Lens options, hypothetically speaking

To make it short, which lens would you buy in this situation, and why? I'm trying to figure out in my mind how to "prioritize" criteria in lens buying. All prices in Canadian dollars. Lenses are Canon mounts.

Sigma 70-200mm f2.8 APO EX DG MACRO - $800(used)

Canon 70-200 F4 (I'm assuming L) - $600(used)

Canon EF 70-300mm F/4-5.6 IS USM - $840 new

Canon EF 75-300mm F/4-5.6 III USM - $250 new

assuming that the extra zoom isn't a huge issue.

 

What is it that you like to shoot? The extra 100mm can make a VERY large difference.

 

Like icassell said, what do you like to shoot? That'll make a huge difference in your purchase. Defeintely do your research and read reviews. Also, find out which one is going to be the greater steal and the most useful to you. You need to find that magic lens, it's versatile and didn't give you a heartattack while you were paying for it.

 

The way I look at it any time someone asks what lens they should get: it all depends on what you shoot and what you need. Personally, I have 18-200mm covered (nikon 18-55 VR and 55-200 VR), as well as a fast prime 50. While they're nothing real special and are slow, I wanted to make sure I at least had a good variety covered, and now that I do, I won't buy any more lenses until I can step up to better and faster stuff. If I could afford it right now, I'd buy myself a [Nikon] 70-200 f/2.8 in a heartbeat.

Would you rather have a slow 75-300mm lens now for cheaper, and then upgrade to something nice later on, or save up and get a faster lens right off the bat? Also, depending on what you shoot, you might really need that extra 100mm. I chose to go the first route.

 

Ooooh, me too.

 

May I suggest renting a 70-300mm from somewhere like BorrowLenses.com - Camera Rental and Canon/Nikon Lens Rental

If you do this then you will see how much you like the extra 100mm. I have always had a good experience with that site and they tend to have a good selection. There are other similar sites. Hmmm...just reread your post and saw "Canadian dollars." My Sherlock Holmes like ability to deduce tells me that you are, in fact, in Canada. I don't know if BorrowLenses ships to Canada but there is another site that is based out of Canada. The name escapes me at the moment.

 

This is an excellent suggestion. Borrow or rent to see what works for you.

 

Borrowing is always awesome. Unforuantely, most of my friend are getting into photography now that I've introduced them to it. And none of them have any good toys yet. Haha.

 

If I was choosing between those I would go with the canon 70-200 f4L its supposed to be one of the best lens canon makes. I have the 75-300 the cheapo one that was $300 and I never use it due to the sharpness of the lens is horrible at 300 and ok at 200. That is just my experience with that lens.

 

i just found out my wife is buying the the 70-200 f4L for xmas....we are ordering tomorrow from B&H....yay! cant wait!!

 

70-200 f4