Jarrad_Kevin's reviews

  • Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II LD Aspherical IF SP AF

    8 out of 10 points and recommended
    Very useful zoom range, Light and Compact for a 2.8 zoom, Good Image Quality
    Noisy AF Motor, Pronounced barrel distortion @ 17mm, Colour Fringing, Lack of Full Time Manual.

    I own the Canon EOS mount version of this Lens.

    Like most 2.8 lenses this one is sharpest at 5.6. It's usable wide open, but really does benefit from stopping down. It's also sharpest at it's long end. It's not quite 50mm. I'd guess closer to 47-48mm.
    Center resolution is very good all throughout the zoom range. Edges do soften on the very wide end, but I've seen far worse. It's nothing to worry about.
    Chromatic Aberrations are noticeable on the wide end.

    It feels good in use, not lacking in build quality, but certainly nothing like the Canon L-series. I like it's small size and light weight.

    The Auto Focus motor is quite loud and annoying. A wasp in a matchbox, as they say. I usually use this lens in Manual focus anyway, so it doesn't matter to me. The AF accuracy and speed is fine. I wouldn't use it for fast paced sports, but it'll probably handle most situations very well.

    Very high value for the money.

    reviewed November 15th, 2006 (purchased for $420)
  • Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM

    9 out of 10 points and recommended
    Very Sharp, Macro Capability, USM
    A little heavier than I'd like

    Extremely sharp. Even wide open.

    The AF is not slow at all, in my opinion. It's quite quick. Not quite as fast as the 85 1.8 or 24-70L, but close and noticeably faster than the 50 1.4. I use it even in some macro situations with great success. I wouldn't depend upon the AF in all macro situations, but it is useful when needed.

    It's a hefty lens and doesn't feel as though it's lacking in build quality. It's a little heavier than I'd like, but it's not heavy enough to make you think twice about using it.

    I'd love for it to be weather sealed, I'd love Image Stabilisation, but other than that it's just about all you could ask for in a macro lens.

    Highly recommended.

    reviewed November 15th, 2006 (purchased for $500)
  • Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

    8 out of 10 points and recommended
    1.4, Very light, Extemely Sharp, Very Good Wide open.
    USM could use an update, Focus ring could use more dampening.

    I guess I lucked out.

    It seems there might be Quality Control issues with this lens.

    I find mine to be quite sharp wide open. Sharper at 1.4 than my 100mm is wide open at 2.8. It's my Sharpest lens at any aperture.

    I really don't like the Field of View the 50mm lens gives my on my 1.6 crop, but I can't bring myself to sell this lens because it's so sharp.

    The USM could really be faster. There is a little noise, but nothing to worry about. The Focus ring isn't suitable for a 1.4 lens. AF accuracy can be a little sketchy on a 20D in low light or on areas with less than high contrast.

    If you like the 50mm length and sharpness is your highest priority this lens highly recommended.

    reviewed November 15th, 2006 (purchased for $320)
  • Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM

    8 out of 10 points and recommended
    Sharp, USM.
    Low magnification, far Minimum focus Distance.

    The AF certainly is fast, but It's not instantaneous. It's Sharp and Very good wide open, but there are CA issues.

    The very long minimum focus distance and low magnification is quite annoying if you are a macro lover.

    If you shoot sports or other fast moving subjects this is an outstanding lens. It's good for portraiture if you like the focal length.

    reviewed November 15th, 2006 (purchased for $340)
  • Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

    9 out of 10 points and recommended
    Very Sharp, Fast AF, FTM, Great Zoom Range on a Full Frame
    not the best zoom range on a 1.6 crop

    I was skeptical of the mythological reputation of this lens. It really is everything people make it out to be. The AF is very fast and absolutely silent. Very good Sharpness all throughout the zoom range. Very usable wide open. Clever hood design.

    It is a bit heavy, but it's a 2.8 zoom. It's to be expected.

    If you need this zoom range and 2.8 this is your best option.

    reviewed November 15th, 2006 (purchased for $1,600)