Canon 70-200 f2.8L IS mk2 w/1.4tc or 300mm f4L IS???

Steve75

Steve75

Messages
177
Edit My Images
Yes
Hi all,

I am looking to have a bit of a re-shuffle with my lenses, the 50mm i have barely gets used so i was planning on getting rid of that as i've really been wanting something a longer (said the actress to the bishop!).

Originally i had my mind made up that a 300mm f4L IS would be the way to go, but today another option popped into my head and i wondered what other peoples opinion would be.

I have heard a lot of good things about the new 70-200 f2.8 IS mk2 (apart from the price!) and the new mk3 tc's. Now i already have a mk1 70-200 2.8 IS and mk2 1.4tc but i really never use them together as i've not been all that happy with them paired up (maybe a micro-adjustment would help) but i have heard many people saying the new 70-200 is as sharp as some primes and that the new tc's are also far better than the old ones...

So, would i be better getting rid of my mk1 70-200 and tc and putting some extra cash down on the new models? i realize i'll only be at 280mm f4 with the zoom & tc combo but i would have more flexibility than if i had a 300mm f4 IS prime.

The main use for the lens is equestrian sports, show jumping etc.

I look forward to hearing your views and suggestions.

Cheers

Steve
 
what about the sigma 120-300 f2.8 ? - I hired one the other day and would be sorely tempted to buy if i had the cash (that said i know nuthinn about the equestrian world, but it worked great for nature, even in relatively low light)
 
120-300 had crossed my mind, but i don't really want to lose the wider end (70mm) of the Canon as equestrian centers can be a bit cramped with all the jumps etc it is handy to be able to drop back to 70mm
 
but on the other hand the 120-300 with a tc (168mm - 420 f4) is also very very appealing!

If only i could have both!
 
I use the 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS MKII with the 2x MKIII converter and the image quality is more than fine (and I'm really picky). The AF slows (obviously) but not so much as to be an issue. :)

I can't comment on the 1.4x MKIII because I've only used the MKII version but having said that, there was no appreciable difference in image quality with it fitted.

Hope that helps a bit.
 
I've the 300F4IS and really like it and would def recommend one - the only time I can see me selling it, is if I can afford a 300F2.8.

Don't forget as well the 300F4IS also takes a 1.4TC very well.
 
Spiritflier said:
I can't comment on the 1.4x MKIII because I've only used the MKII version but having said that, there was no appreciable difference in image quality with it fitted.

Hope that helps a bit.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the reply, so how is the old mk2 1.4tc with the 70-200mk2? af speed, image quality etc....

andyred said:
I've the 300F4IS and really like it and would def recommend one - the only time I can see me selling it, is if I can afford a 300F2.8.

Don't forget as well the 300F4IS also takes a 1.4TC very well.
Click to expand...

I don't know what lenses you have but would you give it up if the 70-200 2.8 mk2 with 1.4 tc was just as sharp as your 300mm? lose 20mm but gain flexibility and a couple of extra stops in image stabilization...??

Thank you both for your replies.
 
Steve75 said:
I don't know what lenses you have but would you give it up if the 70-200 2.8 mk2 with 1.4 tc was just as sharp as your 300mm? lose 20mm but gain flexibility and a couple of extra stops in image stabilization...??.
Click to expand...

Not sure in the real world if you'll gain a couple of extra stops in IS - yes the mkII 70-200 has a more modern IS on it, so might still be better, but I presume you'll be doing some panning, so less of an issue.

The 70-200 becomes an F4 with the 1.4TC on and IMO, they are 2 different beasts - personally, I'd be buying the 300F4 as you've already got a mkI 70-200 and possibly in the future, upgrade that...

Would I swap - no, I'd save up and buy the 70-200 as well...

Hope this is of some help. :thumbs:
 
Yes very helpful thanks.

Unfortunately simply buying the lenses i want at the moment is out of the question, all extra money at the moment is being saved towards our wedding next year. If boxes start arriving in the post with shiny white lenses in them, i may have to find a new bride! So unfortunately a bit of reshuffling/selling of things not used or upgrading is the way i will have to go if i want to get away with having new lenses! (or maybe get them delivered to work.... hmmmm)
 
I have a 70-200 MKII f2.8 IS and a 300 F4 IS. Whilst the image quality of the 300 is very good the 70-200 is outstanding. Comfortably better than the 300. With the 1.4 fitted again to me the 70-200 wins. I have always felt that the 300 is fairly slow focussing also.
The IS on the 70-200 is much better than the 300 also.
 
Thanks for that Gaz.... So how is the speed of the af of the 70-200mk2 with the tc?
 
Steve75 said:
Yes very helpful thanks.

Unfortunately simply buying the lenses i want at the moment is out of the question, all extra money at the moment is being saved towards our wedding next year. If boxes start arriving in the post with shiny white lenses in them, i may have to find a new bride! So unfortunately a bit of reshuffling/selling of things not used or upgrading is the way i will have to go if i want to get away with having new lenses! (or maybe get them delivered to work.... hmmmm)
Click to expand...

Yes, been there and done that - made the mistake 1 year of buying a new lens and the delivery was slightly delayed, so it arrived on my wife's birthday :eek: - needless to say, we went out for the day and it was an expensive day for me :lol:

I'd look at how much are you going to be spending depending on which route you take - also are you happy with your 70-200 at the moment ?

And good luck and congrats on the wedding :thumbs:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top