70-300 usm

[@imagesBV]

I'm interested in the 70-300 usm as an alternative buy to the 70-200 f4L
Charts indicate it's not as Sharp as the 70-200 but its close to the 24-105 in sharpness so it looks like a good buy.
can anyone offer comments, have you used one?

[BT Bob]

Re: 70-300 usm

I have, in the back of my mind, an issue with this lens a few years ago. IIRC, when you used them with the camera held vertically (i.e. "portrait" mode), they were "soft".

I owned one at the time but can honestly say I never had a problem. I believe Canon did a free repair if you sent them back.

As I say - this was a few years ago, so I imagine there are no major issues with them now.

I had some great shots with mine and only sold it to embark on the "L" path to insanity and bankruptcy

As to them being as sharp as a 24-105???? I never did a comparison.

[Fr1so]

Re: 70-300 usm

The 70-300 L lens or the non L. I've heard that the non L lens, disortion has between de 200 and the 300. I have the 70-200 f/4L USM, I like it very much. Very nice lens, good IQ. You need some practise to hold de lens with camera, because it has no IS. It is great, it looks big, but it is no so heavy.

[colin C]

Re: 70-300 usm

It's a perfectly adequate lens for a first telephoto zoom, but it does need good light and fast shutter speeds to perform.

Colin

[DrJon]

Re: 70-300 usm

On the test charts (which should always be taken with a pinch of salt, as real-life stuff tends to photograph much more nicely) the 70-200 f4 + 1.4x looks a clear winner over the 70-300 (non-L):

http://the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=358&Camera=453&Sample=0&FLI=4&API=1&LensComp=404&CameraComp=453&SampleComp=0&FLIComp=5&APIComp=0

http://the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=358&Camera=453&Sample=0&FLI=4&API=1&LensComp=104&CameraComp=453&SampleComp=0&FLIComp=5&APIComp=0

Mouse-over to see 70-200, first is IS 70-200, 2nd non-IS, you can change the camera to 40D for 1.6 crop results:

http://the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=358&Camera=452&Sample=0&FLIComp=4&APIComp=1&LensComp=104&CameraComp=452&SampleComp=0&FLI=4&API=0

John

[@imagesBV]

Re: 70-300 usm

thanks for your comments, the photozone test charts are all I've seen at present I will check your links.
For the sake of £50 I guess its best to go with the L. But that extra 100mm and IS is tempting.

[djguk47]

Re: 70-300 usm

Brian,
This was taken with a 70-300 IS USM with a focal length of 70mm at f/8 and shutter speed of 1/1500


Vulture-HCT-April-2010 by djguk47, on Flickr

and this one at f/5.6 shutter speed 1/1000 and focal length of 300mm


Grey-Owl-HCT-April-2010 by djguk47, on Flickr

David

[colin C]

Re: 70-300 usm

Nicely done David.

Good examples of how it works in good light with high shutter speeds. Now the real question is how well does it perform compared to your 100 - 400mm?

Colin

[djguk47]

Re: 70-300 usm

Nicely done David.

.......... Now the real question is how well does it perform compared to your 100 - 400mm?

Colin

Now that is an unfair question....

The thing I do like about the 70-300 though is that it is obviously smaller than the 100-400 which means in some places it is not as obtrusive and can still produce good shots in good light, has good reach and is significantly less cost.
But knowing what I know now after 12 months of "hard work" I think the 70-200 with an extender is what I would go for rather than the 70-300.

The 100-400 is a dream though....

David

[colin C]

Re: 70-300 usm

He, he. It was a trick question!

Colin

[@imagesBV]

Re: 70-300 usm

Great shots David, thanks for sharing these.

Colin - Ref - 70-300 does need good light....does the 70-200L not need good light?
70-300 has IS which I would probably not shell out the extra for on the 70-200L

[colin C]

Re: 70-300 usm

The 70 - 200mm performs well in all conditions and it doesn't seem to matter which version. Either the f4 or the f2.8, with or without IS.

Colin