logogogue's reviews

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

    10 out of 10 points and recommended
    excellent quality, fast focus, good construction, zoom lock, very inexpensive.
    noisy - no HSM, reverse zoom twist from Canon lens.

    Very good lens overall. I find it to be very flexible at most aperatures. I tend to use it most often below f4 and I have not been disappointed with image quality. I find the reverse twist of the zoom ring a bit annoying since I am used to the Canon lenses. Although the lens does focus quickly, it is pretty loud and it seems slower than it really is. I find low-light hand-held shots to be very capable. You could spend double on the Canon version but why? Highly recommend this lens.

    reviewed December 27th, 2006 (purchased for $420)

  • Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

    9 out of 10 points and recommended
    quality, construction, speed, IS, fast
    WEIGHT, cost.

    One of Canon's flagship units. The lens isn't a walk around unit and requires some commitment to lug around. But if you are willing, as others have expounded, it is so worth it. The quality of the image is second to none and have had some extremely pleasing color and sharpness in my images compared to other zoom lenses I have owned. If you are willing to travel with a backpack, it should never stay at home. While you are at it, take a tripod with you.

    reviewed December 27th, 2006 (purchased for $1,500)

  • Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM

    8 out of 10 points and recommended
    wide focal range, IS, light weight
    no inner focusing, slow, optically could be better, no lens hood

    A decent lens that has a nice wide focal length. The 300mm range is quite excellent to have around and I have been able to take some amazing close up shots of wild life. Because the zoom and focus ring extends way out you will have to be aware of your surroundings though. I have found extreme lengths with wide aperatures to produce soft images. Nothing bad but enough where it distracts me when I try to print larger 11x17 prints. It is a tad slow so any shots not taken in good light will be ruined if there is any kind of movement to it. For the cost, it should come with a lens hood.

    reviewed December 27th, 2006 (purchased for $650)

  • Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM

    7 out of 10 points and recommended
    Wide angle, IS, Solid build, Great starter lens, quiet - USM
    Slow, no case, no lens hood

    A great starter lens. If you can spring for this lens over the 18-55mm in the "kit package," you are ahead of the game. It doesn't do anything stellar but it doesn't do anything bad either. In controlled settings, i.e., lighting, the image quality can be excellent. The IS is fine for stationary objects but not helpful for movement because of the minimum f stop. The 17mm, wide angle, shots are a lot of fun and the 85mm range makes this a very versatile lens to walk around with. For the cost, the lens should come with a lens hood.

    reviewed December 27th, 2006

  • Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 USM

    5 out of 10 points and recommended
    lightweight, comes bundled in a kit
    slow, no hood, mediocre optics, chintzy zoom construction.

    I suppose because of the low cost and it is often bundled as the lowest cost "kit" version it is an unavoidable purchase for a newbie. However if you can pause for a moment and pick up a body only, you'd be better off. Spend just a couple of bucks more on a variety of excellent lenses from Sigma or Tamron and you'll be much happier in the long run. Anyone with more than a passing interest in photograhpy will quickly out grow the lens and wonder why you even bothered. Take it from me, I'm that person.

    reviewed December 27th, 2006

  • Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II

    10 out of 10 points and recommended
    CHEAP!!! You get much more than you pay for.
    does it really matter? see above.

    I am not going to bother elaborating anymore as everyone preceding me says it well enough. Just get the lens already.

    reviewed December 29th, 2006 (purchased for $80)