HELP! 18-180

[Ianf]

I`m in the process of looking to upgrade my lenses, not sure if I want an 18-180 with a converter or a 70-300, ? !, I take mainly Golf {my Son}, or Gymnastics , {my Daughter}, and just general photography},
Big , fast lenses are out of my bracket at the moment, just want to increase my kit and improve my shots.

[Swordfish]

Re: 18-180

If you want extra reach, an 18-180 with a converter is not a good idea as it would be very slow. The 18-180 is f6,3 at 180mm, adding say an EC14 would add 1 stop, making it f8. the EC14 is not cheap either.

The 70-300mm is a fine lens and would be a much better bet.

Martin

[Ianf]

Re: 18-180

Thank you, just mooching around at the moment gathering advice, with two young kids involved in expensive sports there isnt oodles of spare loot around so I intend to seek a lot of advice before my purchase,

[Guest]

[gregles]

Re: 18-180

just a thought but how would the 40-150 handle with the ec14?

Greg

[Ianf]

Re: 18-180

Again, thanks Gents, this is the whole reason I like this forum, helpful, accurate and none biased views / opinions, I read threads and view galleries on a daily basis, {pretty much}, and strive to acheive some of these goals for myself, {my Son is playing in his Junior Victory Trophy golf tournament tomorrow so looking forward to getting a few shots from this},

[meach]

Re: 18-180

Looking at what you already have, the 18-180 would only duplicate what you already have with the 14-42 and 40-150 plus another 30mm in terms of length and it's also a standard class lens as are the kit lenses. The 70-300 (also a standard lens) would give you a lot more reach, if that's what you're looking for. However, the 18-180 might be a good replacement for the two kit lenses if you're looking for the convenience of only having one lens (albeit at a price, as Nick has pointed out).

[David M]

Re: 18-180

If you want extra reach, an 18-180 with a converter is not a good idea as it would be very slow. The 18-180 is f6,3 at 180mm, adding say an EC14 would add 1 stop, making it f8. the EC14 is not cheap either.

Martin

Make that a maximum aperture of f9 and a focal length of 255mm at the long end with the EC-14.

[Ian]

Re: 18-180

just a thought but how would the 40-150 handle with the ec14?

Greg

You can use a converter with it and it works OK on a bright and sunny day, but the Mark II 40-150 is a slow lens to start with and I'd not recommend a converter with it.

Ian

[gphemy]

[Adam Easton]

Re: 18-180

I to have the 14 - 42 and the 50 - 150 and regularly find I am having to switch lenses on the hop to get the shot. My thoughts have turned to the 18 - 180 and then adding a 70 - 300 to give a good reach in a large focal length.

I have not had a go at shooting golf but I hope to soon as my sister is a keen golfer but I would have thought that the 70 - 300 would be my first choice?

Sorry Ian doesn't answer your question

[Phill D]

Re: 18-180

Interesting question, I have both the 18-180 and the 70-300 and both are nice lenses for the price but I don't think either will give much better IQ which is I suspect what you are probably looking for. If changing lenses is a real pain to you then get the 18-180 as it will do most of what the kit lenses will do at similar quality but it is convenience it's providing not an IQ upgrade. If you feel you need the longer reach then obviously the 70-300 is the one to go for. I really like this lens when you get used to it's focussing foibles and have shot some of my best images with it, plus you get a pretty smart macro capability too. From what you say you want to shoot though I don't see either lens giving you much benefit over what you have with the kit lenses, as gymnastics I guess is likely to be indoors and demand a fast lens or flash if permitted and golf shots are most likely to be at distances where the 40-150 would be the right sort of range. So unless you want the convenience of the 18-180 or the range of the 70-300, in the short term I'd stick with what you have and ultimately upgrade to a 12-60 or a 50-200 to get better IQ with faster glass to fit what range you find you most need. Secondhand these higher grade lenses are not much more than you'd be paying for the others new. If you found the 12-60 was the range you needed then you could always sell the kit lenses to help with the finances.

[Ianf]

Re: 18-180

Thanks again Gents, as clear as mud to me !, I now feel like I should get an 18-180 AND a 70-300, but then I think about the 12-60 and 50-200 and get another nervous twitch, these will take longer to get due to finances and I dont have any stockings and a sawn off

[Ianf]

Re: 18-180

I to have the 18 - 42 and the 50 - 150 and regularly find I am having to switch lenses on the hop to get the shot. My thoughts have turned to the 18 - 180 and then adding a 70 - 300 to give a good reach in a large focal length.

I have not had a go at shooting golf but I hope to soon as my sister is a keen golfer but I would have thought that the 70 - 300 would be my first choice?

Sorry Ian doesn't answer your question

Shooting Golf can be great and a real pain all in 1, great when you get the exploding divot or freeze the ball but being in the right place at the right time is the biggest downside, go round a couple of practice rounds with her THEN go with her on a Competition, highs and lows, punching the air or dropping to their knees, I love it !

[Ianf]

Re: 18-180

Practice rounds lets you get an idea about advantage points and length of zoom required, these all done with stock kit lens {40-150}