lauree

I am new to this site but have enjoyed the range of topics. This is my question.
I have a EOS Rebel T3 Canon. I have a 75-300 zoom lens but it doesn't have a stabilizer. I'd like to buy a used lens with a stabilizer just to see the difference in my pictures. I like taking sports pictures. The used ones that I've seen say refurbished and are about $300.00. Is that the going price for a used lens? And yes, I know I should use a tripod but don't like using them.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Here's what they've sold for on ebay. Refurbished are a level above simply "Used."

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_sacat=0&_nkw=canon%20%2075-300%20zoom&LH_Complete=1&LH_Sold=1&rt=nc&_trksid=p2045573.m1684

Jaackil Loc: Massachusetts

I assume when you say a stabilizer you mean image stabilization. Is there a specific reason why you want it? I assume you want it to shoot sports. If it is to shoot sports save your money IS is not used for sports. As a matter of fact it can actually introduce blur in sports. IS is best used at slower shutter speeds. It allows you to shoot at slower speeds without lens motion. Sports you should be shooting at much higher speeds that eliminate lens shake. When shooting sports you should turn IS off. Because of the way IS works it perceives the motion of sports as lens shake and will actually create motion to compensate which will create blurring. Also For shooting sports there is no need with that particular lens to use a tripod. Again you should be using shutter speeds fast enough that you can hand hold, in excess of 1/600. IS works best to help you get a stop or more slower than the speed you can normally hand hold. That is usually 1 over the focal lenght. For example on your lens at 300 mm it will help you shoot at slower than 1/300 of a second. If your sports shots are not sharp enough my guess is you are not using a fast enough shutter speed. Good Luck.

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

There wouldn't be any difference, you would turn IS to OFF in those situations anyway!

Spider223

lauree

Thanks for the tips!

MikeMck Loc: Southern Maryland on the Bay

All of my lenses have been purchased from the Canon refurbished site. They carry a one year warranty. I trust the factory more than an individual. Depending on what sports you ae shooting, you may find that your require a F2.8 lens. I do ice hockey games that I need a F2.8 lens because the lighting is terrible. Good luck.

DavidPine Loc: Fredericksburg, TX

Tripods are extremely important. I'd be out of business without mine.

martin muller

for my own knowledge, would a mono pod be of any benefit to lauree or other sports shooters? Thanks.

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

Try looking for a used or refurbished EF 70 - 300 mm IS lens. It is a far superior lens to any of the 75-300s and has the IS that you need and should be around the $300 point. Was approx $600 new.

https://www.keh.com/shop/canon-ef-70-300mm-f-4-5-6-is-usm-telephoto-zoom-lens.html?m=Grouped&prod_id=108343&aid=108343&rmatt=tsid:1014300%7Ccid:676289759%7Cagid:35136648859%7Ctid:pla-266496643180%7Ccrid:149066874911%7Cnw:g%7Crnd:14683547391351774757%7Cdvc:m%7Cadp:1o1&gclid=CJm4rPqRqdMCFUI2gQodgzMD9w

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

When shooting sports, you normally would use a faster shutter speed negating the need for IS. Normally IS is to help you hold the camera and lens steady during static shots or when you are shooting something standing still. Yes, IS does have a mode for panning which is where you move the lens from side to side in a fluid motion. But again, only if you are at slow shutter speeds such as 1/60th of a second or so.

So if you are shooting sports, and you are at 300mm, the rule of thumb is that you should shoot at the inverse of twice the focal length or more. So 300mm x 2 = 600 so you'd shoot at 1/600th of a second or faster. Personally, I'd shoot at 1/800th to 1/2000 for sports unless it's indoor sports and you have crappy lighting and you are stuck with slower shutters. If this is the case, you should save your money and buy a fast lens not another entry level lens like the one you have and the one you are considering. A fast lens is one that has an aperture of f/2.8 or a smaller number such as f/2 or f/1.8. Some prime lenses might be considered fast at f/4 like the 500mm and 600mm lenses. But a fast lens will run you more than a $1000 to $2500 or more.


Some advice to newbies:
Always upload jpg images
Check the box the says Store Originals so we can see the EXIF
Use the Quote Reply button when replying back to someone, that way they know what you are commenting back about.

Welcome to the Hog.

Oh, and ignore some of the more gruff comments here. You sometimes need some thick skin when people make rude comments.

4OX

I bought a refurb 70-200 IS II recently from Canon...worked fine for a week, then it started freaking out...you could hear the AF going back and forth nonstop...and woildnt take a pic...even when switched to MF. Any suggestions?

JeffinMass Loc: MA

Try a Manfretto monopod that has the three leg extension built in.

4OX

What does that have to do with my lens acting up?

4OX

What does that have to do with my lens acting up?