CanonMan's reviews

  • Canon EF 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5 II USM

    8 out of 10 points and recommended
    Fairly good heft and feel, FTM focusing is a bonus, very quick and quiet focusing
    too much barrel distortion at widest angle setting, stopping down only helps a little, sometimes zoom action not smooth

    This lens is used primarily on my film cameras. I am one of those so called dinosaurs still shooting film primarily. I use a S3IS for digital. This is my all around take everywhere lens. Mostly it resides on my Elan 7, sometimes on a 3. I actually prefer the balance of the elan 7 combo the best. I have the battery grip for the Elan 7 which helps. Other than the distortion(barrel) at wide angle, there is little to complain of with this lens. Focusing is quick, quiet, and the ability to override the auto focus is great! I would prefer the zooming action to be a little smoother. Occasionally it seems a tad stiff. It may just be my lens. Used with the 7, a 420 EX flash and this lens makes for great portraiture work. This combo actually gives me a momentary 'preview' of the picture as the flash goes off. I believe this to be attributable mostly to the brief viewfinder blank out time, and the EX flash system. I have used more expensive lenses in the Canon line, but at the end of the day, this is the one that I prefer. My main gripe with Canon lenses is the lack of supplied lens hoods as standard. I prefer hoods. I know there are others that dont. I have had two lenses 'saved' due to the fact there was a hood attached. Happy shooting!

    reviewed November 14th, 2006 (purchased for $195)

  • Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

    8 out of 10 points and recommended
    Great performance for the money! Very lightweight
    could focus faster and quieter, and have distance window. at least a metal lens mount!

    This lens is no doubt looked down upon by some. I use it all the time. Stopped down some, it yields great images. Are there better lenses out there? Of course! More expensive, you betcha! This lens could be lost, destroyed, damaged, and the owner wont be out too much money. Focus is slow and lens does not have a great, 'quality' feel to it. I pop it on my EOS 3, and it works fairly well.

    My gripe for this lens is the lack of a lens hood. Seems especially hard to find, and when you do, the cost is outrageous. Yes, a simple Ritz store brand hood will work, but not the same as an OEM. Not as big of a deal with this lens, but it is a pet peeve of mine in regards to canon lenses. I have not had any problems with flare or ghosting. A great 'street' lens. Thanks for reading!

    reviewed November 14th, 2006 (purchased for $72)