Thinking of going to "L", opinions needed!

[lukechad]

Hello,

Its been a heck of a while since I was last posting on here, been a hectic 12 months with my son being born! Now its time to get back into my photography again properly!

So, I'm currently at a stage where I'm taking a few paying bookings and enquiries for friends of friends, I have a busy weekend already planned this week, some modelling shots for a local hair salon, a 21st birthday party and a christening! Certainly getting back in at the deep end!

So, since Jacob was born Ive upgraded my camera from a 1000D to a 550D, which I'm more than happy with, now its time for some new glass.

My current lenses are very standard
50mm f/1.8
18-55 IS
55-250 IS

Now, my current thoughts are as follows

a new 70-200 f/4L (Non IS) (£500)
a used 100-400 L (think there is only one) (~£900-1000)

I do like aviation photography but I think as I get more work locally that they will really be a thing of the past for a little while.

So, will I notice the loss of 50mm from my reach?
Should I really be getting IS for that zoom level?
Should I get a cheap 70-300 for the times I might find 200mm isnt enough?


Its a minefield of prices and options, obviously the 55-250 will go and the money will go towards the new lens, I just feel if I jump in and get an affordable L that I may regret not saving harder for the 100-400

 

[lukechad]

Ok thanks for your help,

The reason for starting this thread is to ask for feedback and opinions, so "you dont seem to know what you want" replies dont really help me.

I havent looked into the differences with spec and cost, but what is the big difference between the 24-70 and the 24-105? There must be a reason people choose not to have a slightly larger focal length?

Cheers

As for the question about the 550D being enough, I certainly think it will be for now, if things do take off with my photography then I'd be keeping the 550D and getting something with a full-frame, but for the foreseeable future the lens chosen will be put on the front of my 550D

 

[lukechad]

Can you post a picture that you feel really shows your lens at it finest? Which body is it used with?

I looked quickly and see obviously the 24-70 is f/2.8 as opposed to the f/4 of the 24-105.

Well I find the focal length of the 55-250 I currently have quite handy, quite good to capture a moment both near and afar when i'm capturing family moments.

I can see even high street retailers have the 70-200 f/4 for 500 quid, 100 less for a good used one.

 

[lukechad]

Ha thanks! Do you have one of what it was capable of?