advice on a better lens

[a4cowboy]

I am looking to purchase a better lens then the two that came with the purchased kit. (EFS 18-55mm and EFS 55-250mm) I have a Canon 450D and enjoy taking pictures of Landscapes, Wildlife and Sports (son's football). Photography become a hobby of mine about a year ago so I am still learning but have definetly noticed that the lenses I have are limiting the quality of photos for many situations.

The two lenses I have narrowed it down to are:

Cannon EF 70-200mm F/2.8 L IS USM II and

Canon EF 100-400mm F/4.5-5.6 L IS USM

 

[table1349]

I am looking to purchase a better lens then the two that came with the purchased kit. (EFS 18-55mm and EFS 55-250mm) I have a Canon 450D and enjoy taking pictures of Landscapes, Wildlife and Sports (son's football). Photography become a hobby of mine about a year ago so I am still learning but have definetly noticed that the lenses I have are limiting the quality of photos for many situations.

The two lenses I have narrowed it down to are:

Cannon EF 70-200mm F/2.8 L IS USM II and

Canon EF 100-400mm F/4.5-5.6 L IS USM

They don't get much better than the Cannon EF 70-200mm F/2.8 L IS USM I.

 

[Overread35]

They don't get much better than the Cannon EF 70-200mm F/2.8 L IS USM I.

Hmm wait do you mean the I or the II edition?
( want to make very sure which one you mean)

 

[Hardrock]

I am looking to purchase a better lens then the two that came with the purchased kit. (EFS 18-55mm and EFS 55-250mm) I have a Canon 450D and enjoy taking pictures of Landscapes, Wildlife and Sports (son's football). Photography become a hobby of mine about a year ago so I am still learning but have definetly noticed that the lenses I have are limiting the quality of photos for many situations.

The two lenses I have narrowed it down to are:

Cannon EF 70-200mm F/2.8 L IS USM II and

Canon EF 100-400mm F/4.5-5.6 L IS USM

If you have access to the sidelines I say go for the 70-200 f2.8.

 

[table1349]

Sorry, I left off an I. The first edition is no slouch either by the II edition has some nice improvements.

 

[Overread35]

Ahh good good Just wanted to make sure



Of the two lenses you have two working options:
Either a 100-400mm L lens that does both.

or

A 70-200mm f2.8 IS L M2 that does sports and closer work and
a 140-400mm f5.6 IS L lens (which is the 70-200mm with a 2*teleconverter) for the longer reach for wildlife.

I'll point out right now that for the wildlife at the 400mm mark both setups are very similar optically speaking. Neither is vastly superior to the other with regard to optical performance - however the 100-400mm tends to just take the leading edge (just). This also excludes the new M3 teleconverters due to hit the market this winter which might alter things a little bit more.

The bonus you get is that the 100-400mm will generally have better auto focus and also does it all in one without having to add in a teleconverter when needed.

The 70-200mm has the bonus that it is capable of f2.8 from the 70-200mm range - this is ideal for sports when you don't always need the long reach and when lighting can often be poor. It also has a better IS system; though when used with the 2*TC I'm unsure if it gains any bonus over the 100-400mm.


So in short you either go for single, slower aperture lens that does it all in one - or you go for the 70-200mm +2*TC combo at a higher price point; getting quality in the shorter ranges whilst being able to swap in similar level long range quality and performance when needed.


Myself I went for the 70-200mm when debating a similar choice and haven't regretted it one bit .

 

[a4cowboy]

I have been leaning towards the 70-200mm because of the ability to shoot in lower light but your comments about the teleconvertors has convinced me this is the right choice.

Thanks for the feedback.

 

[Overread35]

No problem - on the teleconverter front I'd be strongly tempted to wait on the new 2*TC M3 since its the most demanding of the teleconverters and thus any improvement is worth the cost. Of course we don't know how much of an improvement we'll get till they hit the market and get reviewed and used - further prices upon release are always more inflated than what the gear settles at in the market.