Welcome to Michael’s Blog!

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens

A long-reaching telephoto zoom characterized by a sophisticated optical design and advanced image stabilization technologies, the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens is part of the esteemed L-series developed for full-frame EOS DSLRs. One fluorite element and one Super UD element have been incorporated into the lens’ construction, and both help to reduce aberrations and distortions throughout the zoom range in order to deliver notable clarity, image sharpness, and faithful color reproduction.

Canon 10-18 f/4.5-5.6 EF-S Lens

Canon’s new replacement for the classic 10-22mm, at $300 this is probably one of the best values for wide angle shooting on an APS-C Camera. It will not work on Full Frames.

Canon 18-55 Kit Lens

A “Kit Lens” is a lens that can be purchased with the camera body. Combined this is the “kit”. The current 18-55mm is Image Stabilized, and is in fact a very decent general purpose lens, but it’s main weakness is that it’s variable maximum aperture is limited (f3.5-f5.6).

What this means is, while it will be a wonderful lens outdoors when there is plenty of light, it will not be good as a low light lens, often resulting into the need for longer shutter speeds, blurry images if used incorrectly and ultimately, quite a bit of frustration. (In fact, this is probably the most common frustration with beginners, shooting in low light with a kit lens.

A great starter lens and for outdoor use.

Canon 75-300mm USM Kit Lens

Sometimes you can find this lens with the 18-55mm kit in one box (not as common, but they exist, usually at Costco or Best Buy).

The 75-300mm zoom lens is a decent lens when shooting outdoors with plenty of light (Aperture is limited to f 4.0-5.6). It will struggle in low light.

While there are a couple other lenses cheaper than this version, I appreciate the USM (Ultra Sonic Motor) and recommend investing the extra $50 for it.

Great starter lens for shooting sports and nature.

Canon 28-135mm 3.5-5.6 IS USM Lens

This is actually one of the better kit lenses around. Covers a great focal range, solidly built, includes image stabilization. Max Aperture is 3.5-5.6.

If you have the chance to buy it in a kit, you will save about $200. I would however, NOT recommend buying it individually however, simply because at almost $500 you are close enough to get the BEST walk around lens of all time, the Tamron 18-270, which ranges from $500-$600 depending on what rebates are going on.

Still the 28-135 is a very, very good walk around lens. If you can find one in good condition on Ebay for $200 or less, and need a solid walk-around, this would be a good purchase.