garys's reviews

  • Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM

    10 out of 10 points and recommended
    modest cost for "L" series, wonderful optics and fast speed
    nitpicking, but not a circular aperature and no weather sealing

    (on a full frame camera)Wonderful lens for some portraiture applications, sporting events and candids at a party or event. It is the lens I use as a reference point to compare all new lens acquisitions to after purchase to determine if they need to be returned for repair or replacement. The lens is so crisp that the diaphragm blade pattern is visible on point light sources shot at large aperature. Excellent color and saturation, a virtually perfect lens.

    reviewed January 1st, 2007 (purchased for $900)

  • Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM

    10 out of 10 points and recommended
    delivers a image impossible to achieve by any other method, excellent resolution
    high cost, heavy weight, vignetteing, somewhat slow focus speed

    (on a full frame camera)Vignetteing is significant, but not unreasonable for a lens this fast. Closed 1/2 stop (f1.4), the amount is virtually indentical to my 24-70 @ 2.8 and my 135 @ 2.0. The 85 is a very sharp, just fractionally behind my 135, at comparable f stops, at 200 % on an image of the news paper want ads test. It is an expensive lens, but terrifically fun to use and is often on my camera, usually wide open. I get more positive responses to images from this lens than any other because most people seldom see this degree of bokeh. I find the focus speed adequate although a little slow. I did have to send it back to Canon, twice, for adjustment when they finally changed the focusing barrel and the lens performs to perfection.

    reviewed January 1st, 2007 (purchased for $2,000)

  • Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

    10 out of 10 points and recommended
    very versatile zoom range, good resolution and speed for a zoom, very functional hood
    large and heavy

    (on a full frame camera)A good travel lens covering many needs, except for obtursiveness and weight, but worth these drawbacks for the f2.8. Of course the resolution does not equal a prime lens and it is less sharp toward the corners, but I have made some great 16x20 prints from this lens. Some complain about the reverse zoom characteristic, but I welcome it as the hood is more effective and controls the mild flaring tendancy that this lens exhibits. Not remarked about often is its close focusing capability. While not a true macro, I often take advantage of close focusing distances not afforded me by other lenses.

    reviewed January 1st, 2007 (purchased for $1,400)

  • Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

    10 out of 10 points and recommended
    excellent image quality, image stabilization, fast speed, versatility, weather sealing
    large size and weight, high cost

    (on a full frame camera)Resolution is outstanding at 70mm even into the corners and deteriorates only slightly at 200. Fast focusing with a high percentage of "keepers". I like its color and saturation. It has been my intoduction to is, and I have been very happy with the results usually using the lens without the tripod mount. Produces good portraits, candid views, as well as shots for sports events and other moderate telephoto uses. Highly recommended and something you wouldn't want to be without.

    reviewed January 1st, 2007 (purchased for $1,700)

  • Canon 2X Extender EF II

    7 out of 10 points and recommended
    well built, nice way to get extra length when traveling
    image degradation

    Obvious impact on image quality on multi-element lenses like the 70-200 2.8 is, but probably not as big an issue with the super teles. Still it does give you much more reach at a modest cost, so you will probably have a love-hate relationship with it!

    reviewed January 1st, 2007 (purchased for $250)

  • Canon 1.4X Extender EF II

    10 out of 10 points and recommended
    minimal loss of image qualilty
    none for what it is

    Modest impact on image quality over the naked lens, especially for primes. My experience is generally that lens magnification of any type produces better results than enlarging in post processing.

    reviewed January 1st, 2007 (purchased for $250)