Need a another opinion

[Scuba]

Ok so I have been saving for a while and finally have the cash to make a move. I am primarily a landscape guy and currently have a 17-40mm f/4L and a nifty fifty 1.8 and a Canon 5D classic. However, I am trying to keep my options open to some outdoor natural light portrait photography. I have also considered trying being a second shooter in a wedding or two. Obviously I am limited by my glass right now which is why am looking at the 70-200mm lens series. I am pretty much set on the 70-200mm f/4 IS due to the image quality, IS, and weight. I have used the 70-200m f/2.8 model in the past for a few weeks and man is it heavy. What are the thoughts on which lens would be a better choice? I am looking in the $900 range. (I am looking at used lenses). I would prefer primes (85 1.8, 135 f/2, 200 f/2.8) but with money restrictions I think the zoom is the better option at this time.

Choices I have concidered are: (used) Open to other options.
70-200 f/4 ~$450-500
70-200 f/4 IS $800-1000
70-200 f/2.8 $900-1100
24-105 f/4 IS $800-950 (i think, haven't checked prices that much)

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[pixmedic]

scuba's a funny word.


have you considered getting a sigma 70-200 f/2.8 with image stabilization?
its supposed to be a good lens and within your budget. that way you get the f/2.8 AND IS.

[Scuba]

I have a little bit but not seriously. Should I? I don't know a whole lot about it. I believe I have heard it is slow focusing. It does weigh twice what the canon f4 does though and that is a concern.

[jbkm1994]

I can't speak to the other lenses you mentioned as I don't have any of them but I just bought the 70-200mm F/2.8L USM and it shoots fantastic shots. I would have preferred the IS but didn't have the dough. I haven't been disappointed with my purchase though as I usually shoot with a relatively high shutter speed. Keep us up to date on your purchase decision!

[spd]

100-400 IS?

Just an idea...i do like mine (even on a crop, on a full frame it should do what you need).

[Scuba]

I can't speak to the other lenses you mentioned as I don't have any of them but I just bought the 70-200mm F/2.8L USM and it shoots fantastic shots. I would have preferred the IS but didn't have the dough. I haven't been disappointed with my purchase though as I usually shoot with a relatively high shutter speed. Keep us up to date on your purchase decision!

I borrowed a f/2.8 for about a month and got some good shots with it, but damn was it heavy.

[Scuba]

100-400 IS?

Just an idea...i do like mine (even on a crop, on a full frame it should do what you need).

I looked a little bit at it. However it is a tank and I don't need that much reach. I just don't think it will help me explore the portraits as well as my landscape as well at a 70-200. Still open to it though

[Robin_Usagani]

If you want to do weddings, f/2.8 or faster.

[jbkm1994]

It is heavy but look at it this way...it will save you a monthly gym membership!

[07Vios]

Yeah, if you're planning on doing weddings, get the 2.8 version of the 70-200. Lots of churches do not allow flash photography, even if it is for a wedding. Also, IS might help if you don't want to use a tripod. The 135 f2L might be another good choice, but you'll need another camera and/or lens with a shorter focal length.

[Scuba]

If you want to do weddings, f/2.8 or faster.

That is what I have always heard and read. However, f4 with IS of 3-4 stops beats f2.8 non is. Then throw in the weight effecting the shots as well. I don't have any experience with weddings so maybe I am wrong.

[07Vios]

I have a friend who shoots weddings from time to time. He used his 17-50mm f2.8 lens, and borrowed my Sigma 30mm f1.4 lens one time, and my Canon 85mm f1.8 lens another time.

Also, like I asked, do you plan on shooting with a tripod or a monopod?

[Robin_Usagani]

IS wont do anything if the subject is moving.

If you want to do weddings, f/2.8 or faster.

That is what I have always heard and read. However, f4 with IS of 3-4 stops beats f2.8 non is. Then throw in the weight effecting the shots as well. I don't have any experience with weddings so maybe I am wrong.

[Scuba]

I have a friend who shoots weddings from time to time. He used his 17-50mm f2.8 lens, and borrowed my Sigma 30mm f1.4 lens one time, and my Canon 85mm f1.8 lens another time.

Also, like I asked, do you plan on shooting with a tripod or a monopod?

Yeah I do plan on using a tripod for my landscape. Portraits I prob wouldn't.

[Scuba]

IS wont do anything if the subject is moving.

Yes I do understand that.