Cheaper Alternative to 24-105mm L Lens

[chodeva]

I have rented the Canon 24-105L and love the performance of this lens. It however carries a massive purchase price and I may not afford it for a while. Is there any other good performing L-quality-type lens of similar/near focal range that would fall in a price bracket of about half the price of the 24-105 i.e. $500-600. Canon options would be first prize but open to others

[DrJon]

Re: Cheaper Alternative to 24-105mm L Lens

Which camera do you have?

[chodeva]

Re: Cheaper Alternative to 24-105mm L Lens

Oops sorry forgot that bit of information - 450D

[colintf]

Re: Cheaper Alternative to 24-105mm L Lens

a used 24-105L ??

[Applefan]

Re: Cheaper Alternative to 24-105mm L Lens

Hi Donald, I have a Canon EFS 15-85 IS USM which on a crop sensor is similar to a 24-105 on a full frame. Whilst not L quality it certainly appears to be a step up from usual kit lenses. I have been more than happy with it as a good walk around lens. Check out this comprehensive review: http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Ca...SM/index.shtml
Ideally you should try to borrow one to try it out. Hope this helps.

[DrJon]

Re: Cheaper Alternative to 24-105mm L Lens

Assuming $600 gets you £480 of lens in the U.K. (gotta love 20% sales tax) then it's not great. The 15-85 misses by a bit and the 17-55 (which is a great lens, btw) by quite a lot.

I'd wait a while and try the 18-135 STM lens, which is due next month. The MTF charts are really pretty good. As good as the 24-105 on a 450D anyway. Actually if it's that good I can see it giving Canon some issues selling the more expensive lenses, well, unless it's priced to suit...

http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/professional/products/lenses/ef_lens_lineup/lens_standard_pro/ef_s_18_135mm_f_3_5_5_6_is_stm

Update - it's £479 in the U.K. at launch, so basically about on budget (or, if you prefer, it seems I'm psychic... ;-)

John

[amphil007]

Re: Cheaper Alternative to 24-105mm L Lens

As suggested by colintf, why not go for a second hand lens, I got a used 24-105mm L Lens for £450

[rajjayaraj]

Re: Cheaper Alternative to 24-105mm L Lens

As suggested by colintf, why not go for a second hand lens, I got a used 24-105mm L Lens for £450

I totally agree, why not a used L lens, you have the quality and the weather proof....?

[chodeva]

Re: Cheaper Alternative to 24-105mm L Lens

Many thanks guys for the advice. Martin thanks for the comment on the 15-85mm, was also looking at option but didnt really know much about its performance. But must say never considered a second hand 24-105....actually never thought about that option. funny how I missed that and yet I have rented a well used one on a couple of occasions!