Canon 70-200L vs 70-300L

[undesign]

I'm getting the itch again...and thinking of buying my first L lens and replacing the 55-250. It's served me fairly well, but it just doesn't feel "right" weight and built wise after taking off my 15-85. /shrug, whatever you need to convince yourself

Couple of points to consider -

- I want IS
- don't feel I need F2.8

I initially looked at the 70-200 F4 IS and then my I caught the 70-300L 4-5.6 IS. That extra 100mm is great (no extended needed), IQ seems on par with the 70-200 and the variable aperture doesn't bother me too much (not that big a difference vs f4 fixed).

On the downside the 70-300L is about 40% heavier and 2k more expensive.

Any experience with these lenses or advice? Thanks!

PS also considering upgrading my 550D to a 7D, but I think money spent on a better lens will serve me better for the moment...

 

[bwana]

Tough call.

I reckon in a few years you'll be back asking about the 70-200 f/2.8 IS II though.

What canon needs to do is come out with a good performing, reasonably priced, decently sized 28-300 . . . kinda like Nikon did recently.

 

[Jola]

I really like the 70-200/4L IS.

It is said to be Canon's sharpest zoom, and is weather resistant and lightweight. I carried it around a lot, perfect hiking lens.

 

[bwana]

I really like the 70-200/4L IS.

It is said to be Canon's sharpest zoom, and is weather resistant and lightweight. I carried it around a lot, perfect hiking lens.

That was before the newer f/2.8 II came out.

 

[undesign]

Thanks guys.

Apparently the 70-300 sharpness is not to be scoffed at...as a matter of fact a couple of reviews had it as trumping the 70-200 f4.

That 70-200 f2.8 IS II is a beast, too heavy and too expensive...for now at least.

I went to Orms today to look at the 70-200 f4 IS and 70-300L. I've set my heart on the 70-300L. Bulkier and heavier (although shorter), but that extra 100mm sure is enticing.

Two spanners in the wheel, Orms has a second hand 70-200 f4 IS for R8,800, which I think is a good deal...and the tripod collar for the 70-300L is another R1,500.

 

[Jola]

The tripod collar for the 70-200/4L IS is also optional - if the used one has that then it really is a bargain !

 

[undesign]

The tripod collar for the 70-200/4L IS is also optional - if the used one has that then it really is a bargain !

I forgot to ask. With or without I could probably sell it for around the same price later on. Probably easier to get away without a collar as it is approx 300g lighter than the 70-300L.

 

[undesign]

Ok so I went and bought the 70-300L...

...and now I have buyer's remorse. IQ is superb through-out the range and the IS is unbelievable, but it is HEAVY. The weight initially feels good, but it quickly becomes cumbersome. I think the weight (1050g) and bulk will make it a struggle for general usage and travel. And I want to upgrade my body sometime so it will become even worse.

I've already ruled out any 70-200 as not long enough.

So I'm thinking of returning it tomorrow and maybe getting the non-L Canon 70-300 USM...and maybe a fast prime.

 

[Dolby]

I love the heavy weight :/

Sometimes after a few hours it does get a little heavy, but I still love the solid feel and heavy weight compared to the plastic lenses

 

[bwana]

I'd be all over the 70-300 if it was just one stop faster.

 

[HelmutRS]

I have a 70-300 and love it. It is brilliant for sports photography and has a fast focus. I shoot with a 7D so the weight doesn't bother me that much. I also shoot with a external flash on the camera with thi lens. Now that gets heavy, but the shots are amazing. Keep it.

 

[HelmutRS]

I have a 70-300 and love it. It is brilliant for sports photography and has a fast focus. I shoot with a 7D so the weight doesn't bother me that much. I also shoot with a external flash on the camera with thi lens. Now that gets heavy, but the shots are amazing. Keep it.

To add, I use a gitzo monpod and that balances out perfectly. I also ordered the lens ring a few months ago and that will improve the weight distribution even more.

 

[Derrick]

Stick with the lens a little longer and see if you get used to the weight and size, perhaps take it on a trip and shoot for a few hours and see what's what?

My 70 - 200 F4 L is great and I went for it thinking the size and weight completely outweighed the lack of IS/F2.8/extra reach, but in hindsight I would've gone for a larger, heavier lens with more features.

Perhaps return the 70 - 300, then go out and rent the 100 - 400 Canon L, or maybe the 70 - 200 F2.8 with an extender and see if they meet your needs?

Otherwise pump some iron, that helped me when my dad gave me his Bigma.

 

[rorz0r]

Perhaps practice with one of these:

(more here)

 

[undesign]

Thanks guys! Maybe I should go to the gym more often.

I used it for two days and in the end it wasn't that difficult a decision. It's a great lens, but just doesn't work for me as a casual shooting lens. I prefer the same weight range as my 15-85, which is approx 600g, solid yet comfortable.

So I went back to Orms this morning, paid in R500 and walked away with -

1) 70-300 non-L
2) 50 1.4
3) Canon Legria HF M46 camcorder

...feels like Christmas.

 

[bwana]

I have a 70-300 and love it. It is brilliant for sports photography and has a fast focus. I shoot with a 7D so the weight doesn't bother me that much. I also shoot with a external flash on the camera with thi lens. Now that gets heavy, but the shots are amazing. Keep it.

Maybe I've been spoiled by 2.8 lenses but I'm not sure I could really see myself using this lens often enough for sports.

 

[ChrisJ]

When I first got my 100-400 a few years ago, I wondered how I was going to manage the extra weight having come from the very light 70-200 f/4. But over time I have come to love it and now I hardly notice the weight.

 

[HelmutRS]

Perhaps practice with one of these:

(more here)

LOL

 

[HelmutRS]

Thanks guys! Maybe I should go to the gym more often.

I used it for two days and in the end it wasn't that difficult a decision. It's a great lens, but just doesn't work for me as a casual shooting lens. I prefer the same weight range as my 15-85, which is approx 600g, solid yet comfortable.

So I went back to Orms this morning, paid in R500 and walked away with -

1) 70-300 non-L
2) 50 1.4
3) Canon Legria HF M46 camcorder

...feels like Christmas.

Got myself the 50mm 1.2 yesterday, going to try is out today. A bit worried it might be too heavy and thinking of taking shots with my Iphone. Lol, only joing but can't wait for to use the kickass glass.

 

[undesign]

Got myself the 50mm 1.2 yesterday, going to try is out today. A bit worried it might be too heavy and thinking of taking shots with my Iphone. Lol, only joing but can't wait for to use the kickass glass.

Nice lens, enjoy!

I'm very impressed with the 1.4 so far.