Canon Telephoto Zoom Lens, EF 55-200mm f/4.5-5.6 II USM

[seanmichaels]

Is this a decent lens? I am looking for a good telephoto but can't afford the L series.

[Blacklynx]

i dont use mine but it came with my 350d and could not use it on a 5d as that would be criminal i found it a little soft and i also find that without the i.s. and if you have a crop sensor it would be difficult to handhold and get a great shot.

so imho go for something with i.s. doesnt need to be an L series if its telephoto there are some bargains out there.

[cyclohexane]

One of the teachers at my high school owns this lens.* When I asked him about it, he only offered, "Well, it's cheap..." and shrugged.

What's your budget, and what are you shooting with it?* Personally, if I was starting a Canon setup, the minimum I'd get is the 70-200mm f/4L USM telephoto.* It's a pretty sweet lens, not too too expensive (compared to other offerings in this range) and would be the first one I'd buy.* Takes 67mm filters, if that matters for you, and there's an optional tripod collar available seperately to assist in balance and allow quicker switching to portrait orientation while mounted on a tripod or monopod.

[seanmichaels]

That's exactly what I needed to hear, I'll pass then. Hopefully one with IS will come along. Thanks everybody.

[timjon]

There are a couple of (positive) reviews of the EF 55-200 on the dpreview forums. You might want to read the threads - the general concensus is that it's a pretty good lens for the money.

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/re...ssage=10967028

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/re...ssage=13844485

I looked at this, and the 70-200 f/4L, but I really wanted a lens with IS, so I ended up going for the 75-300 IS. I'm pretty happy with it (I got it second hand for a reasonable price) but the newer 70-300 IS is supposed to be even better. It's worth looking at - the quality isn't as good as the 70-200 L, but it's cheaper, longer, and has IS.

Or you could go for the 70-200 2.8 L IS, but that's quite a bit more expensive.

Cheers,

Tim.