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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> quality of Canon 70-300 DO IS f4.5-5.6 at 200mm?
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AuthorThread
 03/20/2005 05:55:22 PM · #1
Ok, I am having a bit of a dilemma. I was entirely set on getting the Canon 70-200 F4, but then I stumbled across the 70-300 DO IS. It's small size and longer reach were very appealing to me.
But alas, nothing this good can come without a price. Almost all of the reviews I've read say that the lens is soft at the 300 end, but I began to wonder, so what? If the 70-300 at 200mm is as good as the 70-200 at 200mm, then the extra hundred mm are only an addendum, albeit soft addendum.
I could keep the 70-300 at 200mm when I wanted to get a really crisp, sharp shot, and that's as much reach as I would have gotten ANYWAY with the 70-200, and then I can sacrifice sharpness when I need a bit more reach.
So my question is this, does anyone on here know how the image quality of the 70-300 at 200mm compares to the 70-200 at 200mm? Some help with this dilemma would be greatly appreciated!...especially since this would be my first major lens purchase outside of the 18-55 lens kit :-p
 03/20/2005 06:01:52 PM · #2
Good question. At 200 I very much doubt the 70-300 DO would be as sharp as the 70-200 f/4 (but ready to be corrected). A 1.4 converter on the 70-200 would take it close to the range of the 70-300 and would still be crisp (though losing a stop).
 03/20/2005 06:04:50 PM · #3
I am sure most would agree that the Canon L series lens quatity is hard to beat! I can't help you with your question - but I do have the 100-400mm IS L lens and I would never give it up!
Here may be a good deal on the lens you 70-300 lens you are looking for on ebay Item number: 7502232692

ebertdj@hotmail.com
 03/20/2005 06:10:35 PM · #4
Have you also read this review?
//luminous-landscape.com/reviews/lenses/Canon-70-300mm.shtml

I also believe to have read that he had it on his camera all the time in Bangladesh, despite having a 70-200 IS with him as well.
 03/20/2005 06:13:36 PM · #5
Isn't the 70-300 DO over $1000? I decided to go with the 70-200 f4 and the 1.4x teleconverter. I figured I would be able to use the teleconverter with any L lenses I might buy in the future.
 03/20/2005 06:15:57 PM · #6
I have the 2X II converter and it will only work on my Zoom lenses not my 17-35mm L lens :(

ebertdj@hotmail.com
 03/20/2005 06:20:45 PM · #7
Originally posted by ebertdj:
I have the 2X II converter and it will only work on my Zoom lenses not my 17-35mm L lens :(

ebertdj@hotmail.com


There is a short list of lenses that work with the Canon teleconverters. Wide angle zooms and DO lenses do not work with Canon teleconverters. In my post above I was thinking about super telephoto primes such as the 300mm.

Message edited by author 2005-03-20 18:44:50.
 03/20/2005 06:29:10 PM · #8
I was just in a similar position, I had the the kit lens 18-55 but wondering which way to go. I read a lot of reviews and borrowed a ef 70-300. I'm not sure of the specs on it (f/5.6?), I was very disappointed.
I ended up buying the Canon ef 70-200 f/4L USM and I am ecstatic. Is pretty good handheld. The 70-300 was shorter and lighter, the pics looked hazy, and I needed a tripod unless it was bright, BUT that's just me.
Ordered it from B&H, it was cheaper to get it shipped from US than buy in Aus. Got it 2 days ago. Here is a quick example, don't have time to put up others yet.


EDIT:
Different model 70-300 apologies...and all that.

Message edited by author 2005-03-21 05:06:11.
 03/20/2005 06:34:19 PM · #9
As an example, one of the first shots from my 70 200 f/4 l (scary for me)

03/20/2005 08:46:33 PM · #10
Originally posted by Ecce Signum:
As an example, one of the first shots from my 70 200 f/4 l (scary for me)


wow, that's an incredible capture.

Thanks everyone for your opinions and suggestions. The primary factors that perked my interest in the 70-300 are the 3rd generation IS, which some reviews claim could allow me to get a decent 300mm shot at only 1/30, and it's small size and inconspicuous color.
Other than that, I am hands down more interested in the 70-200. My only qualms with it are its massive size and bright white color. It seems like it would be quite a load to carry around as a travel lense, and it would also (possibly) increase the chances of theft, if I was in a poorer region of the world.
But damn, all the 70-200 pictures that I've seen are AMAZING. What are the minimum speeds you could shoot at with this lense when it's not too bright and you are just handholding it?

Message edited by author 2005-03-20 20:53:19.
 03/21/2005 03:09:10 AM · #11
bump
 03/21/2005 04:22:14 AM · #12
Originally posted by datcat:
I was just in a similar position, I had the the kit lens 18-55 but wondering which way to go. I read a lot of reviews and borrowed a ef 70-300. I'm not sure of the specs on it (f/5.6?), I was very disappointed.
I ended up buying the Canon ef 70-200 f/4L USM and I am ecstatic. Is pretty good handheld. The 70-300 was shorter and lighter, the pics looked hazy, and I needed a tripod unless it was bright, BUT that's just me.
Ordered it from B&H, it was cheaper to get it shipped from US than buy in Aus. Got it 2 days ago. Here is a quick example, don't have time to put up others yet.


where in oz are you from datcat?
 03/21/2005 04:26:38 AM · #13
save your money and go for the 70-200 2.8 this lens is GOLD it will be the best money you ever spend on any lens...
 03/21/2005 04:53:04 AM · #14


Lentil,
The Hawkesbury District, at the foothills of the Blue Mountains in NSW and you?

03/21/2005 04:54:48 AM · #15
central coast nsw. Hows the weather? Getting cooler?
 03/21/2005 05:01:21 AM · #16
Yep, and I welcome the change.
03/21/2005 05:02:06 AM · #17
Originally posted by datcat:
Yep, and I welcome the change.


i love winter. well, i am off to bed. see ya
Lisa
 03/21/2005 05:04:53 AM · #18
Goodnight!
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