View Full Version : Canon 70-300 IS USM... a worthy replacement for
My Sigma 70-300 APO DG?
The main difference on paper is IS (which I really want seeing as my hands shake like a leaf most of the time) but is there a reason to change optically?
I am wanting a zoom lens of around 300mm mainly for trackside at motorsport events (and mode 2 of the IS lets you pan without messing up the IS) but also for wildlife etc.
I know the canon won't be any faster, but will it be any better?
My budget is £400 for the lens so it's not L glass territory I'm afraid :-(
seems to get a pretty good review, haven't used it though. A few links in the attached link, check out the remarks at the bottom of the photozone page.
http://www.pbase.com/fstopjojo/70300is
A friend at work has it and I have the Stigma, he's off to safari soon but I'm hoping to get my grubby mits on it after that.
Although Canon have not made a big song and dance about it, the 75-300 is was recently changed/upgraded to include the latest generation of IS and better more refined optics. I now believe it is much improved and much sharper through the whole range (the old version was known to become soft above 200mm) Providing you get a new version I am sure that you will be very happy with the results but as always, try before you buy is my recommendation :)
Is there anyway of telling the two apart?
Thats a good question...I really don't know but the "improved" version has only been availible recently. As the lenses don't really interest me that much I have not gone into it in that much detail. I think there is a way to check manufacturing dates on all Canon lenses, you could use that as an indication once you suss out the coding. The info is availible on the web if you do a search.
HTH
Warspite
30-03-2006, 12:16
Might want to look at this (if you aint already done so)
Linky (http://www.thephotographyforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5774)
Believe its the new version and is quite recent.
One weird thing is that it doesn't seem to have full time manual which suggests that its a micro USM rather than ring USM.
stepheno
30-03-2006, 15:20
Well...I've had the 70-300 for about five weeks now. Mine is NOT the DO version. I am well pleased with this lens and would endorse everything in my review and more. But this not L glass - you are getting a very good lens optically, for that price and I think it's a steal.
Sammy is right, it doesn't have full-time manual but I don't miss that 'cos I've never had it. I can't compare it to the Sigma but it is lighter than the mark 1 75-300 and a tad shorter. The IS is superb. I can't think of anything more to add and I am not trying to convince you. Have a look at these reviews at Fred Miranda (http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/showproduct.php?product=294) and Bob Atkins (http://www.photo.net/equipment/canon/70-300is/review.html) at photo.net.
One last point. There has been a lot of talk about softness on portrait at 300. I think this is valid which is why I bought over the counter. I took my first lens back and tried two more until I was satified that I have sharp portrait at 300. Oh...and the hood is extra and rarer than hens teeth. HTH.
regards
Well, I went ahead and tried to order one this afternoon only to be told of a backlog that could take up to 4 weeks to clear and maybe longer.
Since I wanted the lens for british superbikes at donnington park next saturday there was no point in ordering it just yet.
A couple of people have suggested the 70-200 F/4 L lens that retails at about £100 more, but I have a feeling that 200 just isn't long enough for trackside work even with the 1.6 crop factor.
Unfortunately there just isn't another lens for under £400 that offers 300mm and IS :(
stepheno
30-03-2006, 16:04
....to be told of a backlog that could take up to 4 weeks to clear and maybe longer.(
I'm glad I got mine when I did :woot:
regards
Where have you tried to order from Braeden ?
If you can get away with 70-200mm T4cameras have got the 'L' f4 in for £469 + delivery. Not sure of stock levels you'd have to phone. 70-300mm is £369 again you'd have to check stock. I've ordered a fair bit from these, can't fault them for service.
I tried warehouse express and my wife was searching for me from home this afternoon - I'm not sure where she looked though.
I'm still not convinceed a 200 is long enough or I would seriously consider the L lense.
Warspite
30-03-2006, 19:33
Try T4Cameras.co.uk - I've tried to buy 4 lenses so far from Warehouse express over the past 6 months and everytime they could not supply, or it would be weeks/months, last thing I asked about was a 70-200 f4 and they said no chance.
T4 however will tell you if its in stock and claim to deliver next working day.
stepheno
30-03-2006, 19:52
I got mine from Dale Photographic in Leeds - they have them in stock but it's £419. Have a look here. (http://www.shopcreator.com/mall/productpage.cfm/DalePhotographic/Canon%2070%20300%20IS/24780)
stepheno
30-03-2006, 19:53
I've just realised, you live in West Yorkshire, you can go and collect - try it out first.
regards
Yep I'm West Yorks :) Living in sunny Heckmondwike for my sins.
I will go and see them as soon as I get chance, thanks very much for the link!
stepheno
31-03-2006, 06:04
Small world - I work in Batley but our bank is in Heck' - go there frequently.
regards
I think I have now found the only place in the country with stock (I tried approx 10 suppliers in total, maybe more) and hopefully I will receive the lens tomorrow.
I ended up paying £399 instead of £369 but I am still happy.
I will let you know how the lens fares after the weekend :)
Cool, congratualtions on the new purchase :)
I look forward to seeing your results when it arrives
busterboy
05-04-2006, 21:03
I will let you know how the lens fares after the weekend :)
Don't be speeding in that very nice Golf you have acquired..:D
Ahh you've sussed which is mine then :)
The lens arrived today but since I have only just got home (11:30pm) I will have to wait until tomorrow for a "play"
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