I'm a total photography noob, can someone explain why this lens is so expensive, compared to say, the pancake lens that Canon offers?
870296
I don't know the Canon lens so I can't compare.The lens came fitted to an E-M10 camera so the cost was hidden.Read the new review at slrgear.com
870297
It's a zoom lens, to start with. The Canon is fixed focus, but the Olympus goes from 14-42 mm - wide angle to relatively normal viewing angle. You may get somewhat sharper pictures with the Canon (I don't know the specs, the difference is probably not very noticeable unless you go to a high enlargement) but the versatility of zooms makes them more attractive. The battle rages on the blogs which is best -a fixed prime or a flexible zoom. I go with zooms but pay premium. Since you didn't specify exactly which Canon lens this was, I guess you are talking about $200 vs $300, which is significant at this level, but becomes less so as you investigate high-end lenses.
870298
Canon's is a fixed 40mm lens. This is a 14-42mm motorized zoom.And it's not a fixed focus lens, it has a fixed focal length with a constant aperture. Their 40mm is autofocus. There really shouldn't be a battle on which is better. Both serve a purpose. If you're going for one lens to walkaround with, a fixed 40mm is a bit limited.
870299
It's a zoom lens, to start with. The Canon is fixed focus, but the Olympus goes from 14-42 mm - wide angle to relatively normal viewing angle. You may get somewhat sharper pictures with the Canon (I don't know the specs, the difference is probably not very noticeable unless you go to a high enlargement) but the versatility of zooms makes them more attractive. The battle rages on the blogs which is best -a fixed prime or a flexible zoom. I go with zooms but pay premium. Since you didn't specify exactly which Canon lens this was, I guess you are talking about $200 vs $300, which is significant at this level, but becomes less so as you investigate high-end lenses. It's a zoom lens, to start with. The Canon is fixed focus, but the Olympus goes from 14-42 mm - wide angle to relatively normal viewing angle. You may get somewhat sharper pictures with the Canon (I don't know the specs, the difference is probably not very noticeable unless you go to a high enlargement) but the versatility of zooms makes them more attractive. The battle rages on the blogs which is best -a fixed prime or a flexible zoom. I go with zooms but pay premium. Since you didn't specify exactly which Canon lens this was, I guess you are talking about $200 vs $300, which is... » Read More It's a zoom lens, to start with. The Canon is fixed focus, but the Olympus goes from 14-42 mm - wide angle to relatively normal viewing angle. You may get somewhat sharper pictures with the Canon (I don't know the specs, the difference is probably not very noticeable unless you go to a high enlargement) but the versatility of zooms makes them more attractive. The battle rages on the blogs which is best -a fixed prime or a flexible zoom. I go with zooms but pay premium. Since you didn't specify exactly which Canon lens this was, I guess you are talking about $200 vs $300, which is significant at this level, but becomes less so as you investigate high-end lenses. « Show Less
725614
This is a very nice lens, and yes, this lens is great for wedding photography. I don't have a canon, sorry can't afford it, and that's why I chose Sigma for its affordability . All in all it's a great lens.
487010
Gray market means that this lens is not distributed officially by Canon in the USA, so you don't have warranty of Canon USA, that's why is cheaper. The lens is the same lens, so if you don't care about the warranty go for it. Good luck!
528652
The pancake is more compact and better for portraits (brighter lens means less flash use), but not much of a zoom. If you will be taking pics of your kids sporting events, you will need the bigger lens. Im going for the pancake (it is also worth more!) so its a better deal.
305386
I recently purchased an XT myself. My understanding is that if your not making posters, those 2 MP are not worth the difference in price. In all the research I did (and I did a lot), most everyone has said save your money for the lenses. A good lens is what's really going to make the difference in photography with the Canon Rebel.
808791
This is a different lens than the kit lens that comes with the camera at a much lower price. Unfortunately, I don't know the answer as to what makes this lens worth 3 times as much.
1955942
I have a canon and it was one of the best lenses I ever used for the price. I bought a canon 18-200 and gave mine to my son and have thought about getting another. I think as long as you get the one for your camera you can't go wrong.
1966949
I almost decided in favor of Sigma, but then I realized that Sigma is made for a crop camera only. While I'm not looking to buy an FF one any time soon, when I do, it will be costly, so I wouldn't have the money to follow it up with expensive lenses, not to mention that a good prime is a good prime, which I expect to last me a long while... So that is becoming a big drawback for me...
1746412
Late to respond, but my previous camera was a Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ18, a point and shoot camera which I thought took outstanding pictures...until I bought the DMC-FZ150. Holy cow! What a jump in performance that even an unsavvy enthusiast like myself can actually use. I am, however, shocked by the price increase. I had to buy it online because it wasn't available locally but with the reviews and my past experience with Panasonic, I took a deep breath and did it, purchasing it through Amazon for $439 in early April 2012. I consider it top echelon of the "amateur" use cameras.
2228567
Thanks Branden, I didn't think it was a "macro" lens, but wanted to ask. I'm planning on buying this lens when ever I decide I can afford a $1,000 lens. I've since purchased the Canon 60mm EF-S Macro lens and like it very much.
1055795
Amazon asked that I reply to you so I guess I must.I sold this lens and the Panasonic camera about 4 years ago. It did not do much for me. I am much happier with a good DSLR and telephoto lenses. Sorry I cannot be of more help.
11990
I just got an email stating between Nov 1 and December 1. Wow... should I wait for the pancake lens? It's $50 more than the 14mm-45mm...
519692
Yes I also noticed that. I had purchased this camera last month and returned mine for an exchange due to possibly being defective (after an email exchange with Canon support). Unfortunately they then emailed me that they no longer had it in stock and didn't know when they were going to get more. They could only offer me a refund. They finally showed it back in stock but then I was amazed at the price! I even emailed them to find out why but just got a non answer (to be expected I guess) about how their suppliers set the prices. As you say, this price is higher than Canons, so it makes you wonder what they are playing at. I guess they don't want anyone to buy it from them...!
487011
Gray market means that this lens is not distributed officially by Canon in the USA, so you don't have warranty of Canon USA, that's why is cheaper.The lens is the same lens, so if you don't care about the warranty go for it.Good luck!
1376191
The real problem is that the 17-55 f/2.8 lens is close to what every one wants but not quite there so people are disappointed with it. What dose every one looking at this lens really want? A real standard zoom L lens for ASP-C Bodies. Something with the same build/optical quality and features as the 24-70 f/2.8L, but with a focal length range that provides the same coverage on a ASP-C body. Something like 15mm on the wide end and like 45mm at the telephoto end. Since this lens doesn't exist people are forced the buy the next closest thing. Which is the EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS. Quite frankly for the build quality the 17-55 f/2.8 is way over priced and already in the same price bracket as an L lens. Which is why people expect same quality and then are dissatisfied when the build quality isn't much better then the kit lens. I don't see why canon doesn't just make an L version of the 17-55mm f/2.8 and sell it for like $1200-$1500. Especially considering the existence of the 7D, which is basically a pro-level ASP-C body. Oh wait I know, It's to force people who want/need to have L lens quality with decent wide coverage to upgrade to a full frame camera.
759242
If anyone is interested I have a 24-70L 2.8 Canon Lens. I only use it about 5 times total. 6 weeks after I bought it I purchase the 24-105 IS Canon Lens because I shoot mostly Wedding & Party's. The 24-105 IS works much better for the type of photography I do. I would sell it for $900.00 and include the B&W; UV Filter which is the top of the line brand filter which is made in Germany. Plus $25.00 for shipping. You can email me at rjgphoto@sbcglobal.net if anyone is interested.
501122
Thanks for the feedback. I ended up getting the Canon 17-55/2.8IS. It was more expensive, but I had come across some extra money. I've had that lens for several month now and it's awesome. The zoom range is excellent, it's great having f2.8 through the whole range, and the IS adds probably at least 3 stops. It's very sharp when I do my part, especially when it's stopped down a couple clicks. I would still love to get a lens like I described in my OP, but I'm looking at a wide angle zoom and a better telephoto lens before that one.