Hello DPP http://www.pinoyphotography.org/forum/Smileys/default/smiley.gif

My wife gave me a 90-300 lens as a christmas present. What can you say about this telephoto zoom lens? Searched the web but found mostly negative comments with regards to its performance. The only upside to this lens according to my research is its CHEAP, nothing more. http://www.pinoyphotography.org/forum/Smileys/default/cry.gif

I'm a bit disappointed http://www.pinoyphotography.org/forum/Smileys/default/embarrassed.gif, but because its a gift from my wife, I dont want to sell it.

Any tips on how I can maximize the use of this glass? TIA

Why be dissapointed? it's not like that's the only lens you're allowed to use.

Since it's a gift from your wife, treat it as a prized possession.
Appreciate her deeply.
Learn to use it and love it, find out about it's strengths. Use it everytime it's appropriate.

I'm quite sure that if you stop it down to f8-f11 and (i stress) use a tripod in good light or even in studio that you'll be able to create great images.
Better yet, take pictures of your wife with it!

here is a test shot of the lens
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/151/336146916_919d35dbb2_o.jpg

not a bad shot for this lens. you might want to consider getting a 2x teleconverter (or 1.4) and go birding with it.

thanks for the tips guys. appreciated it.

Hello DPP http://www.pinoyphotography.org/forum/Smileys/default/smiley.gif

My wife gave me a 90-300 lens as a christmas present. What can you say about this telephoto zoom lens? Searched the web but found mostly negative comments with regards to its performance. The only upside to this lens according to my research is its CHEAP, nothing more. http://www.pinoyphotography.org/forum/Smileys/default/cry.gif

I'm a bit disappointed http://www.pinoyphotography.org/forum/Smileys/default/embarrassed.gif, but because its a gift from my wife, I dont want to sell it.

Any tips on how I can maximize the use of this glass? TIA

the 90-300 lens is a decent lens. Very few people have heard about it and it's not as popular because it starts at 90mm instead of 70mm. But if you ask me, between this lens and the 70-300 version (non-IS), I'd take this anyday. It performs better optically than the 70-300 version. It has some CA but that's really what you get when there are no special glass like UD in it. But in terms of sharpness, it's ok even across the range. AF is also a bit better.

2-3 years ago, at the dpreview, Peterri Sulonen got this on the recommendation of Adam-T, a lens "guru" whose anaysis and opinons of lenses is well received and respected. Peterri did some tests on his own and rightly so, the lens is really solid. Peterri loves wide angle lenses and just wants to have a small and not so heavy, and not so expensive tele zoom lens for those just in case moments. And this fit the bill exactly.

Peterri also tried later the 55-200 f4.5-5.6 mk2, which Adam-T also gave his favor. So, this is also another good lens in an even smaller package and price that is afordable. In fact, Adam-T has one and he puts it in his pocket when he goes on his jaunts.

There are many lenses in the canon arsenal that are very good, but don't get the press unlike the L's or some primes. In fact, locals here don't even consider primes too much because for the same price, zooms are more practical. But even on zooms, there are very good ones like the 50-200 mk2, 90-300, or the 28-70 f3.5-4.5 mk2 that are really very good even if they are almost 2 decades old and don't have ring usm or UD/fluorite glass.

The last glass that is also good (if you get a good copy) is the 18-55 kit lens. this is another nice lens that is ignored by many because it is a kit. Used at 18-24mm, it is very good, especially stopped down.

So, don't worry about your 90-300. It's even better than the 70-300 non-is, even the mk3 version. The only lens that can probably beat this for the similar aperture, similar zoom range, or price range is the 100-300 f5.6L, but that is hard to find and probably will cost a bit more.

Hello DPP http://www.pinoyphotography.org/forum/Smileys/default/smiley.gif

My wife gave me a 90-300 lens as a christmas present. What can you say about this telephoto zoom lens? Searched the web but found mostly negative comments with regards to its performance. The only upside to this lens according to my research is its CHEAP, nothing more. http://www.pinoyphotography.org/forum/Smileys/default/cry.gif

I'm a bit disappointed http://www.pinoyphotography.org/forum/Smileys/default/embarrassed.gif, but because its a gift from my wife, I dont want to sell it.

Any tips on how I can maximize the use of this glass? TIA

Ay sus ginoo, u are one of the lucky ones to have a wife who is supportive of ur hobby or work! So even u think it is a cheap lens which it is not ( read the MTF characteristics of this lens at ur EF LENS WORK III), use it and treasure it! I've used it a few times, it performs ok naman!

Give ur wife a kiss before u go to sleep tonite!

Happy New Year!

Thanks for all the info guys :)

I have to admit, I relied to the online reviews before trying it out.

But I'm begining to like the lens very much after using/testing it. Its very nice to use outdoors especially when shooting portraits. I'm loving the blurry background it gives.

I will definitely kiss my wife later :)

how much is this?