Sorry, It's another one of those make my mind up for me threads

Barrysprout

Barrysprout

Messages
6,788
Name
Colin
Edit My Images
No
I'm going to be buying a new telephoto lens soon. It won't be something I use an awful lot as most of the time I shoot landscape or macro.
I did have a lot of fun taking street shots at the fringe festival and I sometimes make use of a longer lens for wildlife. For these shots at the moment I have been using my 18-200mm IS lens which was part of a 50D kit.
The decision part comes down to whether I should go for a 70-200 f4 L non IS and gain a lot in IQ or go for a 70-300 IS and gain slightly in IQ but also in reach whilst retaining IS.

So decide for me please. Or offer opinions if you prefer. Please.
 
If it were me I'd go for the 70-200 f/4.
If it's anything like the Nikon lens, it'll be brilliant (I have it on good authority from a Sun togger mate of mine who uses one of these - Canon lenses - that it's very good indeed).

Only you can decide if the extra reach is something you need. I have access to all sorts of lenses but haven't gone beyond a 70-200 in over five years...
 
Thanks Rob. The only time I can think of that I wanted extra reach was when travelling back from Lewis and some dolphins were following the ferry. So I don't desperately need it.
Would I be right in thinking a 1.4x extender could be used with the f4? Would that move it to f5.6 and retain AF?
If that is correct then it's something I could add if I ever felt the need.
How much difference would the IS make to me?

Last questions not directed straight at you Rob as I know you use that other camera stuff. :)
 
I have both the 70-200 f4 IS and the 1.4x extender so may be in a position to help. Yes it moves to f5.6 and yes it retains AF. Having the IS can be indespensible at times and gives more flexibility.

IQ is still excellent with the 1.4x extender.
 
My choice would be the 70-200/4 and indeed it was my choice, I use one all the time. It's a very fast focussing lens and is extremely sharp. When coupled with an EF x1.4 converter you'll retain AF on your 50D as you rightly say due to the effective aperture being f/5.6. There's no noticeable drop in quality with this combination either.
 
Thanks both for confirming that for me.
Richard is it the non IS version you have?
If so do you regret not having IS?
 
It's the non-IS version I have and no I don't regret going for this one over the IS one. Non of my lenses have IS and I don't find it an issue.
 
OneTen said:
It's the non-IS version I have and no I don't regret going for this one over the IS one. Non of my lenses have IS and I don't find it an issue.
Click to expand...

thanks, I was hoping you would say that as I am swaying towards the L and my budget won't stretch to the IS version. In fact my budget doesn't really exist until I sell the 18-200.
 
forget about IS imho . you would need it in lanscapes/ macro the same as sports needs hdr.
+ i'm no bird tog, but I think that - if the light is ****** no IS will help you. you need fast shutter speeds and that can be attained with f2.8 or high iso .
 
Another vote here for the 70-200 F4 L.
I bought one at the beginning of the year and don't regret it one bit.
Its a very versatile lens and produces some stunning images even on my 1000D.

No IS doesn't bother me, if I need stability I use the tripod.

Next on my list will be the 1.4 converter.

Go for it mate, you won't regret it!!!!!
 
Thanks everyone. So the early vote count says I will be getting the L lens. Not a huge surprise I suppose and not really likely to change with more votes I reckon.
 
Ive had the 70-300 and i now have the f4 with IS, its such a beauty of a lens it's a no brainer for me!

havent tried to non IS but I love IS on my lenses so I wouldnt go without given the choice
 
I will never sell my f/4 non IS :nono:

Super impressed with it for over 3yrs, once you have one you will find yourself adapting your shooting style to suit it's stunning ability's :D

Sports, portraits, product, fashion, street, the list just goes on, it's a winner for me.

Steve
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top