Canon 70-300 IS USM question?

S

stepheno

Guest
I am looking at purchasing this lens because of the IS and I can't afford L :hissyfit: . I've read reviews all over the place, including a long thread over at Fred Miranda's. I would have no hesitation except for some people experiencing softness at the long end when shooting portrait (it only happens in portrait, not lansdcape).

Also what are the pitfalls of using a circular polariser with a rotating front element?

Has anyone got this lens and if so have you any comments. Comments please even if you haven't got it.
 
I know someone who has recently got this lens and he is impressed with it.
I've heard of the softness issue but I usually avoid extreme ends of any lens.

The IS is pretty good apparently and not too noisy.

Regarding the CPF...you would need to re-adjust the filter after locking down the focus...no big deal, I do that with mine on my lenses.
 
Hi Bachs - thanks for taking the time to reply. Much appreciate your comments, and you're right about not using full zoom. I would like this lens so, really, I think I'm touting for people to dispell the softness issue.

regards
 
I had a chance to use a friends 75-300 non IS version for a few weeks, it was quite quick to focus and was acceptably sharp but only acceptably. Remember that the more expensive IS lens has exactly the same optics as the two cheaper versions. In the end I opted for the Sigma 70-300 APO, it is noticably sharper though a tad slower to focus and has a bit noisier motor.
 
Steep - is the Sigma an acceptable lens considering it doesn't have IS?

regards
 
The Sigma is a cracking lens, and probably the best value for money at the price range you can get. However, like any other lens at the cheaper end you will have to compromise in some areas depending on your intended use.

The only advantage IS will give you is a chance to hand hold at slightly lower light levels, if you want to be sure of a sharp image you still need to use a Tripod.

What do you think your main use for the lens will be, general everyday stuff or more specialised like sport?
 
I do a fair bit of sport (my boys local soccer) and then after that it's a case of what turns up. It could be landscape, town, wildlife, candids anything....but usually from a distance. Portrait is out as I'd use the 50mm. I think mainly I would be looking at IS for sport and opportunist wildlife (I don't always have my tripod with me :banghead: )

regards
 
The only thing I can tell you for definate is that neither the Sigma nor any of the 3 versions of the Canon are that quick to focus. If it's only football I reckon any of them would be ok though, as long as you have plenty of light. Fast sport like motor racing would be a different matter.
 
Steep - The new Canon 70-300 IS lens is much sharper than the previous (old) 75-300mm IS version.

There is a comparison of the new and old lens here : http://bobatkins.photo.net/photography/reviews/ef_70_300is_review.html

In summary - new (70-300) vs old (75-300)

300mm_center.jpg
 
Ah sorry, didn't realise it had been upgraded. I thought just stepheno made a mistake when he said 70-300.
 
Steep said:
I had a chance to use a friends 75-300 non IS version for a few weeks, it was quite quick to focus and was acceptably sharp but only acceptably. Remember that the more expensive IS lens has exactly the same optics as the two cheaper versions. In the end I opted for the Sigma 70-300 APO, it is noticably sharper though a tad slower to focus and has a bit noisier motor.
Click to expand...
....and I thought you were just talking generically. Thanks for the link SDK^ - that's one reveiew I haven't read. I think I will probably hold off for a while to see if Canon address the portrait issue.

Thanks all and regards
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top