There are 2 versions of this lens: USM and non-USM. I understand that USM is better, why is the US version $40 cheaper than non-USM?
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USM stands for UltraSonic Motors. They are known for being quieter than standard motors used in cheaper lenses. This is useful when video recording or photographing wildlife that could become spooked from noisy camera parts. Alas, I'm not sure why the non-usm is more expensive. The two lenses seem comparable with this one exception. Perhaps someone else can chime in about the price difference. I hope this helps.
1495159
I agree with Wesley, for the most part. USM refers to Ultra Sonic Motor, which is a little bit quieter than the regular autofocus motor, but that's not its primary purpose. The USM is capable of Autofocusing a great deal faster than a regular lens. Side by side, you'll notice quite a difference in the amount of time the lens needs to focus. Now, I shoot wildlife photography of wild animals. For me, that time difference in crucial. You'll want that should you ever be shooting moving subjects, like animals or sports events, for example. You'll have to consider how you plan to use the lens, and decide if the additional speed is something you'll need.
1429332
For travel, I like carrying the Canon 15-85mm IS USM. But I also own the 70-200 f/4L IS USM and use it for performances, etc. The 70-200's image quality was very eye opening for me. This lens will show you exactly what your camera is capable of and you will not be able to go back to cheap lenses afterwards.
2240581
Thank you Very much for your Help, what do you think about the Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 XR Di II and the Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM? If you had the money for only one general purpose lens, wich one will you chose?
2000731
Dear, Shop Deals USA products are all USA. We are an authorized dealer. We can offer you $100 discount if you would like to purchase the lens. Thank you!
295372
Todd- I've talked to a few professional photographers and semi-professionals and they've all said the same thing...the XT is an excellent camera and the differences between the two are not worth the extra money. Buy the XT and invest in a good lens. Those with "is usm" have autofocus and image stabilization. By chance, have you ever ordered a camera through Amazon before? I'm wondering if it will contain the original USA Warranty. Thanks and Good Luck!
1371876
The cheaper lens is a 40-150mm, the more expensive is 14-150, allowing wide angle shots through to approx 10 x zoom. It minimises lens changeovers, there's a better chance of having the "right" lens on the camera at any time.
1332328
There is a silver version of the lens which can be a little less expensive. Or sony has a. 55-210mm lens which is much cheaper.
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So despite it being a macro there's no problem with regular focusing?The 50mm 1.8 is really shoddy build quality, I think you're thinking of that. The 50mm 1.4 (3 times the price) is quite sturdy.I use the 28-105mm (the cheap one, not the L glass) I got this around the same time my friend got the 28-135, which looks like a better lens on the surface, yet he hated his and sold it. It's a much larger lens physically, while the 28-105 is really small, so that's something to consider. I also felt like mine focused better, although that wasn't an objective test. And it's half the price, which is nice. Something to consider So despite it being a macro there's no problem with regular focusing?The 50mm 1.8 is really shoddy build quality, I think you're thinking of that. The 50mm 1.4 (3 times the price) is quite sturdy.I use the 28-105mm (the cheap one, not the L glass) I got this around the same time my friend got the 28-135, which looks like a better lens on the surface, yet he hated his and sold it. It's a much larger lens physically, while the 28-105 is really small, so that's something to consider. I also felt like mine focused better, although that wasn't an objective test. And it's... » Read More So despite it being a macro there's no problem with regular focusing?The 50mm 1.8 is really shoddy build quality, I think you're thinking of that. The 50mm 1.4 (3 times the price) is quite sturdy.I use the 28-105mm (the cheap one, not the L glass) I got this around the same time my friend got the 28-135, which looks like a better lens on the surface, yet he hated his and sold it. It's a much larger lens physically, while the 28-105 is really small, so that's something to consider. I also felt like mine focused better, although that wasn't an objective test. And it's half the price, which is nice. Something to consider « Show Less
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You are absolutely right on that Scott. The 35 1.8 is also a Chinese made lens. Same here ... that 35 1.8 was the first lens on my D90 (which is made in Thailand) and is still my go-to prime lens. I feel like this 85 mm is definitely more a portrait lens given the effective focal length on the D90. It performs superbly tho. I think the only two Japanese lenses i own are Toknia's. I don't understand why its important where a lens is made tho? Is it about the QC??
725619
This lens compares with and outperform the Canon 70-200mm F2.8L USM, I purchased this lens after my Canon broke down, I purchased the Sigma lens and have been use it more than the Canon Lens, fantastic lens and costs half of Canon's price.
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I have both lenses. My experience is that both provides same good image quality. Lack of OIS i do not know.. I use the 25 mm more than the 45 mm now since i can use it for portraits by moving a bit and also "normal" day to day use
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50mm f1.4 features Ultra Sonic Motor (USM) which make the lens to focus much faster, quieter and accurate. I have both the 50mm 1.4 and 1.8, and the 1.8 has been kept inside my dry box for a long time after I upgraded to the 1.4. As others said, the f1.4 uses better glass which gives better optic quality, metal EF mounting which is more durable.
2070526
Idk what a USM is... But the lense doesn't have image stabilizer... and the bag I've heard is really cheaply made... So I bought the amazon DSLR camera bag for the extra $30. It was worth it.
575221
I agree and have noticed that as well. I bought the older version and have been pleased with it. I have also not read complaints about the newer version. It may be as simple as supply and demand or something we are not aware of. You might check review sites just to make sure the version 2 is well rated and then go for it if it's cheaper. The 20MM has been a great lens, I have received compliments about my photo's and 9 times out of 10, it's taken with the 20mm.
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I've had both IS and non IS, I have found that for the price this is a very handy lens to have. It works great outside, and as long as you have a semblance of a half way steady hand then not having the IS won't be a problem. Some of the issues you might encounter with this lens is when it comes to shooting in lower light situations, for example trying to take pictures inside especially at night if the room is not heavily lit. In that case the IS would help but that would only take you so far. Part of that is due to the lens speed. I found that if you take more pictures and try to stay aware of light you should do just fine. I love that this lens has the wide angle and the ability to super zoom. This has become my main travel lens, because of its versatility. For the price you can't beat it, I think its like $199 and just starting off as a new photographer its a good start. Yes there are better lenses out there BUT you will pay a Lot more for them as well.
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Michael, The one I got a few months back is the US warranty version. I have purchased quite a few Canon lenses on Amazon and they have all be US versions.