Ok, I am looking at lenses again, and I have come across some significant price differences. After some deeper reading into the descriptions of the lens I have discovered why. Some have a plastic mount, and others a metal mount. What is the difference to these? What type of mount comes on the typical kit lenses? Pros and Cons to each?
Price Probable durability It's like comparing an E250 ambulance with a Freightliner. Plastic In theory the plastic mount may not last as long for frequent lens changes. I am not sure about Canon's Rebel series, but in the past they used to actually have a plastic mount on the body as well for cost savings, while the prosumer cameras even back in the film era (Elan IIE) moved up to a metal mount. There's something nice about the feeling of metal on metal. But manufacturing methods have changed so that's why I say "probable" durability; modern plastics are a lot tougher than they used to be. But a plastic mount will always be cheaper than a metal mount.
The same lens from Canon with a steel vs. plastic mount is a difference of $150. That's a lot for just a difference in mount.
Canon Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Image Stabilizer USM Lens, I found a site that states they have it with both a steel and plastic mount. Here is the link to that page, I know it isn't B&H but I did a search and they were highly rated on Shopping Cart USA and had cheap prices. http://www.lensesnmore.com/prodshelf.as ... m=0. The plastic mount is at $269 and the steel mount is $449
Umm that is really weird as that lens has only been made with a metal lens mount. There is only one model version listed at the Canon Camera Museum.
i didnt know it came in plastic either. seems very fishy to me. it would be unhead of to have an is/usm lens at the price unless something was up, or i am missing something.
I thought is was weird that they had it listed twice with two different mounts, that's why I thought I would ask.
Tim, You're right about the price there. They have IS lenses under $200/$300 now in the EF-S format, but not with USM too. But then you can get USM for just over $100.
