Canon 70-300 f4-5.6 IS USM or Canon 70-200 f4 L USM??

Will James

Will James

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Hello,

In the next couple of weeks I will be buying my first telephoto lens - at the moment I have a 18-55 kit lens an 50 1.8.

For months I've been looking at sample shots and reading reviews, mainly between the Canon 70-300 IS USM 4-5.6 and the Canon 70-200 f4 L USM (non-IS). I can see positives and negatives of both which I why I need the help of you experienced people!

I will be using the lens mainly for car track racing (as a spectator, not as a working togger) and zoos/small wildlife parks, so I would like USM.

For me, the main trade-off is between the extra 100mm focal length and spare cash (£150) for other equipment vs. 'L' quality glass and constant f/4 aperture.

The thing I'm worried about is the focal length - as I have no experience in shooting over 55mm I cannot relate to the 100mm difference in both lenses in terms of the context of which I'll be using them. For all I know 200mm could be enough for most of the race tracks and zoos I'll be visiting.

Also, if I invest the extra cash in the 70-200 f4 lens, this will leave me with less to get a decent tripod I don't have one yet) plus filters etc which I would like in order to start experimenting with landscape shots (albeit with my kit lens). However, from looking at images taken with the 70-200 f4 I have fallen in love with the image quality! The sharpness is incredible as you know, so is the contrast and so are the colours. Plus, I have seen people say that if I cropped a 200mm image taken on the 70-200 to make an equivalent focal length image of 300mm, the quality may be even better than that of the 70-300 IS USM?

I guess my question to you is which option would be best to go for given the contexts I've described, relative differences in the quality of the lenses and the experience any of you may have in these lenses (or any others you feel should be candidates)? Also, how much difference will the extra stop make at 200mm?

I suppose another consideration is the Tamron 70-300mm f4-5.6 Di VC USD which has had some fantastic reviews - however, I have seen more varied reviews than for the two Canon lenses.

Any help or advice will be much appreciated as I am finding it extremely difficult to come to a decision!

Will.
 
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Another question is which track do you plan on shooting at because the focal lives could be rather short. The 70-200 is an absolutely stunning lens very sharp and quick to focus, the 70-300 is a lovely lens which I used when I first started with photography. It is very hard decision to make from the two lenses that 200 is much much better but if you need the extra length then it can't come into the equation
 
Hi Will

I think you've summed up the differences between the 2 lenses well - and this as you know is the problem !!

As Ryan says, which track are you shooting at ?

The other factor to remeber, apart from cost and the 100mm is the IS system - this can be and is very helpful, esp if it's not practical to take a tripod. The IS could be a big help at the zoo's / wildlife parks...

Do you have the oportunity to try either lens ?
 
TheNissanMan said:
Another question is which track do you plan on shooting at because the focal lives could be rather short. The 70-200 is an absolutely stunning lens very sharp and quick to focus, the 70-300 is a lovely lens which I used when I first started with photography. It is very hard decision to make from the two lenses that 200 is much much better but if you need the extra length then it can't come into the equation
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Hi Ryan, the one I'd be shooting at most of the time is Castle Combe in Wiltshire as it is my 'local' race track. There I'm not too concerned about focal length as it is quite easy to get very close to the track. However, I will be going to a lot of car events next year (such as Trax) which will be at Silverstone, Donnington and maybe others.

gridlock said:
I've got deja vu. The last thread I read was
http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?p=4255204#post4255204

(but while I'm here, +1 for the 70-200 from me)
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Thanks for the link, sorry I didn't spot it before!

andyred said:
Hi Will

I think you've summed up the differences between the 2 lenses well - and this as you know is the problem !!

As Ryan says, which track are you shooting at ?

The other factor to remeber, apart from cost and the 100mm is the IS system - this can be and is very helpful, esp if it's not practical to take a tripod. The IS could be a big help at the zoo's / wildlife parks...

Do you have the oportunity to try either lens ?
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Hi Andy,

Thanks, yes Canon distinguish their lenses very well!

As above, Castle Combe in Wiltshire will be the main circuit but also some much larger tracks such as Silverstone, Donnington, etc.

That's a good point about IS and zoos/wildlife parks. Also, due to my budget, if I bought the 70-200 I'm not sure I'd have enough for a tripod, which is something I would like to get to dive into the world of landscape photography :)

Unfortunately I don't know anyone with either lens, and because I'd like to buy online I'm not sure if there is a way I could try them out?
 
You could hire one ?

For Silverstone, think. 300mm would be the minimum for most areas. I've shot the grand prix with my 70-300IS and managed, certain think id have struggled with my 70-200. There were certain times I wish I'd more than 300 there.

Not sure if this is a help ...
 
Yeah that's a good point, I'll have a look at the hiring options. Which lens were you referring to to hire? The 70-200?

It is a help, thanks I appreciate it.

Just out of interest, if you have shot a lot at race tracks, what tends to be the focal length range roughly used? From looking on people's photos on Flickr not many people go far above 200mm unless they are at Worldwide events such as F1 or larger tracks like Silverstone - I won't be going to F1 in the next few years and Silverstone only once a year..
 
Will James said:
Yeah that's a good point, I'll have a look at the hiring options. Which lens were you referring to to hire? The 70-200?

It is a help, thanks I appreciate it.

Just out of interest, if you have shot a lot at race tracks, what tends to be the focal length range roughly used? From looking on people's photos on Flickr not many people go far above 200mm unless they are at Worldwide events such as F1 or larger tracks like Silverstone - I won't be going to F1 in the next few years and Silverstone only once a year..
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Hi I'll have a look and let you know. My local circuit Oulton park, I generally use the 70-200 there and sometimes the 70-300 or 300 prime - depends on what's running and where I am / what shot I want., but at Oulton you can get very close to the track.

If you purchased the 70-300 IS I don't think you'd be disappointed and you'd be able to sell on at a good price, should the need / funds allow an upgrade in the future.
 
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I have the 70-300 IS and I think it's ok but there are a couple of issues... the USM isn't the sort that allows manual focus in AF mode and the front rotates but other than that I think that the IQ is ok and the IS is good even if a bit vocal and it allows you to pan and this could be very handy for motorsport.
 
Just to throw a spanner in the works, have you considered the Tamron 70-300 VC USD, that is meant to be better than the Canon 70-300 but not as good as the 70-200 f4. Benefits over the 70-300 are that the front element doesn't rotate and it is slightly sharper according to reviews.
 
andyred said:
Hi I'll have a look and let you know. My local circuit Oulton park, I generally use the 70-200 there and sometimes the 70-300 or 300 prime - depends on what's running and where I am / what shot I want., but at Oulton you can get very close to the track.

If you purchased the 70-300 IS I don't think you'd be disappointed and you'd be able to sell on at a good price, should the need / funds allow an upgrade in the future.
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Thanks Andy, much appreciated! That's a good point about upgrading in the future, also I'll learn if I need the extra 100mm or not in the future.

woof woof said:
I have the 70-300 IS and I think it's ok but there are a couple of issues... the USM isn't the sort that allows manual focus in AF mode and the front rotates but other than that I think that the IQ is ok and the IS is good even if a bit vocal and it allows you to pan and this could be very handy for motorsport.
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Hi Alan, thanks for the input. What's the disadvantage of the front of the lens rotating?

CSB said:
Just to throw a spanner in the works, have you considered the Tamron 70-300 VC USD, that is meant to be better than the Canon 70-300 but not as good as the 70-200 f4. Benefits over the 70-300 are that the front element doesn't rotate and it is slightly sharper according to reviews.
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Hi Sam, thanks for the help. Yes I am considering it, it seems like a cracking lens. However, I have no experience of Tamron (are they generally good compared to Canon?) and haven't personally heard from anyone that has that lens. Do you have the 70-300 VC USD?
 
With 200mm you'll be stuck for fences at Quarry, and the top straight leading into the chicane (bobbys?) will leave you short without a media bib.
 
You'll be lucky to get anything worth while at silverstone or donnington with a 300mm. Both circuits have gone safety fence mad and there's limited options to get close to the track unless you're shooting through the fence. I was using a 300mm f2.8 and 2x TC this year at Silverstone for the WSB's.

As for lens choice. The 70-200mm f4 is a very good lens, sharp and takes stunning images, also takes the 1.4x TC very well (but that's additional ££). The canon 70-300mm f4-5.6 IS is a great gem of the lens, when it first came out canon uk couldn't keep up with the demand.

If your budget is limited, say £300-500, I would recommend looking at the 2nd hand market. Mbp photography has a sigma 100-300mm f4 (used) for £559 lst time I looked, on par with the canon L lens, its sharp and takes a very good pic. Also have a look at ffordes, mifsuds, camtech, digital depot, park camera's, they also have good selections of used equipment. You might get abit extra for your £££ rather than buying new.

Another alternative (used) on a budget is the sigma 120-400mm f4.5-5.6 OS

But it depends on your ££, but you don't need to buy now, the racing season doesn't start for a couple of months, so more time to build up your ££
 
I have the 70-300mm IS. I never use manual focus unless I'm taking macro, so it doesn't apply to this lens for me. I do find the IS very useful for panning shots with a slower shutter speed and use it far more than my Sigma 70-200mm f2.8 non OS for motor sports. I haven't used the Canon 70-200 f4 and although the picture quality is excellent I don't think it could replace the 70-300mm IS for me.
 
Will James said:
Unfortunately I don't know anyone with either lens, and because I'd like to buy online I'm not sure if there is a way I could try them out?
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How far away from Castle Combe are you?

I'm currently slobbing over my coffee in the next door village, and I'm more than happy to meet up for an afternoon between now an Jan 5th to let you have a quick play with a couple of equivalent lenses.

Regarding the 200 v 300 issue, I might have a solution that would solve that. PM me.
 
The 70-200 is my bread and butter lens, I use it for motorsport (1.3x crop), portraits and landscapes. I didn't want to lose image quality for the sake of my reach and if you're not shooting professionally you can experiment and get slightly different shots.
 
Will James said:
Hi Alan, thanks for the input. What's the disadvantage of the front of the lens rotating?
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The only issue is that if you want to use filters it could make things difficult. Other than that it doesn't really matter.
 
Will James said:
Hi Sam, thanks for the help. Yes I am considering it, it seems like a cracking lens. However, I have no experience of Tamron (are they generally good compared to Canon?) and haven't personally heard from anyone that has that lens. Do you have the 70-300 VC USD?
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I've not used the Tamron 70-300 VC USD, but I do have the Tamron 17-50 and I used to have the Tamron 55-200 which are both great lenses, especially the 17-50 which is excellent.
 
TheNissanMan said:
With 200mm you'll be stuck for fences at Quarry, and the top straight leading into the chicane (bobbys?) will leave you short without a media bib.
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That's a good point - but I guess the question is by how much? (i.e. would it be a usable shot if cropped at 200mm - assuming I bought the 70-200)

pete.rush said:
You'll be lucky to get anything worth while at silverstone or donnington with a 300mm. Both circuits have gone safety fence mad and there's limited options to get close to the track unless you're shooting through the fence. I was using a 300mm f2.8 and 2x TC this year at Silverstone for the WSB's.

As for lens choice. The 70-200mm f4 is a very good lens, sharp and takes stunning images, also takes the 1.4x TC very well (but that's additional ££). The canon 70-300mm f4-5.6 IS is a great gem of the lens, when it first came out canon uk couldn't keep up with the demand.

If your budget is limited, say £300-500, I would recommend looking at the 2nd hand market. Mbp photography has a sigma 100-300mm f4 (used) for £559 lst time I looked, on par with the canon L lens, its sharp and takes a very good pic. Also have a look at ffordes, mifsuds, camtech, digital depot, park camera's, they also have good selections of used equipment. You might get abit extra for your £££ rather than buying new.

Another alternative (used) on a budget is the sigma 120-400mm f4.5-5.6 OS

But it depends on your ££, but you don't need to buy now, the racing season doesn't start for a couple of months, so more time to build up your ££
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Thanks for the informative reply, much appreciated. I'd say my maximum budget would be no more than £450-500 if I want to get a tripod as well (for landscape shots), so I will have a look at those companies for used lenses - thanks for the suggestions. I will also be using it at zoos/wildlife parks just as much as race tracks, maybe sometimes for portraits, therefore I don't want anything too heavy so I must take this into account too. Regarding building up £££, I'm a student (albeit in my final year of Uni) so until I start work (graduate in July) from at least July next year I won't have any extra funds.

Strangways said:
I have the 70-300mm IS. I never use manual focus unless I'm taking macro, so it doesn't apply to this lens for me. I do find the IS very useful for panning shots with a slower shutter speed and use it far more than my Sigma 70-200mm f2.8 non OS for motor sports. I haven't used the Canon 70-200 f4 and although the picture quality is excellent I don't think it could replace the 70-300mm IS for me.
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Thanks for the input, it's valuable to hear from someone that has a 70-300 and 70-200 and has used both for track photography. I'm surprised you don't use the 70-200 more often for motor sports given its greater sharpness, but I guess that tells me a lot about the 70-300 IS USM.

Craikeybaby said:
The 70-200 is my bread and butter lens, I use it for motorsport (1.3x crop), portraits and landscapes. I didn't want to lose image quality for the sake of my reach and if you're not shooting professionally you can experiment and get slightly different shots.
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Hi, I also intend to use it for various types, especially zoos/wildlife parks and travelling next year. Which tracks have you shot at for motorsport, have you ever found the 200mm too limiting?
 
woof woof said:
The only issue is that if you want to use filters it could make things difficult. Other than that it doesn't really matter.
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Ok, thanks for clarification.

CSB said:
I've not used the Tamron 70-300 VC USD, but I do have the Tamron 17-50 and I used to have the Tamron 55-200 which are both great lenses, especially the 17-50 which is excellent.
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Oh yes I've just looked at some 17-50 2.8 images on Flickr and it seems like a cracking lens. I think I may have to try all of the main candidates out, or at least one to get a feel for the focal lengths and image quality.
 
I think the only UK tracks I haven't used it at are Knockhill and Thruxton. Yes, I have found it limiting, especially at places like Silverstone, but some of my favourite images are where I have got some extra context in the shot, I used the shorter focal length to my advantage.

If you want it as a general purpose lens rather than a pure motorsport lens that would push me more towards the 70-200.
 
I am having the same dilemma as per my previous thread!

Still not sure which to go for myself, but I am starting to like the idea of the Tamron!

But then I think I would love the L lens, then if you need the extra 100mm then get and extension tube, although it does add a fair expense!

Which lens are you thinking of getting based on what you've read?

Cheers,

Del
 
Hi Del,

It's a tricky one isn't it! At the moment I'm 90% sure I'm going for the Tamron! Not only are Park Cameras doing it for £340 at the moment, but you get £30 cashback. It comes with a hood, too. And a 5 year guarantee from Tamron! In terms of the lens itself, its a bit sharper than the 70-300 IS USM, better colours and contrast, the front element does not rotate when focusing, has a better image stabiliser and it has full time manual focus should you need it. Agreed it will never be as good image quality wise as the 70-200 but its £150 cheaper (which I will use to get a tripod). Also I wouldn't be able to afford the tripod collar for the 70-200 (extra £100).

I have realised that I need the extra 100mm for the race tracks and especially zoos/wildlife parks. If and when I can afford the 70-200 IS and a 1.4x teleconverter then I'll go for L series kit and upgrade my body. For the moment, although I'd love L glass, I can't afford the teleconverter or tripod collar so it makes sense to get the extra focal length. Plus, I've been looking at the photos taken by the Tamron and the sharpness is superb - it's a steal at £310 in my opinion.

I've learnt that unless you can afford all of the L kit in the world, there will always be trade-offs when choosing one lens over another. The Tamron is an excellent compromise between the two, and the new USD system has excellent reviews. If you look at the 70-300 VC USD group on Flickr you'll see how excellent the lens can be. For me personally, the extra 100mm and IS is worth it, as well as the fact I will also be able to get into landscape photography with a tripod :)

It all comes down to what you will use the lens for. If I had lots of spare cash I would have bought the 100-400 L !!

Hope this helps with your decision :)
 
I think I have to agree with your decision, the Tamron seems to be great value! I'll have a look at the group on Flickr, hopefully that will convince me for sure!

Thanks mate, update once you have clicked the buy button! ;)
 
Yeah it is good value but also a great quality lens :) It certainly convinced me, and all of the company and user reviews!

Will do :)
 
Just to throw another lens in the ring, how about a used Sigma 100-300mm f4 .. a mint one won't cost much more than the Tamron.

Fair enough you will lose the IS but gain a constant f4 and it works exceptionally well with the Sigma 1.4x converter should you need more length at a later date.

It really is a great lens and often overlooked because of the Canon 100-400mm.
 
I own the tamron 70-300, it's an outstanding lens for the money, I could not rate it high enough ! I also have the canon 100-400L but don't want to add to your decision making lol
 
Why don't u get a cheap 55-250 is for now? I got mine from Amazon for £127 new including delivery... Alright it's a bit plastic build but the optics are pretty good! The build quality is no where near the 70-300 is usm and the front element does rotate, it's not usm. But it's a pretty good lens for the price... And save up for a 70-200 f/2.8 or the new 100-400L f/4 is usm although the latest it's not been released yet... I don't think....
 
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lucky_13 said:
Why don't u get a cheap 55-250 is for now? I got mine from Amazon for £127 new including delivery... Alright it's a bit plastic build but the optics are pretty good! The build quality is no where near the 70-300 is usm and the front element does rotate, it's not usm. But it's a pretty good lens for the price... And save up for a 70-200 f/2.8 or the new 100-400L f/4 is usm although the latest it's not been released yet... I don't think....
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Isnt that true of the 70-300 IS USM aswell though?
 
lucky_13 said:
... And save up for a 70-200 f/2.8 or the new 100-400L f/4 is usm although the latest it's not been released yet... I don't think....
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Or the 70-300 f/4-5.6 L which is a lovely bit of gear. :thumbs:

I didn't realise Canon were bringing out a 100-400 f4 L? I have heard about a 200-400 f4 L with built in 1.4 extender but that's gonna be huge money.
 
Jackwow said:
Or the 70-300 f/4-5.6 L which is a lovely bit of gear. :thumbs:

I didn't realise Canon were bringing out a 100-400 f4 L? I have heard about a 200-400 f4 L with built in 1.4 extender but that's gonna be huge money.
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That might be the one I'm thinking off.
 
Oh and my Tamron 70-300 will be going in the for sale section soon, it is under a year old and comes with a hood.

I started photography shooting motorcycle racing after an injury stopped me racing myself, the Tamron 70-300 was the first zoom lens i purchased and have to say, it it one of hell of a lens for the price, the only reason I am moving it on is so that it can make way for another toy.

yes you could go for the Canon 70-200 L which will produce some bloody sharp pictures but dont forget, you will not only lose 100mm, the 70-200L your on about does not have IS like to Tamron does, you will have to spend a hell of a lot more to get the IS version.
 
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I'm not a canon user but i do read up on alot of camera gears and review.

Personally i would go for the 70-200 f4 L rather then the 70-300 USM. Lossing 100mm but you gain the optic and sharpness from the L glass is something I would trade off, but some may disagree and of course it depend your location and track etc.

The 70-200 f4 L is a great all around lens.
 
The Tamron 70-300 VC USD is available from Amazon.co.uk direct for £297.86 at the moment. You do get the £30 cashback if you buy direct from them. £267.86 for that lens? Bargain. :thumbs:

Lens here.

Cashback here.

That's the cheapest I've seen that lens for a while. Was £315 through Amazon direct last time I checked. Prices there do fluctuate a lot so I'd be quick to snap that up.
 
Thanks for the help everyone, really appreciate it :thumbs:

Fozzybear said:
The Tamron 70-300 VC USD is available from Amazon.co.uk direct for £297.86 at the moment. You do get the £30 cashback if you buy direct from them. £267.86 for that lens? Bargain. :thumbs:

Lens here.

Cashback here.

That's the cheapest I've seen that lens for a while. Was £315 through Amazon direct last time I checked. Prices there do fluctuate a lot so I'd be quick to snap that up.
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Kev - you just saved me £40+! I just placed my order on Amazon for the Tamron. After much thinking and debating with myself, looking at reviews and help from everyone on here I realised that by getting the Tamron lens at a steal overall cost of £267 (including £30 cashback), I am now able to get a decent tripod and some other camera accessories. That's nearly £220 cheaper than the 70-200 f4L and, even though I know it won't be optically as good, it's more suited for my uses at the moment and when I have the opportunity to build up funds in the future, I might splash out on a 70-200 2.8 and camera body upgrade. For now, I think it's sensible to go for the Tamron which is still an outstanding lens, so that I can experiment with focal lengths higher than 55mm for the first time!

Thanks everyone for the help, couldn't have asked for more advice!

Will.
 
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