Ruhani Rabin » Photography

5 most Affordable Quality Canon mount Lenses

Ruhani Rabin — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 16:39:26 +0000

The thing about Canon lenses, they are pretty much expensive. A good quality Canon lens gives optimum speed and quality of photos. But as a beginner or intermediate Photographer, you can’t afford to buy those expensive Canon Lenses. But fear not, there are alternative lenses that could aid you on your adventure in photography. This write-up is from my personal experience with the lenses mentioned. All these lenses are designed to work with APS-C (1.6x crop factor camera bodies).

I’m going to present 5 lenses that will not break your budget but let you enjoy the adventure of your photography. Few of them already from Canon. Lets get down to the list shall we.

1. Canon EF 50mm f1.8 II Prime lens

The Canon EF 50mm f1.8 II may be one of the cheapest lenses currently on the market, but its optics belie its lowly price. As befits a classic standard prime lens, it’s very sharp when stopped down (especially in the centre), shows minimal chromatic aberration, and has relatively low distortion; APS-C users will also benefit from extremely low vignetting. In most regards it comes very close indeed to its much more expensive bigger brother, the EF 50mm f1.4 USM, lagging marginally behind in corner sharpness at any specific aperture.

The Good:

Excellent photo quality in remarkable price

The Bad:

Doesn’t feature USM motor

Technical Details:

50mm standard lens with f1.8 maximum aperture
Traditional Gauss-type optical design is extremely sharp
Focuses as close as 18 inches for extreme close-ups
Ideal for natural-looking shots; excellent color balance
Measures 2.7 inches in diameter

Priced $99+ and More Details at Amazon (Sample photos from Amazon)

Sample Photo:

2. Canon 70-300mm f4.5-5.6 USM III

This compact and lightweight EF 75-300mm telephoto zoom lens is ideal for shooting sports, portraits, and wildlife. The lens is distinguished by a newly developed micro ultra-sonic monitor (USM) that makes autofocusing quicker and quieter, along with an improved zoom mechanism that includes a silver ring on the front for a luxurious touch. The micro USM makes this version of the lens particularly suitable for applications that require a fast autofocus, such as sporting events or wildlife shoots. Best of all, the USM version shares many of the same features that makes the non-USM lens so popular, such as a compact size, a close focusing range, and accessory compatibility.

The Good:

Features USM motor

The Bad:

Doesn’t have Image Stabilization

Technical Details:

Focal length: 75-300mm
Maximum aperture: 1:4.5-5.6
Lens construction: 13 elements in 9 groups
Diagonal angle of view: 32 degrees (at 11 feet) to 8 degrees (at 15 feet)
Focus adjustment: Front group rotating extension system with USM
Closest focusing distance: 4.9 feet
Zoom system: Rotating type
Filter size: 58mm
Dimensions: 2.8 inches in diameter, 4.8 inches long
Weight: 16.8 ounces

Priced $200+ at Amazon (Photo Sample from Amazon)

Sample Photo:

Below is the alternative to Canon 70-300mm USM III

2.A Sigma 70-300mm f4-5.6 macro

The high performance telephoto zoom lens is ideal for digital SLR cameras. This lens has two SLD glass elements in the front lens group and one in the rear lens group It is able to shoot with maximum magnification 1: 2 at the focal length of 300 mm. It’s the ideal lens for portraits, sports photography, nature photography, and other types of photography that frequently use the telephoto range.

The Good:

Sometimes provide better clarity than Canon lens mentioned above
Macro capability in tele-photo zoom

The Bad:

The motor is noisy
Doesn’t have Image Stabilization

Technical Details:

Multi-layer lens coating and lens design reduces flare and ghosting
Minimum focusing distance is 37.4 inches at all zoom settings
Features 14 lens elements in 10 groups
High-performance lens ideal for portraits, sports photography, nature photography

Priced $200+ at Amazon (Photo Sample from Amazon)

Sample Photo:

3.0 Tamron AF 17-50mm f2.8 XR Di-II LD SP

The SP AF17-50mm f2.8 is a lightweight, compact, fast standard zoom lens designed exclusively for digital SLR cameras, expanding the product concept of the popular SP AF28-75mm f2.8 zoom lens. In addition, portrait shots are made beautiful with the natural out-of-focus effect characteristic provided by the fast f2.8 aperture. Additionally, a broader photographic expression through the use of faster shutter speeds as a result of the maximum aperture offers enhanced photographic pleasure. The lens boasts one of the best close-up shooting performances in the class of fast standard zoom lenses designed exclusively for digital cameras and featuring an f2.8 maximum aperture throughout the entire zoom range, to ensure stress-free photographic shots at all focal lengths and distances.

The Good:

Excellent capability in that price range
Constant f2.8
Ability to focus on very close subjects

The Bad:

The motor is a bit noisy
No image stabilization

Technical Details:

Focal length: 17-50mm
Maximum aperture: f2.8
Angle of view (diagonal): 78 degrees (at 45 feet) to 31 degrees (11 feet)
Lens construction: 16 elements in 13 groups
Minimum focus distance: 10.6 inches
Maximum mag ratio: 1:4.5
Filter size: 67mm
Diaphragm blades: 7
Minimum aperture: f32
Standard accessory: Flower-shaped hood
Compatible mount: Canon AF, Konica Minolta AF-D, and Nikon AF-D
Dimensions: 2.9 inches in diameter and 3.3 inches long
Weight:15.2 ounces

Priced $440+ and More Details at Amazon (Sample photos from Amazon)

Sample Photo:

4.0 Tokina 11-16MM f2.8 ATX

The AF 12-24mm f4 AT-X Pro DX was a huge success for Tokina – it is one of the most attractive lenses from a price/performance perspective. The Tokina AF 11-16mm f2.8 AT-X Pro DX is currently the best ultra-wide angle zoom lens for Canon EOS APS-C DSLRs. The resolution is impressively high throughout the zoom range (albeit a short one) and across the image field. Vignetting is really only a problem at 11mm @ f2.8 but otherwise the issue is very well controlled. The level of distortions is comparatively low. Typical for most Tokina lenses it has one weakness: lateral CAs which are very high at all settings. The build quality is on a very high level and its a joy to handle the lens out there. All-in-all a very sound package especially when considering the quite affordable price

The Good:

Excellent capability in that price range
Constant f2.8
Ability to focus on very close subjects

The Bad:

Vignetting at 11mm @ f2.8

Technical Details:

13 elements in 11 groups inc. 2 aspherical elements and 1 SD element
Number of aperture blades 9
min. focus distance 0.30m (max. magnification ratio ~1:11.6)
Dimensions 84×89mm
Weight 560g
Filter size 77mm (non-rotating)
Hood supplied, petal-shaped
focus-clutch AF/MF switch

Priced $840+ and More Details at Amazon (Sample photo from Jashil@Flickr)

Sample Photo:

5.0 Sigma 50mm f2.8 EX DG Macro 1:2

Designed exclusively for Canon SLR cameras, this macro lens is specially coated to get the best possible color balance while cutting down on ghosting caused by reflections from the digital image sensor. The lens also includes a floating focusing system, which allows you to precisely photograph objects throughout the entire focusing range. Most importantly, this standard macro lens makes it possible to enjoy better communication with your subject. When viewing through the camera’s finder, you’ll be able to move the subject and make precise adjustments. For example, the lens offers a close working distance of 7.4 inches, making it extremely convenient to take close-up pictures of a fossil or other inanimate objects.
Other details include a minimum aperture of f/45 that provides a greater depth of field than most lenses, a screw-in lens hood that makes it easy to attach circular polarizing filters, and a 46.8-degree angle of view. All Sigma lenses carry a one-year warranty.

The Good:

Excellent capability in that price range
Constant f2.8
Ability to focus on very close subjects

The Bad:

Doesn’t have USM motor

Technical Details:

Focal length: 50mm
Maximum aperture: f2.8
Lens construction: 10 elements in 9 groups
Angle of view: 46.8 degrees
Number of diaphragm blades: 7
Minimum aperture: f45
Minimum focusing distance: 7.4 inches
Maximum magnification: 1:1
Filter size: 55mm
Corresponding mount: Canon
Dimensions: 2.8 inches in diameter and 2.6 inches long
Weight: 11.3 ounces

Priced $280+ and More Details at Amazon (Sample photo from Amazon)

Sample Photo:

There you have it. I’ve covered a prime lens for portraits, daily walk-around lens, telephoto lens, wide angle lens and a very affordable macro lens too. I believe as a beginner these lenses will provide you quality without breakdown your wallet. Of course some of them won’t be able to compete with the speed Canon ultrasonic motors but they are yet produce great photos. Also to be noted, it is not the lens but it is YOU and your Vision which matters the most. Now all the pros might not agree with me about the lenses. I would love to hear your thoughts. Even you can buzz me on twitter if you are there. Also you can visit my flickr and share your comments there too.

Rating: 8.4/10 (18 votes cast)

How to setup Efficient Digital Photography Work-flow

Ruhani Rabin — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 20:22:13 +0000

First of all, the inevitable question – “What is Digital Photography work-flow?”. In simplified explanation:

“Digital photography work-flow” is a systematic series of process to capture, develop, sort, organize, export and backup your digital photos.

I’m just a beginner photographer and I am learning photography in the hard way. My only teacher is Google and Flickr community. Walking along the path to the learning photography I actually realized that it is required to have a systematic work-flow for your digital photo processing. Slowly by many trial and error I’ve found a simplified way to capture, develop, sort, organize, export and archive my digital photo collection. Professional Photographers might have more efficient systems for their own digital photo processing which I would love to learn from them. Moving ahead, lets see how we could organize our overwhelming collection of digital photos.

Capture the Photo

This is the very first step, obviously you need to start taking your photos before you process them. I try to shoot every day but due to my day job it is not always possible. Always try to take advantage of every minute you can shoot. Sometimes this can be walking down to a coffee shop downstairs or 10 minutes of walking to the bus stop. Photography is about capturing the moments. If you are a photography enthusiasts I would strongly recommend to take a specific timeout frequently for taking photos. Always seek for destinations you can take photos, you can search online or ask your friends. Specially on those dull and boring weekends you can plan for a trip to a nice photographic place, spend as much shooting you can do from various angles and from various arrangements.

What you should bring along with you while you are on a photography trip? Well for starter your camera bag should include your camera body and your lenses, travel charger for both your camera and flash batteries, remote shooting tools (if possible), lens cleaner, extra memory card, portable USB hard drive/flash drive and a fast card reader. Also don’t forget your Tripod, which could be seriously useful during this long trips. If you have a laptop, don’t forget to bring it along. Keep your name cards handy in case you meet new people who you might want to exchange your photos. Well it looks kind of overwhelming but trust me I found myself in situations where I needed almost all of these things. TIP: Always try to shoot in RAW mode, which gives you maximum flexibility while developing the photo.
Transfer Images to Computer

I use a high speed USB card reader. All card readers are not the same. Spend the extra bit to get a high speed card reader. Off load your photos and keep your main memory card free for use. Usually when I plug in my card reader, Canon’s “Camera Window” software automatically loads. This software has options to pull all of my images off my memory card and puts them into folders on my computer titled by date taken.

After my images are transferred to my Computer I put the card back in the camera and delete the images off of it. So my card stays fresh to take the next batch of photos. TIP: If possible download your photos to your computer as frequently as you can.
Import and Sort

This step I use Adobe Lightroom software to Import my photos into the Lightroom catalog. After the import process, I go through all the photos with the photo flagging process which allows me to approve and reject the photos I like. These photos are the selections I’m going to process later. These selection might not be the very final one but at least these are the one worth processing. In general I will pick about 10%-30% of the photos from the total shoots. TIP: Always try to review your photos before start developing.
Develop

On the previous step I’ve already Imported and flagged out the photos I want to process. I will switch to Lightroom “Develop” mode and adjust those photos. These adjustments are non-destructive to the RAW format and you can always reset it back to original. Basically I do various adjustments on contrast, exposure, color temperature, brightness, fill lightening, blacks, clarity, vibrance and saturation.

An example of developing photos in Lightroom, you can see the difference
I’ll also use the vignette controls to create the optimal vignette to make the photo more classy. Lightroom provides more powerful tools which I’m not covering here right now. That is for you to explore.
Export

Once I’ve developed the images, I’ll export multiple JPG version of it into a “Exported” folder on my hard drive. Basically I use 2 different type for the JPG files for Exporting. First is the highest quality JPGs possible and second is the one optimized for web uploading such as Flickr and Facebook. The high quality JPG files can be edited by Photoshop for further enhancement and second export is web optimized JPG which are smaller and less DPI for easier uploading and “on screen” viewing.
Organize

This step I’ll go back to Lightroom and switch to the “Library” mode and assign specific keywords or group of keywords to the photos. Keywords are very important for search and indexing. Usually I include the all the places and possible terms related with a photo. For example if I took a photo of the lake at Kelana Jaya at midnight, I would include the keywords like “Selangor” “Kelana Jaya” “Lake” “Landscape” “Water” “Long Exposure” “Night” with that photo. Also I will rename the imported folders to a more meaningful names. For example the imported folder name was “2009-10-17″; I will rename it to “2009-10-17 Kelana Jaya Lake”. There are more possibilities for renaming folders but this format of renaming is helping me out this far.
Backup your Photos

Once a days photos organization is done, I will transfer that day’s selected RAW files folder into my external backup drive. Currently I have two Maxtor 1 terabyte drives for backup. Afterward I will take my finished and exported JPG files and divide them into two categories “Class A” photos and “Class B” photos. Once the photos are sorted into these 2 categories I will backup them to the external drive too.

Photo Archive folder organization.
Publishing

Publishing the files includes publishing to Flickr and Facebook albums. I specifically use 2 windows software for this purpose. First one is Flickr Uploader for Windows and the Second is the Adobe Photo Uploader for Facebook. Both of them are free and really simple to use.

Well, that is pretty much of my photography work-flow process. Yes, it might not be the most professional one but it is my current work-flow till I get to learn more about it. Please fill me in, share your thoughts and ideas about how you manage your “Digital Photography Work-flow” or simply to discuss matters related to the topic. You are always welcome to suggest or discuss more efficient methods. Say hi or drop me a reply at twitter. I try to keep my Flickr updated time to time so why not become my friend at Flickr.

Rating: 9.5/10 (10 votes cast)