Promaster telephoto lens problem...?

Question

I'm very new to having a DSLR, however one thing I've noticed is the quality and clarity of my photo's. I'm currently using a Canon Rebel XT and have a 18-55 Lens from Canon. When I use it, it produces great clear shots. However, I also purchased a Promaster telephoto lens (Can't remember the distance) and the photo's that are coming out when I use it, are considerably unclear. When I use my Canon lense, it's crisp, sharp. For instance I'm able to see all the detail on a tree leave . When I use my Promaster lens, while you can still make out the object perfectly fine, the clarity is gone. Is this something I'm doing in correctly? Or is it simply the case of a better quality lens vs one of lesser quality.

Answer 1

The lens you bought is an inferior poorly made lens.  Save your money and get a Canon, Sigma, Tamron or Tokina lens for your camera.

The Canon 70-300 4-5.6 IS USM would be a good, not overly expensive lens for you... Also another good inexpensive choice would be the Canon EF-S 55-250 IS USM ....

Answer 2

I am afraid it comes down to you get what you pay for.

For example, the Canon 100-400 mm f 4.5-5.6 IS L zoom is about $1,500 or so--and it's built like a tank--and the pictures I have gotten are very sharp, like this:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/little_pook...

Canon makes less expensive telephoto zoom lenses, too. But again, you get what you pay for when it comes to lenses.

Answer 3

It could be 1) your settings or technique are poor; 2) your promaster is lesser quality; or 3) both of these things are going on.

To make a proper comparison, you need to minimize the effects of poor settings/technique.

To do this:  use a tripod to minimize camera shake and vibration.  If you shake a lot holding the promaster lens, it will give you poorer results, for example.  Remember: telephoto lenses magnify any vibration.

Next, make sure you aren't photographing with the promaster at a poor aperture.  Basically, a wide open lens is where a lens usually performs the worst.  If your promaster is wide open but your Canon lens isn't, you've disadvantaged the promaster.  Moreover, telephoto lenses have narrower depth of field, so you will lose detail more quickly than with a wider lens.

Remove any filters.  Some lenses do very poorly with filters on the front, reducing contrast and details.

So, now take some shots and then compare.  If you've minimized shake/vibration and used an optimal aperture, you'll be able to see if it's the Promaster lens or not.  If you get poor images then, I'd be inclined to say it's the lens.  Remember that you will have less area in focus with a telephoto lens.

If your images look good, then it's your technique/settings that are bad, and most likely from not holding the camera steady enough or from using an aperture that doesn't suit the situation.

Answer 4

you said you new to DSLR. so, the telephoto lens gives a closer image. than 18-55 lens. you know that. but hand held camera shooting with telephoto lens gives vibrations. use a tripod when using telephoto. and remote shutter release switch also. that will minimize the shake of camera. if it's not enough Just goto custom function on your camera settings and set the mirror lock-up.

The cheaper lens give less quality. not all the time. but i think many photographers like Tamron, Sigma. they are cheap and best quality.

let me know what happen..!

Thanks