My eyes are bigger than my wallet. Help!

BrownSparrow

BrownSparrow

BrownSparrow

Associate
Joined
29 Nov 2004
Posts
303
Location
Omnipresent
I need a little advice, i'm in the market for a zoom lens to complement my 40D and my f1.4 50mm but i'm having trouble with the 'ohhhh if i just spend just another £200 i can have xyz' factor, which is something i'm sure one or two of you may have experienced!

I want a zoom that can cover a lot of subjects, i.e. candids, wildlife, sports etc, so i initially looked at the Canon EF 70-200mm f/4.0L USM as it can be had for around £380. I was looking at the 70-200mm L lenses as i thought they would give me a good usable range, great quality, and feel its best to invest my hard earned into the best glass i can afford.

The problem is i have seen the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM for £850, with the cashback offer that falls to £775! It's a bit more than i want to pay but to be fair it seem to be a bargain!

What advice/comments would those of you who have 70-200mm L glass have for me? Which is the pick of the bunch? Is IS a must have? Will i regret not going for the 100-400 or would that lens be too much too soon for a relative beginner such as myself. A lot of questions i know, but i really would appreciate any advice you can spare.

Over to you..:D
 
The 100-400 was my first big lens (I tell a lie....I had a 70-300 mk 1 or 2 for about a month) and once you figured out the best way to hold it and how the IS works it is an awesome lens! Definately worth it for £775! You may even be able to pick up a 2nd hand one for £700 :)
 
I owned a 100-400 for 4 years and it's a superb lens for motorsport and wildlife. I would personally spend the extra and get it. I've just sold mine for £720 :)

The 70-200 does produce better quality images but it's too short for the above.
 
Damn you little devils with your tales of tempting shiny things!!:D

How did you get on with the push-pull zoom? Does it take a while to get used to it?
 
BrownSparrow said:
How did you get on with the push-pull zoom? Does it take a while to get used to it?
Click to expand...
It doesn't take long and I actually liked it.

I have a twist zoom lens as a replacement and it is taking a little while get used to, the push-pull design does make is easier to quickly change focal lengths.
 
BrownSparrow said:
I know this will sound stupid but is it physically a (relatively) large lens? Is it going to fit in my Mini trekker AW?
Click to expand...
Yup, it fits no probs :)

SDK_lowe_pro-mini-trekker-aw.jpg
 
Or you could get a 70-300 IS, works great on a crop sensor, does ok on my 5D as well, much smaller, lighter and easier to handle. Plus saves you a lot money. Plus gives more range than the 70-200.
 
Thanks for the pics SDK!

9designs2 said:
Or you could get a 70-300 IS, works great on a crop sensor, does ok on my 5D as well, much smaller, lighter and easier to handle. Plus saves you a lot money. Plus gives more range than the 70-200.
Click to expand...

I have looked at few of these lenses but i feel that even though i am a relative beginner, its best to invest in the best glass i can for the quality of the shots and for depreciation. Some may feel that's not the best way to go about it and what's the point if you haven't got the skills to make the most of it. What do you and those reading this post think?
 
I think you have to be realistic, and buy with in your means. Forums are full of snobbery and it's easy to get caught up in it. At the end of the day, it's the guy or girl holding the camera that takes the picture, not the size of the hardware they are packing !

What will you do with the pictures once taken.... view on a PC screen or enlarger to 20x16 and put in an exhibition ?

It's a hobby about enjoying the art of taking pictures. Will anyone be able without an EXIF file, tell what lens was used.... I think not.
When cost is not a worry or issue, for sure buy the best, because you can !
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom