Steve'sDigicams

agiaccio · Apr 12, 2005, 10:17 AM

I'm presently looking for a sharp telephoto zoom lens for outdoor use. I'm relatively new to SLR photography (both film and digital) and have owned my Canon 20D for about 3 weeks now. With the Canon 20D, I purchased the Canon EF-S 17-85mm F4-5.6 IS USM lens and the Canon EF 50mm F1.8 II lens along with the Canon 580EX flash.

I'm now looking for a sharp telephoto zoom lens that will be used mostly outdoors. The following lens combination would be within my budget:
Canon EF 70-200mm F4.0L USM
Canon Extender EF 1.4x II

However, for about an extra $800 Canadian I'm also considering the following two additional lenses:
Canon EF 70-200mm F2.8L USM
Canon Extender EF 1.4x II

-or-

Canon EF 100-400mm F4.5-5.6L IS USM

What I really like about the first lens combination (besides price) is the light weight compared to the other two lenses. Is there any reason why the first lens combination would not be a good purchase?

gibsonpd3620 · Apr 12, 2005, 10:23 AM

I have the 70-200F4/L and the Tamron 1.4X converter. I have been able to capture great photos with this combination.

ThomasATC · Apr 12, 2005, 11:07 AM

Hi Agiaccio.

I also own the 20D with both the EFS 17-85 f4.0-5.6 IS USM and ef 50 f1.8 II. A few months ago I purchased the ef 70-200 f-2.8 IS L USM. I also tested the 70-200 f-4 L USM. Some say the f-4 is slightly sharper. I wanted the 2.8 IS version for low light situations where I could get quality hand held shots in tough conditions. But if most of your shooting is outdoors with decent light, IMHO the f-4 should be perfect for the job. The image quality is incredible. Many have no problem using the f-4 in fairly low light situations. This often depends on how steady you can hold the lens. Some people shake morethan others. Plus with the ef 50 f-1.8, you have a great low light lens already! If you don't have a need for the extra fstop or IS, the f4 version shouldserve you well and save you a lot of money.

Thomas

TTfoto · Apr 12, 2005, 12:58 PM

Sigma 100-300 f/4. Nuff said...

Thomas

CarlsPhotos · Apr 14, 2005, 3:10 AM

agiaccio wrote:

Quote:

Canon EF 70-200mm F2.8L USM
Canon Extender EF 1.4x II

Would be my choice, I've got this lens and the 100-400 but don't have the 1.4x (yet)!

Carl.

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Apr 12, 2005, 10:17 AM	#1
agiaccio Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 274	I'm presently looking for a sharp telephoto zoom lens for outdoor use. I'm relatively new to SLR photography (both film and digital) and have owned my Canon 20D for about 3 weeks now. With the Canon 20D, I purchased the Canon EF-S 17-85mm F4-5.6 IS USM lens and the Canon EF 50mm F1.8 II lens along with the Canon 580EX flash. I'm now looking for a sharp telephoto zoom lens that will be used mostly outdoors. The following lens combination would be within my budget: Canon EF 70-200mm F4.0L USM Canon Extender EF 1.4x II However, for about an extra $800 Canadian I'm also considering the following two additional lenses: Canon EF 70-200mm F2.8L USM Canon Extender EF 1.4x II -or- Canon EF 100-400mm F4.5-5.6L IS USM What I really like about the first lens combination (besides price) is the light weight compared to the other two lenses. Is there any reason why the first lens combination would not be a good purchase?

Apr 12, 2005, 10:23 AM	#2
gibsonpd3620 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Posts: 3,585	I have the 70-200F4/L and the Tamron 1.4X converter. I have been able to capture great photos with this combination.

Apr 12, 2005, 11:07 AM	#3
ThomasATC Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 116	Hi Agiaccio. I also own the 20D with both the EFS 17-85 f4.0-5.6 IS USM and ef 50 f1.8 II. A few months ago I purchased the ef 70-200 f-2.8 IS L USM. I also tested the 70-200 f-4 L USM. Some say the f-4 is slightly sharper. I wanted the 2.8 IS version for low light situations where I could get quality hand held shots in tough conditions. But if most of your shooting is outdoors with decent light, IMHO the f-4 should be perfect for the job. The image quality is incredible. Many have no problem using the f-4 in fairly low light situations. This often depends on how steady you can hold the lens. Some people shake morethan others. Plus with the ef 50 f-1.8, you have a great low light lens already! If you don't have a need for the extra fstop or IS, the f4 version shouldserve you well and save you a lot of money. Thomas

Apr 12, 2005, 12:58 PM	#4
TTfoto Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 51	Sigma 100-300 f/4. Nuff said... Thomas