Advise for a newbie please!! :-)

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jennytamzin

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Jenny
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Hi everyone,

I am new here but have learnt so much from reading through the threads already. Anyway, I am in need of some advise! I brought my first dslr the other day...a 500D with 18-55 kit lens. Was a bit overwhelmed when first got it out the box and started it up but slowly gaining confidence...only used auto so far but going to work through the settings slowly try to teach myself.

Anyway, I need a zoom lens as I will be using it to photograph my husband doing triathlons and playing football. I have found the following two lenses second hand nearby but after loads of research on the internet I just can't decide which one will suit me best.

Canon EF 70-300 f/4-5.6 IS USM (asking 340)

Canon 70 - 200 mm f/4 L USM (asking 350)

Both in excellent condition. Would really appreciate any help with deciding :)
 
Both are cracking lenses, the 70-200mm f4 is a great lens, the first zoom I purchased with my 20D. Very sharp, quick focusing and a real gem of a lens and L series too boot, not too heavy either.

As I said either would do, the prices looks very good in my opinion, depends if you need the extra 100mm or want the faster lens.

I assume this is the 70-300mm they are offering, canon have produce several lenses of the 70/75-300mm ilk and the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens is the best of the lot by far.

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-70-300mm-f-4-5.6-IS-USM-Lens-Review.aspx

If I was you, I would probably go for the 70-200mm f4, its a better lens, you can also use a canon 1.4x TC with this lens and still use autofocus on your camera when combined with a TC (teleconverter).

A teleconverter increase you focal length by 1.4x so the 70-200mm + 1.4x TC would become a 98-280mm f5.6 (you lose an f-stop of light (aperture)), but would leave that for a later purchase.
 
Many thanks for your reply and great advice...I was going to go for the 70-300 because I thought the IS would be good for moving subjects but from reading other threads I think I was wrong and it won't make any difference. That sways me towards the L lens!
 
No contest, you gotta get the 70-200 f4 L

I had a 75-300 at first & then got a 70-200L..........absolute revelation! Even from day one my shots were so much better, and that's as a beginner.

Only drawback is you then want an even longer lens for wildlife & end up lusting after more & more expensive glass :bonk:
 
Hi

The IS can help with moving objects if you need to use a slow shutter speed, the 70-300 also gives you an extra 100mm reach (+ the IS is very usefull at this end).

Depending on how close you can get to your hubby, the 70-300 IS might be a better buy if you need the reach. The 70-300 gets very good reviews, but I think you'd be happy with either lens

BTW http://www.camerapricebuster.co.uk/prod60.html the 70-300 IS is only £390 brand new, so unless the 2nd hand one you've found is mint and reasonably new, for the extra £50 I'd buy new with a full warrenty :thumbs:

Hope this helps, but I doubt it does :)
 
The 70-200 f4 is a cracking lens, I've had some great shots out of it. I've not used the 70-300 though.

The benefit of the 70-300 is obviously the longer reach, for sports you will want to freeze movement, so you will more than likely have the shutter speed fast enough that IS isn't needed.

The benefit of the 70-200 is the wider aperture, which will allow you to get the faster shutter speeds needed to freeze the action for sport and as an L lens the build quality and image quality should be better.
 
I would say go for the 70-33mm IS USM simply for the extra reach and the IS.

IS doesn't help with moving subjects but it does allow you to use a slower shutter speed in a dimly lit environment.

I have this lens and it is very good and I think most people would say that as well.
 
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