Canon 70-300 IS.....Comments please.

01/03/2006 11:32:42 PM · #1

My 20D (w/18-55) and the Tamron 28-75 should be arriving tomorrow, January 4 (fingers crossed) - already have the Canon 50 1.8 II.

Would not the Canon 70-300 f4-5.6 IS (not the DO version) fit in nicely with what I (will soon) have?

01/04/2006 01:05:10 AM · #2

Yep, these were shot with the 70-300 f4-5.6 IS...

ShutterPug

Canon EOS-6D

01/04/2006 01:27:23 AM · #3

It sure would fit in. Or, you might consider the lens I just got yesterday, the Canon EF 70-200mm f/4.0L USM....check out the pics I shot with it on a gloomy day:

New lens - new pics

Message edited by author 2006-01-04 01:27:39.

Prof_Fate

01/04/2006 01:31:53 AM · #4

Interesting info on that lens here. It does not appear to still be made - b&h does not list it. I see it on teh web at $500 or so at other places though.

My thoughts: early IS system, plastic build, most likely not coated optics (a factor for the rear lens on a digital camera), the front lens rotated when focusing (newer lenses do not do this, a PITA when used with a polarizer filter), older USM NOT the same as current USM. Basically, older technology - if you can get it cheap then go for it.

Consider the the Canon 70-200 F4L for $564 after rebate, and you might double that rebate too (see the canon site on the rebage offer). This is a great lens. You can add a 1.4x extender and get the 300mm 5.6 of the other lens, but modern coatings and a much better lens.

Alternately, consider the Sigma 70-300 4-5.6 APO DG which has had a price reduction - Now only $199. This is an excellent lens, optically speaking, and a great value.

I may be selling mine as i recently got a Tamron SP70-210 2.8 LD - an older lens like the canon IS, and it has some of the same drawbacks - (rotating front lens, no coatings). but it is a 2.8 lens...

lwkimages

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

01/04/2006 01:32:18 AM · #5

There's quite a debate going on concerning the relative merits of the 70-300 f4-5.6 IS vs. the 70-200 f4 L. So much so, in fact, that I decided to buy the 70-300 and determine for myself whether or not to keep it and sell my 70-200, ...or vice-versa. Well, it's been a week that I've owned the 70-300 and, while I haven't had the opportunity to take any "meaningful" photos with it yet, I've taken numerous random shots of stuff around my house, and am convinced. The IS and sharpness of that lens are incredible - considering the relatively low price.

Anyone looking for a mint Canon 70-200 f4/L? Mine's going up on eBay in a couple of days.

lwkimages

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

01/04/2006 01:36:25 AM · #6

Originally posted by Prof_Fate:

Prof_Fate, that's the 75-300, not the 70-300 that casualguy is asking about...

01/04/2006 01:59:03 AM · #7

I did the same thing. I sold my 70-200 f4L and 1.4x teleconverter and bought the 70-300 IS. It's just as fast as my previous combination, just as sharp, more compact, and has IS. Now if only it had the build quality of an L lens... :-)

Originally posted by lenkphotos:

theSaj

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

01/04/2006 02:08:54 AM · #8

What about the 28-300mm f/3.5-6 IS

???

Bud

Canon EOS-550D Rebel T2i

Sigma 18-250 f/3.5 - 6.3 DC OS HSM

01/04/2006 04:09:22 AM · #9

I plan to buy the 70-300IS in a few months, after doing all my research. It just seems that it beats the 70-200 and the IS more than compensates for being a slower lenses.

doctornick

Apple iPhone 13 Pro

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

01/04/2006 07:39:25 AM · #10

Originally posted by Prof_Fate:

What are you talking about??? The Canon 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS lens is one of the latest Tele zooms by Canon and marketed in October 2005. Much better than the older versions.

casualguy

01/04/2006 08:39:23 AM · #11

Originally posted by casualguy:

As a follow-up.....

I found this paragraph on the Canon web site:

"The EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM telephoto zoom lens has been developed to meet the high-performance standards that today's photographers demand. Improved Image Stabilizer Technology provides up to three stops of "shake" correction, and the "Mode 2" option stabilizes images while panning with a moving subject. Compared to the original Canon EF 75-300mm IS zoom lens, this telephoto lens has faster autofocus, and overall the lens is lighter and has a smaller diameter than the original. The zoom ring can be locked at the 70mm position, making this powerful lens easy to transport, too. "

Next question:
Realistically, how many STOPS can the IS compensate for?

Prof_Fate

01/04/2006 11:13:38 AM · #12

Sorry...75 or 70...it's all numbers, just like price ;)

The say 3 stops - so if you should hold a 300mm on a 1.6x crop at 1/500, the three stops would mean 1/125.

And really, this lens is as sharp and 'fast' as a 70-200 4L?

lwkimages

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

01/04/2006 02:31:47 PM · #13

Originally posted by Prof_Fate:

...
And really, this lens is as sharp and 'fast' as a 70-200 4L?

The AF is not as fast, but it appears as sharp as the 70-200 4L (at least to my old eyes :-). I bought it because I was looking for something in the 200-300 range to hand hold at weddings. I didn't want to spend three times as much for the 70-200 2.8L IS, at least not until I make enough to pay for it...

01/04/2006 02:45:33 PM · #14

I totally agree...and my eyes aren't as old as Len's! :-)

EDIT to add that the 70-300 seems to hunt for focus a little more than the 70-200 did. I can live with that though, since the 70-300 is so much easier to travel with.

Originally posted by lenkphotos:

The AF is not as fast, but it appears as sharp as the 70-200 4L (at least to my old eyes :-).

Message edited by author 2006-01-04 14:47:53.

casualguy

01/05/2006 11:48:17 PM · #15

Originally posted by casualguy:

Well..... I NOW HAVE MY NEW EQUIPMENT!! - I really like the combination of 20D & Tamron 28-75 lens, feels great in my hands, nice balance.

I am still considering adding the Canon 70-300 IS (mentioned earlier) - Question: Would this lens be limited to mostly outdoors - or does the 'IS' work so well that I could pull off usable (non-flash) indoor shots (gymnasium lighting) using higher ISO's?

01/05/2006 11:53:32 PM · #16

The IS won't help much if you're trying to photograph action in low light, such as sports in a gym. I've only used the 70-300 IS outdoors.

Originally posted by casualguy:

I am still considering adding the Canon 70-300 IS (mentioned earlier) - Question: Would this lens be limited to mostly outdoors - or does the 'IS' work so well that I could pull off usable (non-flash) indoor shots (gymnasium lighting) using higher ISO's?

lyta

Canon EOS-40D

Sigma 20mm f/1.8 EX Aspherical DG DF RF for Canon

01/06/2006 12:42:49 AM · #17

I have the lens 70-300 IS and so far I'm very pleased. Got it just before Xmas. I've used it on very gloomy days with both high and low ISO. I really wanted the 70-200mm 4L, but I'm out and about with out a tripod too much and wanted the extra 100mm. I've been very pleased. I'm looking forward to using it once motorcycle weather hits - I take photos while riding on the back of hubby's bike.

yido

Canon EOS-5D

01/06/2006 09:40:23 PM · #18

Originally posted by lyta:

Wow, I remember your post, so you did go for the 70-300IS. Glad to hear that you are enjoying your lens.

strangeghost

Canon EOS-7D