I want to buy some lenses (telephoto, etc.). I have a Canon Rebel that is nice and light for rough travelling. However, I want to start shooting distance: Wildlife and Surfing, etc. I can buy a Canon lens that will work with the rebel (get a better Canon body later). But I may want to get a variety of lenses. I think Canon has Image Stabilization in some lenses but not built into the bodies.
What is the best system? Is it best to have a body with image stabilization built in? Sony comes to mind, although Sony may not have a strong selection of lenses. Before I start investing in expensive lenses, I would like to settle upon the best body and build from it.
Any opinions and advice would be most appreciated.
You might want to search here Tim, for the stabilization issue..there's been a little posted that I've seen that might be helpful.
As far as the best stabilization system, that's debateable. The advantage of in-lens systems (Canon/Nikon) is that there is less movement necessary. Theoretically, this works better especially at very long focal lengths (300mm and up). The advantage of sensor-based systems (Pentax/Sony/Olympus) is that ALL lenses are stabilized.
My guess from what I've read is that they both work very well, and you'll probably be happy with either. In that case, you have to look more at lens availability and cost. (Obviously Canon and Nikon have the best lens selections, but are you going to want to pay for the IS/VR versions?)
David, thanks. I want the best optics at not totally mad prices. I love the damatic impact of telephotos and I like to print big. It looks like Canon is still top choice. I'll search IS on this site.
I believe the first question you should ask is what SYSTEM do i want to invest in. You will end up with more money in lenses than anything else if you are like most folks. Choice is important in lenses. You are also buying into a system for the long term. That should give you a pretty good clue about what systems to look at. In my mind IS is but a small part of the overall equation. Most companies have some form of IS now.
Tim, Image Stabilization is very useful & important, but second to quality 'Glass'. You are smart to look at purchasing highest quality lenses for digital cameras - cheap lenses give disappointing results even with Stabilization. Since you have a Digital Rebel & if money is an issue, you could get good general use & some reach with the compact Canon 70-200 f/4L at around the $500 mark (maybe add a EFII 1.4 converter for 280mm & maintaining autofocus). This is the lowest price entry into the Canon 'L' lenses. The difference in color & detail will amaze you.
The IS version of the same lens is around $1100, which (I think) would be better applied to the versitile (although bulky) Canon 100-400 f/4.5-5.6L with IS - which you can get now for less than $1300 with Canon's rebate. The great thing about these high-end lenses is that they hold their value. Use one until it doesn't suit your purpose, then put it on Nature Photographers &/or eBay & go shopping AGAIN.
Isn't it fun to shop, dream & compare photo stuff?
Pat, I like the advice re. glass and higher end lenses. That's the direction I believe I'll go. I really want to enjoy so top line optics. I'm sick of wasting time with lower quality stuff.
Tim I am now using an Olympus E-500 and do not have IS. The new E-510 has in camera stabilization and I have wondered if I should go there or go Canon. The main point for me is that if the IS is in the lense, the image through the viewfinder is also stabalized ( a bonus for people like myself who are affected by motion easily). The Oly with in camera stabilization will have a live LCD which will be a stabilized view but I prefer to shoot through the veiwfinder. Just my 2 cents and a consideration when buying.
Rick T
Another important advantage of having IS in the lens is the amount of correction possible - the lens based IS can correct more movement than in-camera, simply because of how much you would physically have to move the sensor (the motion is 'larger' at the sensor than in the lens).
Discussion
8 repliesWhat is the best system? Is it best to have a body with image stabilization built in? Sony comes to mind, although Sony may not have a strong selection of lenses. Before I start investing in expensive lenses, I would like to settle upon the best body and build from it.
Any opinions and advice would be most appreciated.
Thanks, Tim Stenning, Forks, WA
As far as the best stabilization system, that's debateable. The advantage of in-lens systems (Canon/Nikon) is that there is less movement necessary. Theoretically, this works better especially at very long focal lengths (300mm and up). The advantage of sensor-based systems (Pentax/Sony/Olympus) is that ALL lenses are stabilized.
My guess from what I've read is that they both work very well, and you'll probably be happy with either. In that case, you have to look more at lens availability and cost. (Obviously Canon and Nikon have the best lens selections, but are you going to want to pay for the IS/VR versions?)
The IS version of the same lens is around $1100, which (I think) would be better applied to the versitile (although bulky) Canon 100-400 f/4.5-5.6L with IS - which you can get now for less than $1300 with Canon's rebate. The great thing about these high-end lenses is that they hold their value. Use one until it doesn't suit your purpose, then put it on Nature Photographers &/or eBay & go shopping AGAIN.
Isn't it fun to shop, dream & compare photo stuff?
Pat
Rick T
Tim Stenning, Forks, WA
(20 minutes to Western Washington beaches, 30 minutes to the Hoh River Rain Forest)