Consolidate my kit to a 70-300 f4-5.6 L IS

[2sanstef]

I am having some thoughts about rationalising my camera kit as nowadays I tend to carry a Crumpler shoulder bag rather than a rucksack as it saves weight, is easier to access and doesn't scream "photographer" out to everyone.

My typical day kit would be my 17-40 f4 my 70-200 f4 IS together with a 1.4x and depending on where I am going my Macro comes along as well. This tends to leave my 300 f4 IS sitting at home in the cupboard most of the time.

So thought is to consolidated the 70-200 and the 300 into a 70-300 f4-5.6 L. A big decision as this option loses me 1 f stop however I will always have that extra reach without fiddling around with a converter. This lens gets some brilliant reviews when paired with a 7D and it sounds like an ideal solution.

I love photographing dragonflies, bees, flowers, abstract and all things nature but not birds as even the 300 is not long enough and when paired with the 1.4 the image quality even in good light with a solid monopod/bean bag is naff.

Your opinions would be useful in helping me to make this difficult decision.

[Hereford_EOS]

Re: Consolidate my kit to a 70-300 f4-5.6 L IS

My review

The 70-300mm L lens is probably the best lens that I have ever owned, superb.

[MX5]

Re: Consolidate my kit to a 70-300 f4-5.6 L IS

As you'll lose the reach of the 300 plus 1.4x --- Don't be tempted to try the 1.4x Extender on the 70-300L ... I'm told it fits okay ... it will mount if the lens is set to 250mm or more (and work) ... but zoom below 250 and you'll hear strange noises and your camera and lens will be off to Elstree. I've seen a few reports of people trying just this!

Everything I've seen taken with the 70-300L has impressed me.

[S_J_P]

Re: Consolidate my kit to a 70-300 f4-5.6 L IS

I'd personally keep the 300 f/4 IS for it's quality and speed, but something which may help your decision is Canon's Winter-Cashback, Amazon are selling the lens for a very reasonable £1,025 which with Canon's rebate comes down to £945

[Muscat]

Re: Consolidate my kit to a 70-300 f4-5.6 L IS

I have the lens and love it, it has great IQ and is physically smaller than the 70-200 family. For the extra reach as a 1.4x or 2.0x will not fit this lens I invested in a 400 f5.6

[2sanstef]

Re: Consolidate my kit to a 70-300 f4-5.6 L IS

Thanks everyone, made a decision to sell the 300mm and have a good offer from MPB now need to look around for a 70-300.

[2sanstef]

Re: Consolidate my kit to a 70-300 f4-5.6 L IS

Been looking for further reviews on the 70-300 f4-5.6 L IS and came across this one:

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/R...ns-Review.aspx

[Nathaniel]

Re: Consolidate my kit to a 70-300 f4-5.6 L IS

Depends on what you wish to photograph- your main interest subject. As I am keen on wild life and in UK,birds are more the "prey" to be "hunted" and photographed,I need a reach beyond 300mm. Hence I have the 300mm f4L IS prime lens to which I can attach the 1.4 extender and get a reach of 672mm (with the crop factor). This is enough for me mainly because I cannot carry heavier lenses like the 400mm or 500mm lenses. With the 70-300mm one is restricted to 300mm at its maximum. However the 70-300mm lens is an excellent one. Once again it depends on what you wish to photograph.

[2sanstef]

Re: Consolidate my kit to a 70-300 f4-5.6 L IS

Depends on what you wish to photograph- your main interest subject. As I am keen on wild life and in UK,birds are more the "prey" to be "hunted" and photographed,I need a reach beyond 300mm. Hence I have the 300mm f4L IS prime lens to which I can attach the 1.4 extender and get a reach of 672mm (with the crop factor). This is enough for me mainly because I cannot carry heavier lenses like the 400mm or 500mm lenses. With the 70-300mm one is restricted to 300mm at its maximum. However the 70-300mm lens is an excellent one. Once again it depends on what you wish to photograph.

I have always been disappointed with this combo and found the shots were not as sharp as my 70-200 with the 1.4x. I tried tripod with static subjects fast shutter speeds and low iso and was just as disappointed. Shame because the 70-200 combo is brilliant.

[Nathaniel]

Re: Consolidate my kit to a 70-300 f4-5.6 L IS

I have had some very good and sharp pics with this combo. See my Red kite pics under "birds" in Nature photography. I agree that this is a difficult lens to master in that one must know when to switch off the IS, whether to use 1or 2 IS setting when using it;How Al servo is used when shooting birds in flight etc. I know that a prime lens always gives better results where fine definition counts. I presume it all depends on how well you know the lens. Anyway, best of luck with your 70-300mm lens. I also have the 70-200 f4L (non IS) lens and it is also very good with or without the TC.

[2sanstef]

Re: Consolidate my kit to a 70-300 f4-5.6 L IS

Nathaniel, you are right this lens provides a faster response and better results with the IS switched off, but it needs a monopod, bean bag etc to use it like this.

[Nathaniel]

Re: Consolidate my kit to a 70-300 f4-5.6 L IS

Actually, all my shots with the 300mm + TC are hand held, without a tripod/monopod etc. I use a faster TV to avoid camera shake.The main thing is to know your lens and also read the instruction manual that came with the lens. The 300mm lens is F4 & so is the 70-200mm zoom lens throughout the whole range. Anyway each one is to his/her own in this respect.

[Longshot]

Re: Consolidate my kit to a 70-300 f4-5.6 L IS

I'm doing the same with a 7D, dropped the 24-105 for the 17-55 and 70-200 f/4 IS with 1.4 extender for the 70-300 L IS. Yes you loose 1 stop but gradual where as your down to f/5.6 as soon as you put extender on plus no changing.
Graham

[2sanstef]

Re: Consolidate my kit to a 70-300 f4-5.6 L IS

Well I did it I am now the proud and very pleased owner of a 70-300 f4-5.6 L IS, its great!!

Thanks all

[Hereford_EOS]

Re: Consolidate my kit to a 70-300 f4-5.6 L IS

Well I did it I am now the proud and very pleased owner of a 70-300 f4-5.6 L IS, its great!!

Well done, enjoy your new toy.