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If you were going to spend the money, which would you buy and why?
EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM or the EF 100-400mm f4.5-5.6 L IS USM
I'm not a Canon guy but I think you are comparing a professional level, fixed maximum aperture, fast zoom to a consumer level, variable maximum aperture slow zoom. The difference between the lenses in terms of overall performance should be pretty obvious. Also take another look at Alex's comment about how difficult it is to use long lenses. As a veteran of using very long lenses I can tell you that is absolutely the truth. Then consider that "crop factor" again and how 200mm can fill that frame. It should be a very easy decision. In your shoes I would take the pro level lens every time without a second thought.
Another poster mentions coupling the lens with a 1.4 teleconverter. Even though the combination will slow the lens down a stop, it should still outperform the consumer lens. Good shooting.
Here's another question: Of the two wide open, which is sharper? If the 100-400 is soft at 400, then that's sort of unusable focal length, right?
Can you put an extender on the 100-400?
I don't like tripods, so I may be better off with the 70-200.
Here's another question: Of the two wide open, which is sharper? If the 100-400 is soft at 400, then that's sort of unusable focal length, right?
Hey Fred
First the Canon EF100-400 f4.5-5.6L IS is NOT a consumer grade lens. It is one of Canon's pro "L" grade lenses that costs in excess of £1,000 at Warehouse Express. It's a lens favoured by many wildlife professionals and if you are shooting wildlife it's a great lens to buy.
Jim
Next on my list is the 300mm L f/4 prime.
Don't be fooled by the field of view change, the 200 is still just a 200! It doesn't magically become a longer lens because you put it on a smaller sensor. You are just getting 62% of the full image, which makes it appear like the view you would get from a 320. You don't get more magnification.
You Don't Get More Zoom!