Sea Dragon Rex's reviews

  • Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM

    8 out of 10 points and recommended
    Nice range, IS, sharp images
    Rotating front element

    I've had this lens for about 2 years and have used it with my XT and 40D. For the price it is pretty hard to beat. I purchased one of hte early lenses and had to send it back for retrofit because the lens would droop to 300mm when pointed down and there were complaints of soft images at the long end.

    Since the refit, the images are very nice. It is not a fast lens but the IS helps to compensate for shake. Build quality is okay but it is definitely not an L.

    The autofocus is fairly fast but not up to full USM standards. The biggest drawback is the rotating front element. You can't effectively use a circular polarizer with this lens.

    reviewed January 8th, 2008 (purchased for $523)

  • Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

    10 out of 10 points and recommended
    Sharp lens and useable at 2.8. Fast silent focus. Excellent construction
    Attracts attention with hood attached

    I've had this lens for two years and used in on my XT as well as my 40D. This lens lives on my camera. The images are very sharp and focus is fast and silent.

    People complain about the weight but I haven't had any problem with the weight. Excellent lens and worth every penny!

    reviewed January 7th, 2008 (purchased for $1,017)

  • Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM

    10 out of 10 points and recommended
    Very sharp lens. Fast silent focus. Beautiful bokeh
    Large white lens that stands out

    This is an awesome lens. It is very sharp and the bokeh is incredible. It is built like a tank and the only reason I don't rate it 10 in build quality is because it doesn't have a weather seal at the base.

    It is a big heavy lens so you have to get used to the weight. It also attracts a lot of attention because of the size and color. I've used this lens with my XT and 40D and love it with either camera (though it feels better balanced on the 40D).

    reviewed January 7th, 2008 (purchased for $1,033)

  • Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM

    7 out of 10 points and recommended
    Range, IS, USM
    IQ is not great at the wide end

    This lens is compact and has a great range and the IS is quite nice. The build quality is okay and the AF is pretty fast.

    The IQ is pretty sharp from mid range to the long end but leaves a little to be desired at the wide end. There is quite a bit of distortion at the wide end.

    It is better than the kit lens (18-55 non-IS) and is pretty good for the price. I replaced this lens with the 17-40L (giving up range but I already had the 24-70L) and now the 16-35L II for the wide end.

    As a travelling lens, this lens plus the 70-300 USM make a nice combination that is easy to pack and carry.

    reviewed January 8th, 2008 (purchased for $500)

  • Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM

    10 out of 10 points and recommended
    Superb IQ, fast-silent focus, excellent build quality

    I've used this lens on my XT and 40D and have had many exceptional captures with the lens. The construction is very nice with weather seals.

    The focus is fast and silent and the IQ is superb. It would be nice if the lens had more range like the EF-s 17-85 but the EF-s lens just can't match the IQ.

    I just ordered the 16-35L II and hope that it's IQ can match the 17-40L (I need the extra stop). This lens is a bargain for the price.

    reviewed January 8th, 2008 (purchased for $535)