I'm thinking about getting a DRebel or 20D.....So, I've been looking for lenses that offer a bit better value than the (typically mentioned) Canons. I came across the Tokina 24-200 AT-X 242 AF which may very well fit the bill. Please check out the comments in the link above and/or share your personel experiences with this lense if you own one.
I have this lens and agree with just about all the comments on the link you posted.
It's heavy but a very good walking-around lens. I recently took this handheld image with a circular polarizer in place:
Um, always something. I have not had this trouble in the past, but now I can't get the polarizer off. Oh, well. Back to Calumet for some help!
Good luck.
Alice
Alice, may I asked how long you have used the lense and where you purchased it? B&H Photo currently has the lense (Tokina 24-200) for $269.00 after rebate (if purchased by January 31).
I have this lens and I love it! Not had it long but took it away on Holiday to Egypt last week and it proved a great walkabout lens, only took it off a couple of times. The build quality is excellent, which is reflected in the weight. For the money there is nothing that betters it, IMHO. I paid £179 here in the UK. Highly recommended. If you need some examples let me know and I will point out the ones I took with this lens. Most of the photos in my Luxor March 2005 folder were taken with this lens, the excpetions being the 2 buildings and the pictures of the Goats!
I have owned this lens for about a year. It almost never leaves my camera and why would it? The range simply cannot be beat for versatility. Rarely need to go wider-unless on a narrow street in Italy or a large party. Photos are clear and bright. Build is solid yet the lens is compact. I could go on but I think you got the point. Then there is the price.....
//www.photozone.de/2Equipment/reviews/tokina24200.htm Is another review. This reviewer had the Nikon version and shot film. Two things - overall he liked it, and he hates mega zooms (8x zoom range on this lens for example).
Two probs - softness in the corners, but that may not matter to us APS-sized digital shooters and pin-cushion distortion which might matter.
I have been looking at the canon 80-200 or other 70-210 lenses...this might be a better choice...Hmm...
