I'd like a telephoto for two things: taking portraits from a polite distance and getting good close-ups of cyclists' faces as they ride past at 25+mph. I'm not all that interested in producing photos for print or winning contests, so I'm (tempted) to say that pro-level glass is not a requirement. I would, however, like a good amount of flexibility and a good burst speed. Wide-angle would be nice, too.
Is it realistic to hope for something in the $250 - $400 range?
Canon Rebel XS
Thanks!
Based on your described needs, it sounds like you'll need a fast aperture (2.8). Which unfortunately puts you out the price range given, even for 3rd party glass.
Most people shooting the same kinds of events are using 300+mm lenses, usually primes.
You can likely get away with a 70-200/2.8 zoom, and getting a 1.4 or 2.0 TC. I would look at Tokina or Sigma. Make sure you get an HSM/IF version for faster autofocus... But you're probably looking at around $900 for both.
Okay. I'm going to assume that by $900 you actually mean $400. Awesome! Sadly, of the rest I understood only enough to tell that you were referring to camera stuff. That said, what would I lose if I went with any of the following slightly-randomly selected lenses?
Sigma Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 DG Macro IF Autofocus Lens for Canon EOS
Sigma Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto 28-70mm f/2.8 EX DG Autofocus Lens for Canon EOS
Tokina Telephoto 100mm f/2.8 AT-X M100 AF Pro D Macro Autofocus Lens for Canon EOS
well, the 28-300 - not sharp, and with a maximum aperture of 6.3 at the 300 end, not fast, so you'll be dealing with motion blur, and dodgy autofocus response. Missed shots. Blurred faces. Not worth it.
the 28-70, fast enough aperture wise, but not a telephoto really at 70mm... doesn't give you any real length, so you'll not be gaining much from the distances at which you have to shoot. 200mm is really the minimum for this work IMO.
the Tokina is a macro lens, really optimized for very closeup work. It could be used a portrait lens, but is not really long enough for this work (100 vs 200 recommended), same problem as the 28-70. Also, it does not have internal focus, and a long focal range to deal with macro, so it will have a slower response time and will have trouble focusing quickly (a problem with cyclists going past).
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/129190-USA/Canon_2529A004AA_Telephoto_EF_200mm_f_2_8L.html
This is damn fine lens. Fast focusing, and very sharp. New, 750.00, but I've bought this used before for $500.00 that's getting pretty close for a really nice lens. Keep an eye on ebay. http://cgi.ebay.com/Canon-EOS-EF-200mm-2-8-L-USM-lens-Rebel-XSI-XTi-40D-50D_W0QQitemZ390057316126QQcmdZViewItemQQptZCamera_Lenses?hash=item5ad13a4f1e&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A12|66%3A2|39%3A1|72%3A1205|240%3A1318|301%3A1|293%3A1|294%3A50
This auction ends tomorrow and the price is right. $338.00 right now.
You know I was just thinking. The used market for L series lenses is always hot. If you can afford to drop the coin on one up front, if you decide the particular lens isn't for you, you'll have a very easy time selling it at a very minimal loss. So if you can afford it, play around and find what you like. You might decide a larger budget would be well justified.
When I was facing the same decision and a $500 budget, [http://www.dpreview.com/news/0609/06093001tamron18250.asp]this Tamron[/url] was the best compromise I could find.
Somewhat comparable to the first lens you posted. It's not perfect, but it is a pretty good lens _and _under $500.
Hey! Thanks for dumbing it down for me, r-d. That is exactly the sort of info I needed.
I had forgotten about ebay.
Thanks, all!
Thinking about this again as I plan for the Grand Prix in Baltimore. Vroom vroom!
There is a shop that has a EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM for rent. Should that do the trick for cars traveling past at insane speeds 25-50ft away (or maybe less!)?
Cars are bigger than your cycling portraits... for cars at that distance - you might do well with a slightly wider lens even... if you have a crop sensor camera, the 24-70/2.8 might be perfect at that distance