By Canon

Great budget starter lens for the amatuer/hobbyist, 2007-11-14
I bought this lens about eight months ago for my Canon 350D. If like me you bought the kit that comes bundled with the 18-55mm lens you'll notice there is a big gap when it comes to zoom/telephoto shots, this is a great budget tele-photo zoom lens that does what it says on the tin, and fills the gap nicely.

I am an amateur photographer at best and still learning, but after using the lens for a while I was disappointed to learn that the f stop values really do make a big difference - the widest aperture you will be able to set this lens to is 4.0 at 75mm and only 5.6 at 300mm, if your really serious you need a fast lens like f/2.8, and definitely with IS (image stabilisation) - the lens is not that heavy (for me), but during a long shoot it starts to feel like a cannon (pardon the pun), the lens really protrudes out at towards the 300mm end, and if you hold the camera pointing straight down, expect lens creep. Add an external flash onto the hot shoe and expect a real workout!

My wife complains its way too heavy - especially with a speedlite mounted on top, just carry a tripod if you expect to be on a long shoot, or mount the external flash on a tripod (you'll need something like a speedlite wireless remote for this, expensive, but its tiny and weighs next to nothing and gets the speedlite off the camera).

Having said all that, I have got some really great shots with this, and overall for the price you pay for this lens it's a real good value for money. If I'm going to a function, like a party within a hall, I would almost always use this lens (not to good for mid range shots - 50mm better for this, which is why I carry another camera to save swapping lenses about), great for candid photography where you can position yourself at the other side of the hall and take shots without distracting or letting your subjects know they are being shot - just have a strong arm, and good light conditions/flash. For portrait shots, and shots where you slow the shutter speed use a tripod, or you get too much blur/softness. If you also intend to pan the shot, a tripod with a panning handle is also essential.

The other thing you need to bear in mind is the multiplication factor (of the focal length) of your camera. Unless your lucky enough to have a camera with the same focal length as a 35mm film camera, i.e. a full 35mm frame size, the camera may effectively crop the image to fit on the film sensor - the 350D has a factor of x1.6, this means this lens is effectively a 120mm - 480mm lens (!) This is great on the tele-photo side, you get more magnification than you pay for, but not so good for wide angle or down at the 75mm end, where you've actually got 120mm. (Because of this factor, if you want a wide-angle lens and you have a 350/400D then you'd be better off going for ultra wide 14mm).

Bottom line, it's a heavy lens, and no IS, but for the price of the lens very good value for money! I haven't regretted buying this, and unless you're a really serious photographer, and shoot within the limits of this lens you wont either.

By Canon

• True flat-field macro lens that can focus to full life-size magnification
• Brilliant for Portraiture as well as macro photography
• Fill the frame with a subject the size of a penny
• Accepts both MR-14EX Macro Ring Lite and MT-24EX Macro Twin Lite
• Circular aperature design - natural highlights, even stopped down two stops

Great close-up lens, 2008-09-20
The image quality is close to what you would expect from an expensive "L" lens. Nice sharp details in macro shots, and nice looking blur in out of focus areas.

Can also be used for general photos, such as portraits.

By Canon

Wow Outstanding, 2008-12-19
Just received this item. I have a fairly basic Eos 300D bought in Oz. I was told by a neighbour who is really into cameras that the key to success is to invest in the glass. This demonstrates that. The lens is the bees knees. I have only used it a couple of times, but already I know it will be the one left on the camera. It is extremely versatile for the amateur. Picture quality is excellent with little effort required.

It cost more than the camera initially, but it was worth it.

Congrats also to Amazon for their total delivery process in the Christmas period. Particularly like the ability to track the order via City Link.

By Canon

G9 lens adapter, adapter, 2008-10-17
I have one of these, required if the Wide angle lens adapter Canon Wide Conversion Lens WC-DC58B for PowerShot G7 & G9 - 0.75 x (27mm in 35mm format) which I also have is to be used (also the telephoto adapter Canon Lens Conversion Adapter LA-DC58H for PowerShot G7 & G9 which I do not have). All it does is cover the G9's lens as extended when switched on so the wide angle or telephoto lens adapters themselves can be fitted. A word of timely guidance: to fit this first REMOVE the black plastic serated circle found on the camera around the lens and removed by pushing the black button found on the front of the camera at the lower right (when facing), push button and while holding it twist the black serated plastic circular surround one eighth turn anti-clockwise, gently lift off and KEEP IT SAFE! It is very easy to lose (not least being black in a black camera or lens bag) Notice the small white dot? Opposite the black button? That goes at 3'o'clock (and only there) to slot back in to its groove followed by an eighth turn clockwise. All as when facing the front of the camera. It's easy enough and a matter of a second, when you know all this! Anthony

By Nikon

The AF-S VR 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED lens from Nikon is a high-performance tele-lens zoom designed to satisfy both digital and traditional 24 x 36 camera users' needs. Offering a 4.3 x amplitude and a focus range of 70 - 300 mm (or 105 - 450 mm on a digital camera from the DX Nikon series), this built-in lens, as well as 2 auxiliary ED glass lenses, guarantee high optical performances with reduced dispersion. In addition, the AF-S VR 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED uses Nikon's new generation vibration reduction system (VR II) to allow you to take handheld photos thanks to its shutter speed that is 4 times slower than that of traditional cameras, for great results (according to performance tests by Nikon). The SWM (Silent Wave Motor) and internal focus (IF) assure a quick and silent operation. Furthermore, the circular diaphragm with 9 glass slides gives natural and harmonious results for unfocused elements in the background. With the AF-S VR 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED, you have a state-of-the-art lens that will enable you to take many splendid long distance photos, with spectacular and realistic visual results.
Look at the photos not the reviews, 2009-01-04
Nikon AF-S VR 70-300 f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED

I've been an amateur photographer since 1958. My first serious camera was a Hasselblad 500C (How serious do you want to get?) which cost me £150. It had a f2,8 Planar 80mm standard lens and that lens set the standard for the others. My usual print size was whole plate (8.5 x 6.5inches) and the results were magnificent. Times have changed. I took a series of photos on the first day this lens arrived and, just to test its quality, I cropped so that a print on to an A4 was equivalent to an A2. All the negative reviews were set aside. If this lens gives me this quality I am more than happy.
I was very pleased with the VR. Something undreamed of back in the '60s. One question though. someone should know the answer. In the instructions it reads "Do not turn the camera power OFF or remove the lens from the camera while the VR is in operation etc" What does 'in operation' mean? Does it mean 'during the time the VR lenses are adjusting or does it simply mean 'when the VR is ON?' Should I switch off the VR after every VR use?
To repeat: just try this lens. Does it satisfy you? It certainly satisfies me.

By Nikon

Compact and light. The new type D AF Nikkor lens offers superb performances.
Nikon 50mm f1.8D AF, 2008-12-29
Like most people I tend to shoot a large number of photographs at around this focal length - pretty much anything in-doors - and while a mid-range zoom is a far more versatile instrument, one is forced to compromise on ultimate quality, with this lens quality is spot on and images emerge crystal-clear - and oh what an aperture range!

If you ever shoot in-doors or in poor light without flash, this lens is a must - and, let's be honest, can you find another quality lens for under £100? I doubt it.

You will not be disappointed.

By Nikon

The AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor lens will complete your photographic equipment so you can take photos like a professional. This lens works with digital reflex cameras to capture pictures that are rich in colour and true to life. The AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor lens is an ED lens of 15 elements in 11 groups for precise close-ups and ultra-accurate focusing. Perfect for portrait photographers or for distant subjects, the AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor lens includes a VR function that allows for speeds that are 3 times slower than normal. This system works directly with the focus by diminishing vibrations and correcting the chromatic distortions that are caused by low light. Plus, the AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor lens benefits from an amazing focal range going from f/22-32 minimum to 2/4-5.6 maximum for optimum use. Including a ?Silent Wave Motor? for quick and quiet focusing, this lens can be used anywhere at any time, be it for weddings, holidays, or nature hikes. With the AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor lens, you?ll always bring back your favourite memories.
Amazing, 2008-12-13
We bought this for taking wildlife shots on our honeymoon in Costa Rica with a Nikon D40. We were not disappointed at all. It's incredible how crisp and clear the VR can make shots even at maximum zoom. I'm only an amateur photographer but friends and family have been amazed at how many great shots we took. Highly recommended.

By Canon

Standard lens with large opening. Get great close up and long distance shots from this high class 130g lens. Its Gauss-type structure provides excellent close-up images and evenly balanced colours.
Fantastic value for money - great performance too!!!, 2009-01-05
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Lens
I can't rate this lens highly enough as an inexpensive, high image-quality addition to your Canon. The quality of the images it produces (particularly portraits) is exceptional when compared to the 18-55mm kit lens that I imagine most people are used to.

It takes a wee while to get used to the fixed focal length if you are used to having a variable lens, but that's why this lens gives such great clarity. Sometimes you will find you can't get your desired image framed with this lens because it's simply too narrow (forgive me if I don't use the correct terminology!) - in that case you can move further away or revert to another lens!

Some people have said it's noisy, but compared to my 75-300mm USM lens the difference is negligible, and since my subjects are unlikely to be scared off by mild whirring I have no problem with what little noise it does make.

For me as an amateur enthusiast the most striking difference with using a prime lens such as this is the narrow depth of field - focusing on your subject and shooting, even in low-light conditions gives a very satisfying blurred background which really helps the subject to stand out.

If you buy one additional lens for your Canon EOS DSLR make it this one!

By Canon

Crisp images with little flare are obtained even at the maximum aperture Standard lens featuring superb quality and portability. Two high-refraction lens elements and new Gaussian optics eliminate astigmatism and suppress astigmatic difference. Crisp images with little flare are obtained even at the maximum aperture. Features: * Focal length and maximum aperture: 50 mm 1:1.4 * Lens construction: 7 elements in 6 groups * Diagonal angle of view: 46° * Focus adjustment: Overall linear extension system with USM * Closest focusing distance: 0.45m / 1.5ft * Filter size: 58mm
great for concert photography, 2008-11-16
I have recently bought this lens being a recent convert to Canon, and is already one of my favourites! I specialise in music photography, which means high ISO, no flash and low light conditions.

This lens comes up trumps in all departments and for small / midsize venues, Crisp, fast and solid, this really is the only lens you will need.

By Canon

This EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS telephoto zoom lens from Canon comes with a 4-speed image stabiliser and a UD glass element, and is made up of a system of 12 lenses, which are divided up into 10 groups. It features a circular aperture diaphragm, which is ideal for emphasising subjects in photos shot against distracting backgrounds, andan image stabiliser with an automatic panning detection to reduce the effects of blur caused by camera movement. It also corrects chromatic aberrations and puts Canon?s exclusive technology to good use by limiting image distortion. Thanks to its increased focal range, the EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS is suitable for use by seasoned users, and for those looking for a flexible optical complementary telephoto lens and impressive-quality close-up photos.
Fantastic Lens, 2008-07-30
This is the natural partner for the 18-55 lens that came as kit with the body.
The lens is not actually 100% plastic as most of the people states, it is in part made by plastic, but the part that attacches to the camera body is painted alluminium, it looks and weights like plastic but is metal!
The IS is amazing, and the lens very sharp, even at 250mm... once attached to your body, the only limit is your creativity.
this is the best zoom lens around for a cheap budget if you own as EOS camera.

Best Lens 195 pounds can buy.