Barry's reviews

  • Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM

    10 out of 10 points and recommended
    Absolutely perfect. No lens compares at this price.

    The only thing missing on this lens is the red ring. I have taken shots with this lens on my 300 and now my 350 and almost all are keepers. The shots I erase are because of composition, not quality. As I use it mostly for portrait work, on a tripod, IS is not an issue.
    And it is an EF lens, so when I upgrade to a 5D, I will still be able to use it.
    Highly recommended.

    reviewed September 12th, 2009 (purchased for $400)

  • Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L USM

    10 out of 10 points and recommended
    Excellent lens - nothing else compares!
    None

    Rented this lens as I want to buy this one. I use a tripod so IS is not required. In SA we have too much light, so f/4 is perfect. What I don't get is that the cons listed for this lens i.e. aperture, IS are available on other iterations of this lens, so don't list these as cons! Canon has addressed these supposed cons with other versions, so if you have a problem, buy the more expensive lens. Thanks, Canon, for making this amazing lens available to all owners with differing budgets.
    What I did find is that this lens offers brilliant, sharp shots across the zoom range, easily equivalent to the prime at the similar range. Having this is the same as having 3 or 4 primes.
    Brilliant lens, Canon - no other lens compares!
    Just received mine (used). ZAR5000. And it is incredible!
    (I still use my 85mm f/1.8 for portraits for the creamy bokeh.)

    reviewed September 27th, 2009 (purchased for $640)

  • Sigma 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 DG Macro

    6 out of 10 points and recommended
    Price, zoom range
    Soft, soft, soft. Dust pump.

    As a light walkaround lens, it is good, but don't expect ultrasharp images. Mine had a sweet spot at f/8.0, but only in the mid zoom ranges.
    For its price, its a good lens to learn on, but it is not a keeper.
    If perfect IQ is not that important to you, its not a bad lens, but it is not a great lens.
    I sold mine and am now going to buy the Canon 70-200.

    reviewed October 10th, 2009 (purchased for $360)

  • Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM

    10 out of 10 points and recommended
    Super wide, lovely lens

    I am definitely going to buy this lens! (Even if it is EF-S). I rented one for a wedding and I was able to get shots that were otherwise impossible. The image quality is superb.

    reviewed November 23rd, 2009