clc's reviews

  • Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 AT-X 116 PRO DX SD

    9 out of 10 points and recommended
    fast, sharp, bang for bucks
    limited zoom range, CA, APS-C only

    I was long on market for wide, fast and reliable lens. After browsing through tons of reviews and tests online, I choose this lens over Canon 10-22 and Sigma 10-20. Tokina fit to my requirements for aperture, build quality and price. As there was hard to get one in our country for physical test I ordered it online - so it was shooting in the dark, but actually this is the best wide zoom lens I ever have owned so far and it was single penny worth. I had used it on Canon 450D body in different hard conditions (+40/-30) and it never failed. Comparing to Canon 10-22 it is faster, sharper and has better build quality. Canon better handles CA and has wider zoom range. But I will stay with Tokina...

    reviewed January 1st, 2009 (purchased for $569)

  • Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM

    8 out of 10 points and recommended
    zoom range, reliable IS, light, good IQ
    not fast and sharp enough, no ring USM, slow AF, front element rotates

    As I was limited to budget I considered this lens in terms of price and zoom range. After first month I still love it.

    OK, there is no ring USM – so no FTM focus and slow AF, and the front element rotates / extends while focusing, contrast and sharpness could be better, it is definitely not a fast lens, BUT – IS works fine and give you a steady hand in low light conditions, IS has panning mode, sharpness is acceptable @f5,6 and good @f8, so do not wait a miracle form the lens @ night or indoors.

    I personally like this lens because it has a great zoom range, it is not a “big flashy white” – L finish, so you could easily hide while you “paparazzi-ing” or “men-hunting” and it is light enough to put in the bag while hitchhiking.

    reviewed January 1st, 2009 (purchased for $509)