Medium zoom lens for Canon AE-1

[Neanderman]

A friend of mine asked me for advice on purchasing a mid-range (i.e. ~70-~200) zoom lens for an AE-1. I'm not a Canon shooter, so I'm looking for feedback on any lenses in that range that are particularly nice. Preferably Canon, but good third party lenses aren't ruled out.

TIA.

Ed

 

[Rick Haug]

The Canon FD 80-200mm f4 L is a highly regarded lens in that focal range. I have used one on my Canon F1N since 1989. One of the best lens purchases I ever made.

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

I've got the FD 80-200/4L as well--very nice lens in that range, and not too expensive as far as L-glass goes.

 

[B3Nut]

The 80-200/4L is the benchmark, but if $350-500 is too pricey, the FD 70-210 f/4.0 is a great lens. I've been getting my old FD bodies back out and I got one of these on eBay for $50. Nice sharp lens, and you can get a good one for $50-$100, no need to mess with 3rd-party IMO. Canon sold a boatload of the 70-210 f/4, lots of 'em in circulation.

Todd in Beerbratistan

 

[purple]

Can't talk about Canon's own, but the Vivitar Series 1 70-210 (early era) f3.5 is a superb lens.