lens problem

[jerhan]

I have just purchased a Canon Xsi  and not knowing to much saw a deal on a Quantaray 70-300 lens, when I take pictures with this lens I keep getting an error message telling me to clean lens contacts.Now having the cleanest lens contacts in the USA I contiue to have these error messages what should I do?

[whizkid]

If possible you my want to try another sample of the lens from a Ritz Camera store.

[Bob Atkins]

If it was a used lens there is a possibility that it's not compatible with your camera. Quantaray lenses are/were made by Sigma, and many older Sigma lenses have problems with newer EOS camera bodies.

If it's a new lens then it should be fine, and in that case I'd go back to the store and try another one.

The error message just means that the camera isn't getting the signals it expects from the lens. That could mean dirty contacts or it could mean the lens just isn't sending the right signals.

[jerhan]

Thanks Bob,it is a used lens,what would you reccomend I should buy for a nice telephoto.  Jerry

[Bob Atkins]

If it's used then I suspect that it's an old version that just isn't compatible with the XSi.

I'd say the best low cost telephoto zoom for the XSi is the Canon EF-S 55-250/4-5.6IS. It's small, light, not too expensive and it has Image Stabilization. The image quality is quite good, especially considering the price.

Perhaps a little better, and with a longer zoom, is the EF 70-300/4-5.6IS USM. A good lens with full frame coverage (in case you ever upgrade to a camera with a full frame sensor) and  effective image stabilization. I use this lens myself.

[yayas]

Agree about 55-250IS, it's very good lens at the price. I have one.
The IS is very effective, sharp, and lightweight. Focusing is pretty silent and accurate.
While the contrast is not the best, overall it's a better lens than Sigma/Tamron 70-300.

[jerhan]

Bob,would you get a EF75-300   f4-5.6  111  or  EF-S 55-250 4.0-5.6 is  thanks  Jerry

[Bob Atkins]

Well, I have the EF 70-300/4-5.6IS myself, so that answers the question. However I'm not you. I have an EOS 40D (crop sensor) and an EOS 5D (full frame), so the full frame EF 70-300IS makes sense for me.

I'd say get the EF-S 55-250 if your budget is limited, get the EF 70-300 if cost isn't an issue. If size and weight are factors, the EF-S 55-250 is smaller and lighter.

I made a few comments on the EF-S 55-250 in my XSi review which you can find here:
http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/digital/canon_eos_digital_rebel_xsi_review.html

[KeithB]

Bob, he is talking about the older 75-300, not the 70 - 300.

I don't think the 75-300 had IS, in that case I would go with the 55-250.

Also, I recall most folks saying that the 75 -300 was not to good at 300, another reason to go with the 25-250, if that is the available choice.

PS, I have the 70-300IS and love it, it is a great lens.  I wanted that little extra bit of reach.

[jerhan]

Thank you ordered the 55-250

[Bob Atkins]

Good choice. Sorry I misread your earlier question. It's definitely a better lens than the EF75-300/4-5.6 III. It worth the extra cost for the IS alone, plus I think it's actually sharper.

[Imagician]

I have owned two EF 75-300 lenses, one USM one not. Both were excellent within their limitations. I think that most of the long end complaints come from people who don't know how to handle a long lens. Remember, at 300mm, you have to shoot at a faster shutter speed than 1/300 sec.

Also, people have unrealistic expectations for a relatively cheap lens. Don't expect to get good resolution on objects more than 50 yards away. I drowned my first 75-300 (along with a 10D and vertical grip) when I walked off a pier while framing a shot of a pelican. I replaced it with a refurbished $120 non-USM EF 75-300. I was well mpleased with it, and gave it to my brother-in-law when I moved up to 70-200 f/4L.

Next to the Nifty Fifty, a refurbished EF 75-300 f/4-5.6 is Canon's best bargain.