topside digital zoom

I was wondering if anyone can give me some suggestions on a good topside zoom lense. I'm thinking somewhere in the 200-300mm range. Something which could be used in a variety of situations. I can't afford a housing until next year so I thought I would enjoy zooming in on wildlife, jetskies, etc.

Thanks,

Wendy

Do you want good, or affordable? The two terms are pretty much mutually exclusive.

Without telling us what brand of camera you have it is hard to make any suggestions.

{edit}

Just searched for your previous posts, looks like you have canon camera.

The most affordable "good" lens is the Canon 70-200/4 L USM @ $550

Cheaper but not as good is

75-300 F/4-5.6 IS USM @ $400

I second your recommendation William. That is exactly what I was going to say. FWIW, I have the 70-200 F4 and I love it.

Based on Wendy's "angst" and decision to buy the Rebel over the 20D, I really doubt she's going to buy one of these though. Unfortunately, it's just not possible to get a telephoto zoom for less. What I'm trying to say is there is no point in buying an $800 camera and putting a cheap $200 zoom lens on it. You might as well just buy one of the "prosumer" superzoom digicams then...

Cheers

James

Okay James, I know you tried darn hard to convert me to the 20D, to be honest the size of the whole package, incl. housing strobes intimidated me alittle. I'll just add some special water a fertilizer to my money tree and see what happens. LOL! In alll seriousness tho I hear you about putting a cheap lense on this camera. Just wondering is a 200 mm or 300mm is a good topside choice for a "catch all" zoom lense.

It depends on what other lenses you have. If this is to be your only lens then no, a zoom in this range would not be a good choice. But if you have one of the kit lenses 17-85 or 18-55 then a 70-x00 would be a good compliment.

An all in one lens such as the 28-300 would be a catch all zoom lens but at $2200 it doesnt sound like this would be the way to go for you.

My only lense at the moment is the stock 18-55 which came with the camera. I was just thinking about an all around lense for topside, something which would allow me to get closer than the 18-55.

An all in one lens such as the 28-300 would be a catch all zoom lens but at $2200 it doesnt sound like this would be the way to go for you.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

...and if you are worried about the size - the 28-300 is a beast.

I would also recommend any of the 70-x00s for what you are looking to do with it

Wendy, with what you've mentioned for subject matter vs distance, I'd look strongly in the 300mm range.

I use the daylights out of the 135mm, and the 200mm f2.0 for sports, but that's mostly with distances at 50-75'.

I have a friend who shoots wildlife, and he just shakes his head at my lens choices, mumbling about how 300mm is "just a short telephoto". Sigh. I guess it's all in what you're used to. Anyway, with what you mentioned, JetSkis and wildlife, 300mm is probabally the sweet spot.

Don't forget a monopod!

All the best, James

Tamron make a 28-300 lens which is compact and of reasonable quality - don't read good into that. It is also fairly cheap at under $300 I believe.

Its really handy for walking around with as it gives you great flexibility. It is a bit dark but that is the price you pay.

I use this as a telephoto when I am on multiday hiking trips along with the Nikon 12-24 I think that gives me great coverage without being too bulky or heavy.

I also use a Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 which I love but it is quite big and not easy to hike or travel with.

Both the Tamron and Sigma are available in all mounts.

Mark

FWIW I have no intentions of using that lense underwater, at least not in the near future.

Thanks for the advice!