Standard Lenses

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Photos taken with a Canon EF 28-70 II. Please mouse click thumbnails to view full size.

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4crop	5	6	7

Anyone that uses Canon "L" lenses know they offer the best image quality, and build possible. But for those needing inexepensive alternatives, here are a few suggestions...

Canon EF 28-70mm f/3.5-4.5 II (Metal Mount)

Lens Construction: 10 elements in 9 groups
Diaphragm Blades: 6
Minimum Aperture: f/29
Filter Diameter: 52mm

If your "Kit Lens" seems a bit soft, but the price of an L lens is holding you back, here's a couple of alternatives you might consider.

The EF 28-70II doesn't have the wide angle you might prefer if using small sensor bodies, but generally considered among the sharpest "non-L" normal zooms produced to date. It's limitations are it's rotating front, which protrudes into the lens barrel during focusing, making polorizing filters unusable. It lacks the USM focusing motor found on many newer models. But if you can live within it's limitations, it's sharp, has nice bokeh, and contrast with exellent fringe control as demonstrated in photo number 4crop above. Though rare, when found these zooms should sell for around a hundred dollars US, making them an excellent addition to your bag.

Canon EF 50 f/1.8 II

Lens Construction: 6 elements in 5 groups
Diaphragm Blades: 5
Minimum Aperture: 22
Maximum Aperture: 1.8
Filter Diameter: 52

If you'd like to see more crispness than your Kit Lens gives, and find it's slow aperture problamatic, you might like to give one of these a try. While build quality isn't something to brag about, they're fast for the price. The older metal mount version can sometimes be found too, and while it has better build quality, optics remain the same but includes a focus scale. Selling around ninty dollars retail, the 50 1.8II is a great buy with lots of bang for your buck. The older metal mount will probably sell for about double in good condition. Canon also produces a 50mm f/1.4 version with better build, and also includes a focus scale. If you can afford the extra, it's worth the price. As another option for those shooting crop sensor bodies, check out the new Sigma 30mm, though it comes at a price...

EFS 18-55 f/3.5-5.6 "Kit Lens"

Lens Construction: 11 elements in 9 groups
Filter Size: 58mm

First introduced as a normal zoom lens to be sold with camera bodies (thus refered to as a kit lens) there are a few models of this lens around. The second generation labeled "II" really didn't offer much improvement. But the 3rd incarnation offers image stabilization. Stopping down increases sharpness, so IS versions might be worth considering. Additional lens choices, including Canon "L" Series.

Mount Comparison

For those not familar, shown here is the metal mount next to the lesser quality plastic mount used on many of todays lesser expensive lenses.

Product names are registered to the respective owner, and used for discussion purpose only.