Mount Question

[PolynesianMedic]

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?

 

[Roger]

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?

Price
Probable durability

It's like comparing an E250 ambulance with a Freightliner.

What type of mount comes on the typical kit lenses?

Plastic

Pros and Cons to each?

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.

 

[PolynesianMedic]

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.

 

[Roger]

Which two lenses?

 

[PolynesianMedic]

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

 

[Roger]

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.

 

[Tim]

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.

 

[PolynesianMedic]

I thought is was weird that they had it listed twice with two different mounts, that's why I thought I would ask.

 

[Roger]

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.