My view from afar… and very close – The Tamron AF 70-300 mm f/4-5.6 Di LD Macro (1:2)

Among the gifts I'll forever remember from Christmas 2014 was this Tamron AF 70-300mm. A lens that, by itself, opens two creative doors: distant scenes thanks to its powerful zoom, and tiny ones with its 1:2 macro function.

It's a bit like receiving two lenses in one, and believe me, it immediately expands your photographic playing field.

The Joy of Telephoto Lenses

With its focal range of 70-300mm, this lens is ideal for capturing distant subjects: wildlife, architectural details perched atop a church tower, sports scenes, or distant portraits. At 300mm, it perfectly isolates the subject by blurring the background, creating that detachment so pleasing in photography.

Mounted on my Canon EOS 700D, which is an APS-C, this focal length is equivalent to approximately 112-480mm in full frame... in other words, you get seriously close to the action without having to walk.

And the magic of macro

But what really impressed me with this lens was its macro function (1:2 ratio). In macro mode, which can be activated between 180 and 300mm, it allows you to capture incredible details: leaf veins, the texture of an insect, a drop of water hanging from a blade of grass...

The minimum focusing distance of approximately 95cm may seem long compared to a dedicated macro lens, but at 300mm, it allows you to photograph shy subjects (like certain insects) without scaring them.

A sometimes capricious relationship...

Not everything is rosy. Depending on the program chosen, the ambient light, or the subject, the lens sometimes misleads the camera. The result: you have to turn the camera off and on again, and sometimes change the settings to get everything back to normal. This behavior is rare, but annoying enough to be mentioned.

This can be due to autofocus difficulties in low light or on low-contrast surfaces. In these cases, you sometimes have to switch to manual focus or change the aperture to help the camera focus.

Image Quality and Rendering

For a lens in this range, the quality is quite decent. Between 70 and 200mm, images are sharp and contrasty. Beyond 200mm, sharpness decreases slightly, especially at full aperture, but remains usable for amateur use.

The bokeh is pleasant, especially at full zoom. In macro, it isolates the subject well and produces beautiful blurred backgrounds, even if the f/5.6 aperture sometimes requires increasing the ISO.

Attractive Value

The Tamron AF 70-300mm is an affordable lens, often available for less than €150 new and even less used. Its dual telephoto and macro functions make it a versatile companion for exploring and experimenting. Its minor technical quirks are a compromise I'm happy to accept, as it has already allowed me to capture moments I wouldn't have been able to get close to otherwise.

Specifications – Tamron AF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di LD Macro (1:2) (A17)

An everyday companion – The Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM

When I discovered the Canon EOS 700D under the tree this Christmas 2014, I also found in the box a lens that went with it as a matter of course: the Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM. You could say it's the "classic" lens that comes with many Canon bodies... but for me, it holds much more value than a simple kit lens. It represents that moment when my daughter thought of everything: the camera and her first companion, ready to immortalize new memories.

An easy-to-use lens

From the very first shots, I understood why this lens is so popular with beginners and more experienced photographers alike. Its 18-55mm focal length range covers a wide range of situations: from the wide angle ideal for landscapes or group photos, to the short telephoto lens perfect for semi-close-up portraits.

For me, it was a true photographic "Swiss Army knife." It allows you to quickly switch from a wide shot to a tighter framing without changing lenses, which is ideal when shooting outdoors and the action is fast-moving.

Simplicity and ease of use

One of the strengths of this lens is its ease of use. The STM (Stepping Motor) autofocus is quiet and smooth, which is a real plus for video or scenes where you want to remain discreet. Its IS (Image Stabilizer) function compensates for slight camera shake and allows you to gain a few shutter speeds, which is very useful in low light or handheld shooting.

For close-up or semi-close-up portraits, it offers a pleasant rendering, with a soft background blur (bokeh) at full aperture. While it's not a fast lens like an f/1.8 prime, it still performs well for isolating a subject.

Performance and Rendering

Image quality is sharp at the center from full aperture, and improves further by closing the aperture slightly (f/5.6 to f/8). Colors are faithful, with a natural contrast that makes for pleasing shots without excessive editing.

As for distortion, there's a slight barrel effect at 18mm, but nothing dramatic, especially since it's easily corrected in post-processing. Vignetting is present at full aperture, especially at wide angle, but it can add a certain charm to certain compositions.

Limitations to Keep in Mind

Of course, this isn't a perfect lens. Its maximum aperture (f/3.5-5.6) somewhat limits low-light shooting without increasing the ISO, and its bokeh remains modest compared to brighter lenses. In low light, even with stabilization, you'll sometimes have to accept a little digital noise.

But despite these limitations, it remains a valuable ally for those who want to travel light while covering as many situations as possible.

Value for money

The Canon EF-S 18-55mm IS STM is often underestimated because it comes bundled with many bodies. Yet, it offers excellent value for money: lightweight, versatile, stabilized, and quiet. New, it can be found for around €150, and used for even less. But in my case, it's priceless... because it's the companion of my 700D, both given to me by my daughter in a single gesture that's worth far more than any price tag.

Specifications – Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM

My Trusty Canon EOS 700D – A Gift, a Story, Images

December 2014 will remain etched in my memory, not only for the Christmas spirit, but also because a carefully wrapped package awaited me under the tree. Inside, the kind of surprise that makes a photography enthusiast's heart beat a little faster: a Canon EOS 700D. I owe this gift to my daughter, and it's safe to say it's not just a camera... it's a true declaration of love for my passion.

A first hand... and already a bond

From the very first moment, this camera was reassuring. Neither too bulky nor too light, with a firm and comfortable grip. The textured grip provides good traction, even when shooting in the middle of winter with slightly numb fingers. The clear and responsive optical viewfinder immediately makes you want to shoot.

The Canon EOS 700D is an APS-C DSLR originally released in 2013. While it's not the latest generation, it still has plenty to offer, especially for those looking to combine fun and efficiency. Under the hood, there's an 18-megapixel CMOS sensor, supported by the DIGIC 5 processor. The ISO sensitivity range goes from 100 to 12,800 (expandable to 25,600), which allows you to capture both daylight and low-light photos... with a few precautions to avoid digital noise at the highest sensitivities.

Programs for every taste

One of the 700D's strong points is its variety of shooting modes. In addition to the fully manual mode for purists, it offers a series of automatic and semi-automatic programs: aperture priority, shutter priority, portrait, landscape, macro, and sports modes, not to mention the "Creative Auto" mode, which lets you play with the background or brightness without technical jargon.

Its highly responsive 3-inch tilt-shift touchscreen is a real joy for framing from unlikely angles: low to the ground to photograph a mushroom, above a crowd to capture a street scene, or simply for an impromptu self-portrait.

Field Performance

In use, the Canon EOS 700D proves versatile. The 9-point cross-type autofocus is fast and accurate in good lighting conditions. In low light, it can be a little slow, but nothing prohibitive for light amateur use. The 5 frames per second burst is sufficient for moderate action scenes, such as leisurely wildlife or sports photography.

Color reproduction is faithful, with a slight tendency toward warmth in the tones, typical of Canon. Images are detailed and pleasing, with a natural rendering that makes you want to do little editing.

Considerations... to be honest

Of course, not everything is perfect. The camera is showing its age in some aspects: no built-in Wi-Fi (you have to use a Wi-Fi SD card or a cable), a somewhat limited dynamic range compared to recent models, and high-sensitivity performance that doesn't rival the latest sensors. But all of this is secondary when you know how to work with its strengths.

Value for money

In 2025, finding a new EOS 700D is rare, but you can still find one used at very reasonable prices (often around €200-300 with a kit lens). For anyone looking for a reliable, pleasant, and easy-to-use DSLR, this is an excellent deal. In my case, its price doesn't matter: its true value is sentimental. Every photo taken with it is a nod to this Christmas when my daughter thought to give me more than just a camera... she gave me memories in the making.

In conclusion
The Canon EOS 700D may not be the fastest or the most modern, but it possesses that rare quality: it makes you want to go out and take pictures. And, after all, isn't that what true camera performance is?

Specifications – Canon EOS 700D