Canon 70-200 2.8 L IS or the 100 - 400 lens

I'd either have 70-300 L IS, or 70-200 f/2.8L NON-IS (presuming enough light) or II IS.

The ones you listed are the softest canon L telephotos at the long end. 70-200 is not that bad for portraits (less wrinkles to worry about!!!), but with 2x it would suck
 
I have the 100-400 and the 70-200 is mk2, I did contemplate getting the canon 2x to go with the 70-200 as it still AF and IS with the converter on it which would give me the same length as the 100-400.

Heard very good things about the 70-200 mk2 with a 2x on it so I think it would be the same IQ as the 100-400 now.

I think if I had to go down the rout of buying a long lens I would go the 70-200 mk2 with a 2x as that way when its just in 70-200 mode you will have a cracking lens as well, best of both worlds, only one lens to carry etc but it would need to be the MK2 for this to be ok
 
You wouldn't feel you were missing out with the f4 IS Andrew. it's a cracking lens and with a 1.4 is still very good. Unless you need the f2.8 that is.
 
I have the 70-300L and I think it is fantastic. One point to note though, is that you can't use the teleconverters on it.

I also have the 70-200L f/2.8 II which is fantastic too. I thought I would sell the 70-300 when I bought this, but I use the 70-300 more often as it is lighter and more compact, so if there's enough light, that is what I'd use.

I would like a bit more reach for birds and I have been wondering whether to get a 2x converter for the 70-200, but I am slightly put off by the weight of it. I am tempted though.

Here is link to a shot with the 70-300 http://www.flickr.com/photos/43667676@N08/9388339168/in/photostream/
 
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Mystery57 said:
Thanks for that - the II IS is out of price range.

70 - 300 will need to look into this more

Thinking aloud, because of slightly shaky hands I usually go for IS -what about the 70 - 200 F4 IS version ?
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I have a 70/200 F4L IS plus 1.4 and 2x teleconverters sitting on a 5Dmk3 (as you have), stunning combination, at the long end I am very happy with it. I did consider the 100/400 but it isn't weatherproof, the 70/200 f4 has weather sealing in the IS version. I cant see me getting a 300 or 400 prime due to cost/weight as the 70/200 is very good unless you are being super critical, I am and I still think its really good compromise of cost/weight/IQ.

Matt
 
Apparently a Kenko PRO 300 1.4 will work on the 70-300. The canon 1.4 fits but only if the lens is zoomed out to around 250mm. It then restricts the zoom movement of the lens. Not sure I'd fancy that.
 
Hi


Working on you having a crop camera and your comment re IS I am plus one for the 70-300 L glass

I had the f4 70-200 IS and the non IS 70-200 in f4 and f2.8 plus I had camera with back focus adjustment I don't think the f2.8 without being able to adjust the back focus would be a good choice

The 70-300 is close to a 5 stop IS which if you can not get high Iso may be useful

The 100-400 IS is old school and probably only two stops the seal ring wears and it sucks dust

Think you would be pleased with weight and balance of the 70-300 and it has a barrel lock that works shorter length and easy to carry

Allan
 
I have a 70-200 f2.8 IS Mk1 and I don't think that it's soft. Obviously the Mk2 is better, but a Mk1 lens and a Mk3 TC will work OK.

However, for that sort of focal length, I'm going for a 300 f4 and a 1.4TC, giving me a bit of flexibility, but the 300 has IS.

The two can be had new for around the same price as a Mk2 70-200 f2.8 IS
 
Hi Allan, thanks - the 5dMk3 is not a crop :) and has BBF

Gaz - I tried one of those Kenkos with my 100/400, felt it made the images very soft

Think Im going to weigh some of my other lenses to get a feel for the weight as the 70/300 according to charts is some 300g heaver than the 70/200 F4 is

Steve - I have a 300 F4 nice lens

Keep the comments coming guys :)
 
Mystery57 said:
Hi Allan, thanks - the 5dMk3 is not a crop :) and has BBF

Gaz - I tried one of those Kenkos with my 100/400, felt it made the images very soft

Think Im going to weigh some of my other lenses to get a feel for the weight as the 70/300 according to charts is some 300g heaver than the 70/200 F4 is

Steve - I have a 300 F4 nice lens

Keep the comments coming guys :)
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Oh man if you have a 5d3 the 70-300 on that is a dream (I had one read your other threads thought you had a 550 lol)

I hand held on the mk3 at 1/8th second no wind for motion blur fantastic combo the f2.8 I sold never worked for me on that body was great on a 7d the f4 ! Know this sounds silly it felt like a walking stick just felt looked wrong

Sold gear for health but would get a mk3 in a second if I could justify it never liked the f4 1.4x combo either lol
 
Mystery57 said:
cheers Allan - Im still as confused as ever now after this latest :)

The 550 was a good 12 months ago I probably forgot to change my details
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I am using the app so searched the threads can't see camera bag lol

Envy for the mk3 though really miss it, enjoy would for sure miss the 100-400 unless really need the reach just not made for today's camera
 
Mystery57 said:
Definitely leaning towards the 70/200 F4L IS at the moment

That's two solid votes for it, and its relatively light

Thanks everyone for your input so far, got till Monday to make my decision :)
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The 70/200 F4L IS is an amazing lens for the weight and money - I had that and the 100-400L when I shot Canon, there's lots of extra reach with the 100-400 on full frame...
 
I have both the 70-200 f4 IS and the 100-400L and I will keep both as they both suit different needs for my photography. I would say that the 70-200 f4 IS is the sharpest lens I own and it is small enough and light enough to take travelling so that's the one which goes in my bag for holidays. I've owned my 100-400L for years now and never had any dust issues, it's a great lens on my 7D for wildlife.
 
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