70-300 f/4-f/5.6 IS versus 70-200 f/4 L

[Snap-o-rama]

I think I'm going to be in the position to start shopping for some glass soon. First priority is a new wide angle, but if the budget allows I'm also thinking of re-assessing my options at the telephoto end of things.

I currently have the Canon 70-300 F/4-f/5.6 IS which performs well enough but is a bit slow at the long end, and sometimes comes up a bit softer than would be ideal.

As an alternative, I'm thinking about the 70-200 F/4 L, on the assumption that the L series glass will be sharper, plus giving faster maximum aperture (the 70-300 can only manage f/5.0 at 200mm).

If the lack of reach becomes an issue, then I guess that the 1.4x converter is an option - even allowing for the added stop, the lens at full stretch would be no slower (and not much shorter) than my existing telezoom.

Anyone with experience of both of these lenses who can provide some advice as to how much I'm likely to benefit from changing lenses? I'm expecting that there will some degredation of image quality if I add the converter, but will it be better or worse than the 70-300?

[Piano]

I did exactly that swap about 18 months ago and got the 1.4 extender recently and I can say I've been delighted with the change. I didn't have a bad copy of the 70 - 300 from what I can make out, its just that the 70-200 IS USM is that much better. I looked at the f2.8 version but its too heavy for what I do so the f4.0 suits me fine.

Good luck.

[Lez S]

Hi Dave, I had the 70-300, many moons ago - I sold it for the 70-200 f4, BIG improvement. Even with the 1.4x, focussing is still much better - as for sharpness with the 1.4, TBH I don't really notice any significant difference................

........Buy with confidence

[Cadwell]

What to say about the 70-200mm f/4L USM.... errr... how about "I had one for years and wish I'd never sold it"? Sums it up I'd say.

[Mark W]

I can only echo the comments I had the 70-300 and really rue the day I had it total waste of money I now have the set up your after and immediately noticed the change.

[philpem]

I can only echo the comments I had the 70-300 and really rue the day I had it total waste of money I now have the set up your after and immediately noticed the change.

Hm, maybe my perception's a bit different -- I loved the 70-300IS. It was a bit sluggish to focus, but was a great starter telephoto lens. Far better than the ****ty 90-300 -- quite possibly the worst telephoto lens Canon has ever made. Chromatic aberration (both cyan and purple fringing, also a bit of magenta fringing if you're unlucky), IQ looks like you're looking through a soft-focus filter, and built like a pound-shop pocket calculator. Worst lens I ever bought (paid £150 for it, sold it on ebay and got £90 after all the fees).

Still love my 100-400 though. That and the 24-105 are the two best zoom lenses I've ever bought, and the 60mm Macro is the nicest prime lens I've seen in a while.

I'll go with the group consensus here, though: if you're looking at the 70-200f4L vs the 70-300IS, get the 70-200f4L. It's constant-aperture, a little heavier than the 70-300, but has internal USM focus (front doesn't rotate while focussing - makes it easier to use polarisers and grad filters), is built like a tank, has DAMN good IQ for what it costs, and you can use the Extender if you want a bit more range. The local university camera club has one available for members to rent, and it's always on loan to someone. I seem to recall it's weather-sealed as well (like the 24-105L), though I'm not sure about that -- check the spec-sheet. Far nicer lens, and while it's not a total steal any more, it is still very reasonably priced.

[Cadwell]

I seem to recall it's weather-sealed as well (like the 24-105L), though I'm not sure about that -- check the spec-sheet. Far nicer lens, and while it's not a total steal any more, it is still very reasonably priced.

It depends which 70-200mm f/4L you're talking about. The EF 70-20mm f/4L USM is not weather sealed, the EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM is weather sealed.

[Snap-o-rama]

Thanks for the feedback

The only problem is that it's likely to be a wee while before I'm ready to actually go shopping, but based on your comments I want to go shopping now!

[Soe]

Getting the 70-200 f/4L is the best decision (lens wise) I ever made. This lens is just a joy to use. I've shot quite a few golf tournaments with this and I absolutely love it.

[Martinlg61]

I use one on my EOS 40D and it is great. I didn't go for the IS version due to the extra cost.

[EOS-Phil]

I have the 70-200mm F4 with the 1.4 converter and its a great lens for the price.

Phil

[Mark W]

Keep away from the 300F4 also Im counting the days till that one comes out to play.