7 out of 7 people found this review helpful.
Reach out for a good shot . . .
Date of Review: Jul 18, 2003
The Bottom Line: Changing rooms, lighting, etc. makes your photos suffer. Nonetheless, this is a good lens for the money you will pay.
Well, what can I say about this lens?
First of all, let me give a fair appraisal of the good points.
-The range of this lens is exceptional. If you need to photograph a subject at long range (i.e. wildlife, portraits, etc.) this lens will surely perform.
-The USM is everything Canon says it is. Autofocusing (in well-lit areas) is fast and reliable.
-Despite some claims to the contrary, the build quality of the lens is easily acceptable for any normal amateur. I've had this lens on many outings, and it has yet to show any signs of build weakness, etc.
Now for the negative.
}This is an EXTREMELY slow lens. Many amateurs will not realize the fact that a lens with a maximum aperture of f/4.0 is nearly too slow for 400 speed film in some situations. Such an aperture makes it physically impossible to get some shots in low lit areas. The lens will simply not take such pictures.
}The AF on this lens is very poor in darker rooms, etc. My lens will hunt for the subject for well over 2 seconds in darker areas. Sometimes, I cannot compose a shot at all.
}This is not a lens for the physically weak. It is large, heavy, and bulky. Let's just say, I won't be carrying it on any long hiking trips.
Well, that said, I shall try and give you the bottom line.
This lens is a good choice for anyone wishing for a large zoom with decent performance in most areas.If you want to shoot at a sporting event or simply in the backyard, this may be the lens for you.
CircuitCity.com
