Daws wrote:.

Hi All,.

First of all I would like to say that I'm glad i've found thiswebsite! Thanks..

Anyhow, I have a 350D with stock lens (18-55mm) and wish to add to mylens inventory. I wish to get a lens with greater reach and thatwill take snaps of my dogs running around etc.I've heard great things about the canon ef 70-200mm IS USM f/2.8.There is one going cheap in my locality and would first like to knowwill there be any issues with hooking it up to my 350d body (besidesthe lens dwarfing my camera body!!).

Thanks very much.

Yes that lens will work on a 350D along with all other AF & AF-S lens. I'm just wondering what you mean by "going cheap". That lens is running around $1600 right now and has a pretty good resale value if it is in GOOD condition. I guess what I'm trying to say is if it is too cheap you may want to check it out. Ya get what you pay for. If they are asking an attractive price for a copy in good condition you should be happy with it, it is a very nice lens.



Good Luck.

Doug.

Http://douginoviedo.smugmug.com/..

By going cheap I mean around $1000. I guess I should really be asking for advice on what to look out for when buying a used lens such as this one. Thanks Doug..

Daws..

The lens may be pretty cheap, but then again, $1000 is still a load of cash. Are you sure you're ready for a $1000 lens, and a huge and heavy one like the 70-200 f2.8 at that?.

It's a great lens - I have one myself. There aren't any issues with the 350D, it will work fine. With used lenses, however, I would definitely go and inspect it and thoroughly test it out myself (take pictures, at f2.8 especially, and look at them on your monitor for any focus, softness issues). Also make sure the IS actually works..

I think the bigger issue is that you're jumping from the basic kit into a $1000 lens. Are you sure you want a telephoto lens (what kind of photography do you plan to do with it?). Are you sure you want that size? $1000 might be cheap for a $1600 lens, but you're still out $1000 if you find that you buy a lens that ends up getting left in the garage because you find it's too big and heavy or because you find you're not really into telephoto photography...

What do you plan to shoot? You may be able to suffice with the 70-200 4L IS as well. Its actually sharper and lighter. I'de only recommend the 2.8 IS, which I do have, if you plan to do lower light shooting and need the extra stop...

Thanks everyone..

I plan to shoot pics of my dogs. I would like to get nice shots of my dogs running in woodland (hence low light environment). Also, the weather here in Ireland is almost always overcast and dull. This points me towards the f/2.8 of course...

I still shoot on my Canon 10D and have the 70-200/2.8 IS. I have also used the same lens on a friend's EOS IDMkII and there is a noticeable difference in autofocus speed. If you are planning on shooting your running dogs in dim light, the lens might be great, but the digital rebel body might not be efficient enough for auto focus speed. And as others have pointed out, it is a huge lens and heavy. I have no problem with it, but my wife struggles to hold it steady and get a decent shot. If you haven't held one, try it.

I find it slightly awkward on my 10D which is a larger body than yours.Lyle Collins.

Http://www.flickr.com/photos/lyleuga..