DSLR newbie/ Disney questions

[thinkerbell]

Oh, I see! I didn't know that about the Canon zoom. I was operating under the assumption that at the same price point, zoom range, and low reputation the two lenses would be somewhat comparable to demonstrate a point I was trying to make. I looked the lens up on B&H and although it had significantly more review than my Sony model they both had the same rating and the reviews were very similar between the two lenses. That's why I chose to compare them.

Anywho, no matter. To thinkerbell, my point still stands. I was dumb. I let other people's opinion of my zoom lens effect my attitude toward it and so I never gave my zoom a chance. It wasn't until I actually tried it out that I realized that it was a really fun lens that wasn't nearly as bad as I assumed that it was. I haven't used the Canon zoom, so I can't give a side by side, direct comparison of my Sony lens and the Canon; however, since they cost the same, zoom the same, and have similar reviews on B&H, I would say they are similar enough to make my point. Yes, your 75-300mm may not be the best lens in the world but don't let that stop you from using it, playing around with it, and (most of all) having fun with it. They say "The best camera is the one you have with you." Same goes for lenses. The best lenses are the ones you have with you. True, your Canon 75-300 isn't a professional $10,000 wildlife lens. However, it is the one you have. And having your lens is WAY better than not having any zoom lens. Let's say you're watching a show or looking at animals at AK. 18-55mm will only zoom in so far. Personally, I'd rather have any inexpensive/slow zoom lens over not having any zoom at all and trying to get pictures with a tiny subject at 55mm. But that's just me.

All lens have limitations of some kind. You generally have to trade one good quality for another, no matter how expensive or nice a lens is. You just learn to work around each lens' particular limitations. So learn from my mistake and don't ignore your 75-300mm before giving it an honest try. Then, if you don't like it and it isn't for you, then it isn't for you. But who knows, you may love using it.

Enjoy your new camera! I hope you get lots of awesome pictures with it!

Thanks!! We are on our way now and can't wait to try it out. We figured it wasn't the best out there because we got it for a very good price but since we aren't professionals, we won't know the difference between it and an expensive one. It should still get better pics than our p&s and really all we are out for is some good pictures for memories and won't worry if they look professional. Can't wait to try our big lens out at AK. Thanks for your help and good wishes.

 

[photo_chick]

Oh, I see! I didn't know that about the Canon zoom. I was operating under the assumption that at the same price point, zoom range, and low reputation the two lenses would be somewhat comparable to demonstrate a point I was trying to make. I looked the lens up on B&H and although it had significantly more review than my Sony model they both had the same rating and the reviews were very similar between the two lenses. That's why I chose to compare them.

Anywho, no matter. To thinkerbell, my point still stands. I was dumb. I let other people's opinion of my zoom lens effect my attitude toward it and so I never gave my zoom a chance. It wasn't until I actually tried it out that I realized that it was a really fun lens that wasn't nearly as bad as I assumed that it was. I haven't used the Canon zoom, so I can't give a side by side, direct comparison of my Sony lens and the Canon; however, since they cost the same, zoom the same, and have similar reviews on B&H, I would say they are similar enough to make my point. Yes, your 75-300mm may not be the best lens in the world but don't let that stop you from using it, playing around with it, and (most of all) having fun with it. They say "The best camera is the one you have with you." Same goes for lenses. The best lenses are the ones you have with you. True, your Canon 75-300 isn't a professional $10,000 wildlife lens. However, it is the one you have. And having your lens is WAY better than not having any zoom lens. Let's say you're watching a show or looking at animals at AK. 18-55mm will only zoom in so far. Personally, I'd rather have any inexpensive/slow zoom lens over not having any zoom at all and trying to get pictures with a tiny subject at 55mm. But that's just me.

All lens have limitations of some kind. You generally have to trade one good quality for another, no matter how expensive or nice a lens is. You just learn to work around each lens' particular limitations. So learn from my mistake and don't ignore your 75-300mm before giving it an honest try. Then, if you don't like it and it isn't for you, then it isn't for you. But who knows, you may love using it.

Enjoy your new camera! I hope you get lots of awesome pictures with it!

Forget L series. The Canon 75-300 doesn't even hold up to the entry level Canon 55-250. The IQ is that bad. My daughter's super zoom yields better image quality than the 75-300 on my 6D does.

Yes, all lenses have limitations. And there are workarounds with this one like with every other lens. But they require getting the camera off auto, sometimes manually focusing, and knowing a bit of post processing to get useable shots in less than ideal light with this lens. What really kills the 75-300 is that it just doesn't have the resolving power to keep up with today's digital sensors.


OP... as a new to DSLR photographer don't get discouraged if you get less than great results with this lens. If you use it and find it frustrates you, as it has many others, sell it and get the 55-250. Same price range, MUCH better lens.

 

[traylorc]

Forget L series.

Yes, all lenses have limitations. And there are workarounds with this one like with every other lens. But they require getting the camera off auto, sometimes manually focusing, and knowing a bit of post processing to get useable shots in less than ideal light with this lens. What really kills the 75-300 is that it just doesn't have the resolving power to keep up with today's digital sensors.

I agree with Danielle...particularly the comment about post processing. If you use a slow zoom lens in less than ideal conditions, you have likely committed yourself to spending some significant time in front of your computer in order to produce some decent shots.