my experience across all products - unless you have a good relationship with Alfa!

I have lost my faith with Alfa too. Even the Sardar on top of Alfa in the central ring gives better rates. Alfa guy I realise is too much of marketing glib.

[Aryan]

@Sunny: What lens did you end up getting, or did you get "something else" (apart from the lens)? ;) :D

[Sunny]

I got a Canon 18-200mm IS lens along with the Canon 7D.

[Vicky]

Congrats mate!

[anvancy-(macro analyst)]

congrats on the acquisition.

Anvancy

[Aryan]

I got a Canon 18-200mm IS lens along with the Canon 7D.
Great! Congrats. :)

[varun_naturelover]

I got a Canon 18-200mm IS lens along with the Canon 7D.
Sorry I am late
Congrats, Cost..?

[srikeerthi]

Congrats! A good cam!