I think I made a mistake in purchasing my new lens

[1rockinmamato2]

I have a Rebel XT. I've been using the same lenses that came with my 35mm Rebel back in the day. I finally decided on a new lens and picked this one:

http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&fcategoryid=149&modelid=7337

I got it today and tried it out. But, it's so big. And heavy! I just don't think I'll be able to lug it around to take pictures of my children.

Did I make a mistake? Is there a comparable lens that's lighter and easier to carry? This thing is so heavy there's no way I could even carry my camera around my neck.

Please help me! Thanks!

 

[DVC Jen]

I carried that lens attached to a 30D body ( heavier) around my neck at WDW for 11 days. It IS heavy - I actually had to hand support it as well.

Just think of it as an extra workout. It really is a great lens - and you will get used to the added weight.

 

[MarkBarbieri]

FWIW, I sometimes put that lens on my 10D when I want to go "light." Carrying around my 1D with the 24-70 f/2.8 or 70-200 f/2.8 is my usual configuration and it's much heavier.

 

[jann1033]

you will get used to it...i have shaking hands and it's ok, i've gotten used to it plus the is helps with minor shakes...it's lighter than my 70-200 which i sometimes need a monopod for clear shots..it helps like jen said to support thelens with your hand when you carry it and i like carrying my camera like a shoulder bag rather than around my neck which helps with neck strain

 

[mabas9395]

Instead of replacing that lens, replace your neckstrap. The one that came with my camera is awful. I have this strap and love it. Makes all the difference in the world.

http://optechusa.com/product/detail/?PRODUCT_ID=23&PRODUCT_SUB_ID=&CATEGORY_ID=4

 

[Master Mason]

my walk around lens is a 24-70 f/2.8 so my suggestion is get used to it, you'll be happy you did

 

[MICKEY88]

FWIW, I sometimes put that lens on my 10D when I want to go "light." Carrying around my 1D with the 24-70 f/2.8 or 70-200 f/2.8 is my usual configuration and it's much heavier.

I highly recommend the lens cradle for your 70-200 2.8,, it make carrying a whole lot easier..


http://www.lenscradle.com/

 

[deletedpenguin]

A good quality neckstrap as mentioned earlier, makes all the difference.

 

[SharonLowe]

I use this one with my 1DsMkII and lenses, two of which are heavier than the 28-135:

http://optechusa.com/product/detail/?PRODUCT_ID=8&PRODUCT_SUB_ID=

It is a great strap and will make a world of difference even with a lighter lens.

 

[rtphokie]

I have a Rebel XT. I've been using the same lenses that came with my 35mm Rebel back in the day. I finally decided on a new lens and picked this one:

http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&fcategoryid=149&modelid=7337

I got it today and tried it out. But, it's so big. And heavy! I just don't think I'll be able to lug it around to take pictures of my children.

Did I make a mistake? Is there a comparable lens that's lighter and easier to carry? This thing is so heavy there's no way I could even carry my camera around my neck.

Please help me! Thanks!

If it makes you feel any better, just about any lens bigger than the one in the kit may feel heavy. The camera body is so light an compact.

 

[1rockinmamato2]

Thanks for all of the replies.

I intend on testing out the new lens this weekend and getting used to it. I guess better quality comes with a bit of a drawback. I do have a different strap so I'll try it too.

The lens is as big as my camera. And I'm such am amateur photographer. I'm afraid people will look at my camera now and think that I know what I'm doing.

I appreciate all of the reassurance. I guess I just need to get used to the fact that this camera ain't our dinky 5MP Cybershot that fits in our pocket.

 

[jann1033]

Thanks for all of the replies.

I intend on testing out the new lens this weekend and getting used to it. I guess better quality comes with a bit of a drawback. I do have a different strap so I'll try it too.

The lens is as big as my camera. And I'm such am amateur photographer. I'm afraid people will look at my camera now and think that I know what I'm doing.

I appreciate all of the reassurance. I guess I just need to get used to the fact that this camera ain't our dinky 5MP Cybershot that fits in our pocket.

this happens to me all the time especially if i'm using my white 70-200..last weekend i was taking a photo of something and i saw a couple people with P&S watching me while i was taking it then after i walked away , come over and take the same thing with a kind of puzzled look on their faces like "what in the world was she taking a photo of"...kind of like when you look up in the air, everyone else has to do it too! i always think..."If they only knew how many photos i toss"of course they will never see my flubs ( although that is getting a little lower percentile finally)

about the optic straps, one says it's washable( sSharon's link) mabas's doesn't anyone know if they both are or if the grip makes it not washable? Thanks

 

[mabas9395]

I'm afraid people will look at my camera now and think that I know what I'm doing.

The great part about people thinking that you know what you are doing is often times they are more likely to move out of your way when you are trying to take a picture. I've had it happen at the zoo and baseball games, etc.

btw, put a hood on that lens and it gets even bigger.

 

[tinksdad]

FWIW, I sometimes put that lens on my 10D when I want to go "light." Carrying around my 1D with the 24-70 f/2.8 or 70-200 f/2.8 is my usual configuration and it's much heavier.

LOL! It's all in the perspective, isn't?

 

[Anewman]

Thanks for all of the replies.

I intend on testing out the new lens this weekend and getting used to it. I guess better quality comes with a bit of a drawback. I do have a different strap so I'll try it too.

The lens is as big as my camera. And I'm such am amateur photographer. I'm afraid people will look at my camera now and think that I know what I'm doing.

I appreciate all of the reassurance. I guess I just need to get used to the fact that this camera ain't our dinky 5MP Cybershot that fits in our pocket.

really if you feel that it is too big you can find smaller/lighter lenses, but you will have to sacrifice something...

Just decide what you are willing to give up.
Focal range
Image stabilization
Optical quality
etc...

 

[webshark3]

You're lens isn't that big.

But I'll throw out a few. The Tamron 28-75mm f2.8. Trade the IS for speed.

Or try the new Canon "kit-like" lens: 18-55 f3.5-5.6 IS. It uses a new IS system, and is the same size as the old 18-55 kit lens. Only $150 list. You lose your zoom, but it may be a good deal.

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0708/07082007canonefs18-55and55-250.asp

 

[dburg30]

No, this lens http://www.sigmaphoto.com/lenses/lenses_all_details.asp?id=3307&navigator=3 is heavy

But I really do love it so. I'm sure I'll get an L lens at somepoint to replace it. It's big, and put the hood on it and I can knock people out from 10 foot away it feels like .

I totally agree, 1000000% on a different neckstrap. Go try some different ones and see which one you like best.

 

[webshark3]

No, this lens http://www.sigmaphoto.com/lenses/lenses_all_details.asp?id=3307&navigator=3 is heavy

BIGMA! Classic. I've thought about it, but I still like my back and legs.

 

[dburg30]

BIGMA! Classic. I've thought about it, but I still like my back and legs.

Oh I hear ya, but I really do love it. Love it at the beach, can really 'get out there' when people are playing in the water and stuff. And love it for outdoor daytime events too. Ren festivals, sports of course. Now I know and accept it's not real good for indoor / night lit sports. I carry a monopod with me that actually folds up about the length of the lens lol.

 

[MICKEY88]

No, this lens http://www.sigmaphoto.com/lenses/lenses_all_details.asp?id=3307&navigator=3 is heavy

But I really do love it so. I'm sure I'll get an L lens at somepoint to replace it. It's big, and put the hood on it and I can knock people out from 10 foot away it feels like .

I totally agree, 1000000% on a different neckstrap. Go try some different ones and see which one you like best.

still a liteweight compared to this one...LOL


http://www.sigmaphoto.com/lenses/lenses_all_details.asp?id=3308&navigator=3