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I've has my XSi for about a month now and have read WAY too many posts regarding lens options! So here I am inches away from taking the plunge for a 70-200mm F4L IS.

I just have a feeling that due to my issues with image sharpness, the 70-300mm F4-5.6 would not be able to satisfy me. My only problem may be an occasional desire for longer zoom, but I figure if I needed to, I could get the 1.4 Extender.

One dumb question: Is a 70-200mm F4L shot cropped, better quality that the equivalent 70-300mm un-cropped shot?

I plan to shoot mainly outdoors. Being in Minnesota, the weather demands a certain build quality.

So, is there anyone who thinks this is not a good investment in maximizing my photography experiences? It would be my 3rd lens and first "L".

Thanks!

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Canon XSi/450D | BG-E5 Battery Grip | Canon EF 17-40 f/4L | Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS | Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II | Canon EF 70-200 f/4L IS | Manfrotto 055XPROB | Manfrotto 488RC2

Flickr <--Comments/Favorites welcomed

yes 70-200mm f/4 IS sharpness across focal length and aperture is legendary.
the size and weight is also very good for walk around. AF speed is very fast. IS make some noise when activated, but you can always turn it off when you don't need it.

One of the best lens Canon produces, it is almost perfect!

The only imperfection i find is it is not ideal shooting moving objects in low light condition. Second, the bokeh is not as easy to achieve/better comparing to f/2.8 version.

But the f/2.8 IS version is $600 different and bigger in size/weight

The other consideration is f/2.8, without IS actually i have lil bit regret not buying this lens instead of f4 IS in the first place (because kind of photography i'm involved with is more of action and portrait).

While, the f4 IS is more about general purposes. It can do many things
and deliver excellent result, but not as best as f/2.8 version in certain
condition such as sports and portraiture.

But as your first L lens you will have (like me at that time) you'll be very satisfied.



it will be better, but u lose image resolution, if you have 12 megapixel or greater i think it won't be a problem for not so big print.

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RadiantLite - Cameras and Lenses Comparison Reviews, buying guide, photo taking techniques and other tips
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Get one, you'll never regret it!

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Canon EOS 5D Mark II | Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L USM | Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM | Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM
...and a lot of lighting stuff. -> complete list of equipment

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All the photos that I saw taken with this lens were flawless. I for one,would pay every cent for the best zoom on the market.

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Gear: Nikon D80, 18-105mm, 35mm F/1.8, 85mm F/1.8, SB-600
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Go For L Lenses & you can't go wrong with it!

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Soon.....

thanks, guys!

The final decision seems to come down to which 70-200mm L to get.

I like the weight, 4 stops advantage with IS, and build of the f4.

Is there a better case for the 70-200mm f2.8, non-IS?

How important will that 2.8 be to me, if I go with the f4?

When would it be better to have IS capabilities yet a slower lens?

Cost-wise I see they are about dead even.

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Canon XSi/450D | BG-E5 Battery Grip | Canon EF 17-40 f/4L | Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS | Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II | Canon EF 70-200 f/4L IS | Manfrotto 055XPROB | Manfrotto 488RC2

Flickr <--Comments/Favorites welcomed

I think I already posted above

Portrait and Action photography = f/2.8 without IS

Still photography either in low light or bright light,
daylight outdoor photography = f4 IS

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RadiantLite - Cameras and Lenses Comparison Reviews, buying guide, photo taking techniques and other tips
My Portfolio - Some photos from my work

thanks for the rationale, Enche!

I appreciate you taking the time.

Razvan, Nostrum & Hj Idi: you're feedback has been very valuable.

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Canon XSi/450D | BG-E5 Battery Grip | Canon EF 17-40 f/4L | Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS | Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II | Canon EF 70-200 f/4L IS | Manfrotto 055XPROB | Manfrotto 488RC2

Flickr <--Comments/Favorites welcomed

Hi everyone.
I'm new to this forum. Today I just sent out my order for the non-IS version of this lens. Cost was one of my issues. I would've loved to get the IS lens. But I will get the non-IS instead. I truly just love the Canon Cameras. This will be my very first L lens. Talk to you all later.

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Allan Love Jr

I to worship at the alter that is the 70-200mm f/4L IS!

Don't get to worried about Bokeh as the lens can produce great results.

This example is at F5.6 and hand held at 1/60 second which is a combination hard to beat!

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Canon 40D; Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM; Tamron 17-50 F2.8 XR DiII SP; Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM; Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM; Canon EF Extender 1.4x II
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http://www.flickr.com/photos/arborist/

Very impressive Arborist!

Have you had any luck with your 1.4 Extender with this lens?

Just curious, the 70-200 is plenty of range for me to explore!

BNSFrailfan-Let us know how that Non IS model works for you.

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Canon XSi/450D | BG-E5 Battery Grip | Canon EF 17-40 f/4L | Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS | Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II | Canon EF 70-200 f/4L IS | Manfrotto 055XPROB | Manfrotto 488RC2

Flickr <--Comments/Favorites welcomed

Hey, BNSFrailfan... I take it from your forum name that you are a rail fan esp. BNSF railways, and if you are would love to see some of the trains you have captured. As most people know on here I am a big rail fan here in the UK and use my 70-200 L IS USM a lot for railway photography at which it is absolutley brilliant, to see what I do click on my fotopic site in my siggie.

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Roy
EOS 350D, 40D + BG-E2N, EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM, EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM, EF 100-400 f/4.5-5.6 L IS USM, 430 EX Speedlite




My Fotopic

Welcome on-board BNSFrailfan!

G'day guys,

I'm in a simlar bind but I'm tossing up between a 2nd hand (mint) 70-200 f2.8 L USM and the 70-300 IS USM at about the same price.

I'm basicaly shooting Kiteboarding and Freestyle Motocross, both action and 'lifestyle' for each sport, so there will be some portrait style shooting too.

The question I have is how important the IS will be to me as both sports are pretty much daylight only and I'd be shooting at at least 1/250th most of the time to freeze the action.

my other issue would be the reach of 200mm vs 300mm, would a 1.4 teleconverter on the 70-200 close that gap without suffereing too much lose of IQ?

Thanks for your help

Ty

hello mixed, then f/2.8 is better because you don't need IS that much in daylight sport. If you plan to use extender, it is even better to get f/2.8.

For extender, i don't have answer, but i heard the quality won't degrade significantly.

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RadiantLite - Cameras and Lenses Comparison Reviews, buying guide, photo taking techniques and other tips
My Portfolio - Some photos from my work