300mm zooms - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

04/15/2007 07:55:28 PM · #1

I bought a Sigma 70-300mm apo lens about 6 months ago and for the most part, I have been happy with it. There is one thing I do not like about it and that is the slowish focusing.

So I have been looking at USM lenses. The Canon 100-300mm has caught my eye. The other choice is the 75-300mm USM. From what I can gather, the 100-300mm is a better lens and that makes sense because it does cost more.

One other option is to go heavier into debt and pick up a 70-200 f/4L. But I like the 300mm reach, so I would need a teleconverter and that just costs more.

Anyone have any experience with these lenses? Any advice?

Spork99

OM System OM-1

04/15/2007 08:12:05 PM · #2

the 70-200 f4L , even with a converter, will blow away any of the other options.

RainMotorsports

Nikon D60

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR

04/15/2007 08:14:16 PM · #3

Originally posted by Spazmo99:

the 70-200 f4L , even with a converter, will blow away any of the other options.

Plus it gives you that 140-400 advantage with a 2x.

kawesttex

Apple iPhone 11 Pro

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

04/15/2007 08:14:19 PM · #4

I used to have a Sigma 75-300, traded it towards a 70-200F4L and the 70-200 does a much better job. To the point that I can shoot full zoom with the 200mm and then crop to the same frame the 300mm gave, I got a better image. Go with the 70-200F4L!

RainMotorsports

Nikon D60

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR

04/15/2007 08:16:32 PM · #5

Originally posted by kawesttex:

True True but that 300mm crop isnt the full resolution that the actual 300mm shot would give. Although typically this is okay.

SamDoe1

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

04/15/2007 08:17:14 PM · #6

Originally posted by RainMotorsports:

Plus it gives you that 140-400 advantage with a 2x.

But you lose all AF ability (unless you have a 1D series body) due to the small max aperture (f/8).

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR

04/15/2007 08:17:39 PM · #7

You guys are hard on the pocket book. Yes I would love to have the L but it may not be in the chips for a while.

Anyone used the 100-300mm?

RainMotorsports

Nikon D60

04/15/2007 08:18:53 PM · #8

Originally posted by SamDoe1:

Originally posted by RainMotorsports:
Plus it gives you that 140-400 advantage with a 2x.

But you lose all AF ability (unless you have a 1D series body) due to the small max aperture (f/8).

Canon doesnt have any 2.0x teleconverters that are AF compatible with this lens? But eevn if they did the light does suck and would hamper all shooting anyways. Would make a great combo for stills with AF but other then that ruins it.

kawesttex

Apple iPhone 11 Pro

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

04/15/2007 08:21:50 PM · #9

Originally posted by RainMotorsports:

Originally posted by kawesttex:
I used to have a Sigma 75-300, traded it towards a 70-200F4L and the 70-200 does a much better job. To the point that I can shoot full zoom with the 200mm and then crop to the same frame the 300mm gave, I got a better image. Go with the 70-200F4L!

True True but that 300mm crop isnt the full resolution that the actual 300mm shot would give. Although typically this is okay.

You're right, but the 70-200 comes out sharper and is a much more useable photo, especially wide open.

SDW

Canon EOS-60D

Tamron AF 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di LD Aspherical IF for Canon

04/15/2007 08:38:14 PM · #10

I have the Canon 70-300 IS USM. Very good lens. Here are some examples pic taken handheld w/IS-1 at full 300mm.

pgirish007

Canon EOS-5D Mark IV

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II

04/15/2007 08:53:39 PM · #11

I have 70-200 f/4 lens, I am also happy with the sharpness and depth of color. I took this photography using that only.

Nullix

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

04/15/2007 10:55:07 PM · #12

I have the 70-200f4 and it's great, but I always find myself using the 200mm end. If you're the same way, you might want to concider the 200mm prime instead. Or if you want the length and can spare the extra $400, get the 300f4.

Just some prime ideas.

Also, Canon came out with a 70-200f4 with IS for $1,000ish. You might be interested in that.

MattO

Nikon D4

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II

04/15/2007 11:02:59 PM · #13

This week a friend of mine is sending me the 100-300 for another friend of mine to try out. I hear its not a bad lens. If you want while I have it this week I can shoot some samples for you. But I'm sure there are some samples right here on DPC

MattO

04/16/2007 10:19:55 AM · #14

Originally posted by MattO:

I would love to see some unedited samples, especially 100% crops at 300mm. There are some samples on the site but most are edited and it is hard to tell much from them. Thanks in advance.

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

04/16/2007 03:46:07 PM · #15

Bump.

Anyone have any hands on experience with the Canon 100-300mm?

Bobster

Canon EOS-20D

04/17/2007 07:01:41 AM · #16

i've an old canon 75-300mm USM and it blows away my Sigma 70-300mm when it comes to speed and accuracy of focusing..