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Title: I think I made a mistake - 70-200mm 2.8L IS Post by: TNLisa on October 09, 2008, 06:46:50 PM Call me crazy, but I bought the 70-200mm 2.8L IS and now I think I want to return it. I just got it yesterday but have taken several shots - IT IS HEAVY and honestly, I don't see myself traveling with this lens, or even toting it around for random shots. It's huge.
I have the 40D, 17-55mm 2.8 IS, and the 85mm 1.8 --- so I am looking for a versatile zoom, but a somewhat practical one in terms of size and weight. I am a freelance photographer and shoot everything from my own kid's activities (soccer, horseback riding, dance recitals) to outdoor senior portaits and an occasional wedding. I do not do this FULL TIME for income, so that is why I really can't even justify keeping the 2.8L for those "occasional" shoots. Please recommend a zoom lens that would meet my needs (better)... Thank you so much. Lisa Title: Re: I think I made a mistake - 70-200mm 2.8L IS Post by: Bob Atkins on October 09, 2008, 11:48:17 PM The EF 70-200/4L IS USM (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000I1X3W8/bobatkinsphotogr) would seem to be the obvious choice. Smaller and lighter (and cheaper) than the f2.8 version, but it has IS, is solidly built and it's very sharp.
The EF 70-300/4-5.6 IS USM (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0007Y794O/bobatkinsphotogr) would also be a possible choice. It's a little slower (in lens speed and focus), but has a wider range. Title: Re: I think I made a mistake - 70-200mm 2.8L IS Post by: TNLisa on October 10, 2008, 06:56:55 AM Thanks Bob -
I know that you use the 70-300mm IS lens --- why did you personally pick that one over the 70-200 f/4LIS? For me it will be between these two...just really want to make a good decision (so I don't have to make another return). Title: Re: I think I made a mistake - 70-200mm 2.8L IS Post by: Bob Atkins on October 10, 2008, 11:20:50 AM I chose the 70-300IS because it's half the price and since I like to shoot wildlife, the extra reach is valuable to me. I know I could put a TC on the 70-200/4L IS, but that takes time and it's something else to carry.
The 70-300IS is also slightly smaller and slighly lighter than the 70-200/4L IS, though there's not a huge difference. The downsides of the 70-300 are the fact that it doesn't have a ring USM, so focus is a little slower, it can't take the Canon TCs, the front element rotates during focusing and there's no option for a tripod mount. Constuction, while pretty solid, isn't as good as on the "L" lens. |