Lense Advice Canon 70-200 L F4 or EF 70-300 f4-5.6 IS

[stevieb]

After a number of disapointing shots recently either due to lighting conditions the fact the camera/lens could not focus fast enough. When i am using my nifty 50 all is ok and in focus, but when i am using my all 70-300mm Sigma the focus was very soft throughout the entire range!

I have around £500 to spend on a new lens. My choice is either a Canon L lens 70-200 and sacrifice the zoom or go for the canon 70-300 with IS.

Most of the time I am in the range of 100-150mm but occasionally use 300mm

Any advice or other options that i may of missed!

Thanks

Steve

[Nero601]

no contest 70-200 L , if picture quality is your top priority

Edited by Nero601 on Thursday 22 July 13:53

[Johno]

I've just upgraded from F4L non IS to F2.8IS and they are both superb lenses. The 2.8 is significantly heavier and I wanted the extra speed as I often need to use it with a 1.4TC in variable light conditions and didn't want to keep bumping up the ISO level to
Maintain shutter speeds. The price hike though is very significant

However, the F4 is a superb lens and I have my year old one for sale if you're interested, PM me.

[rasputin]

I have the 70-200mm f4L as well.

I had a hard time choosing between that or the Sigma 70-200mm f2.8 for the same price. But I think I made the right choice!

Focus is very fast.. The focus limiter switch isn't really needed.

And sharpness is pretty much perfect. I am a chronic pixel-peeper but I can see no improvement in quality when I stop down the aperture! I shoot this lens wide open 90% of the time.

My only complaint is that I'd rather have the f2.8 IS

[Johno]

There were last weekend with the 2.8,

http://mobile.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=...

I'll try and find the link for some with the F4 (on Blackberry at Schipol ! )

[Johno]

. . . And the F4 from ealier in the year.

http://mobile.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=...

[stevieb]

Johno

YHM

STeve

[bobs4c]

I had a Canon 70-300IS. It was a very good lens, but suffered, for some shots, because the AF was a bit slow (in my opnion).

I've hired the 70-200 f4 L IS and found it to be an excellent lens. Can't afford one of those, but would certainly consider the non IS version because it is also an excellent lens. You could buy a 1.4 extender for the extra reach when funds allow

Bob

[RobDickinson]

Nero601 said:

no contest 70-200 L , if picture quality is your top priority

^^ Wot e said.

IMO the 70-300 between 70 and 200 isnt that bad, but not up to the L, its nto weathersealed and it doesnt have USM fast focusing (asuming you dont buy the DO one!).

You can always fit a 1.4tc to the 70-200 too.

[LongQ]

RobDickinson said:

Nero601 said:

no contest 70-200 L , if picture quality is your top priority

^^ Wot e said.

IMO the 70-300 between 70 and 200 isnt that bad, but not up to the L, its nto weathersealed and it doesnt have USM fast focusing (asuming you dont buy the DO one!).

You can always fit a 1.4tc to the 70-200 too.

Hmm.

There was a very young 70-300 DO lens on eBay recently. Less than a year old iirc. Went for £601. However they are somewhat rare finds.

I like mine. It's not too big or heavy, it doesn't really stand out and it seems to work well enough even with the limitations of a 400D. On the other hand it won't take an extender so a 70-200 with a 1.4tc or a 2tc might suit better depending on what you want to shoot. The sharpness of the 70-200 f4 is often acclaimed - I must try one one day.

[RobDickinson]

I;ve a sigy 70-200f2,8 which is ace but I still think abotu the canon f4L!

Much lighter and easier to shift around and spectaculaly sharp, not even used the f4L IS one which is a lot better aparently.

Cant use a 2.0tc on the f4 realy, but then it would kill IQ anyhow. Seems to work on the f2.8IS mkII ok tho.