Telephoto decision

[LeSueur24]

Alright, I'm having trouble deciding what I want to get in terms of a telephoto lens. I'm not trying to spend a lot of money, basically 500-700 dollars. I've played with the Canon 70-200 f2.8L a bit and I really like the lens, but I don't have that much cash so I'd go for the 70-200 f4L instead. The other lens I was looking at was the 70-300 f4-5.6 IS (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/397663-USA/Canon_0345B002_70_300mm_f_4_5_6_EF_IS.html).
Would this be better because of the longer range and image stabilization? Or would the L glass be the better choice?

 

[JimmyO]

Have you considered the sigma 70-200 f/2.8? Its right in your price range.

 

[JustAnEngineer]

It may depend on what you intend to do with the lens.

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-70-300mm-f-4-5.6-IS-USM-Lens-Review.aspx

$270 for the EF-S 55-250 f4-5.6 IS, $540 for the EF 70-300 f/4-5.6 IS or $580 for the EF 70-200 f/4L (non-IS)?

I got the EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM a few months ago because the $1700 price tag and the 3¼ pound heft of the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM seemed too steep. Now, I'm still coveting the $1400 EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM for longer reach.

The 70-300 IS lens is better in the center than at the edges, so it's flaws are less evident with a 1.6x FOVCF camera than they would be with a full-frame sensor.

 

[FidelCastrovich]

Alright, I'm having trouble deciding what I want to get in terms of a telephoto lens. I'm not trying to spend a lot of money, basically 500-700 dollars. I've played with the Canon 70-200 f2.8L a bit and I really like the lens, but I don't have that much cash so I'd go for the 70-200 f4L instead. The other lens I was looking at was the 70-300 f4-5.6 IS (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/397663-USA/Canon_0345B002_70_300mm_f_4_5_6_EF_IS.html).
Would this be better because of the longer range and image stabilization? Or would the L glass be the better choice?

No one can answer these questions for you.
Do YOU need a very long lens?
Do YOU need a high quality lens?
Do YOU need a very fast lens?
Do YOU need image stabilization?

The 70-200 range is very popular and Canon has a great line up of them, catering to most needs and wallet sizes.
What you need to know is that IS is not VERY important, especially with these smaller teles, and that most L lenses, especially the 70-200 f4 will outperform (quality wise) most non-L lenses.

Edit : Oh, and do yourself a favor, don't consider the Sigma 70-200. You're better off paying less, and getting the nearly perfect Canon f4, that is cheaper, sharper, smaller and lighter. Sigma's (lack of) quality assurance may turn your purchase into an ordeal that you'll wish you'd have avoided.

 

[rubbertree]

Sigma's quality assurance? Please elaborate! I have two sigmas and LOVE them! (10-20 mm and the 70-200mm f/2.8)

 

[LeSueur24]

No one can answer these questions for you.
Do YOU need a very long lens?
Do YOU need a high quality lens?
Do YOU need a very fast lens?
Do YOU need image stabilization?

The 70-200 range is very popular and Canon has a great line up of them, catering to most needs and wallet sizes.
What you need to know is that IS is not VERY important, especially with these smaller teles, and that most L lenses, especially the 70-200 f4 will outperform (quality wise) most non-L lenses.

Well I was hoping I could get someone to give me first hand experience with these lenses, the 70-300 especially. And yes, I've thought about your questions a lot. I won't be selling my pictures anytime soon, so top of the line quality is a huge issue but I'd still like a sharp lens that won't fall apart. And speed is also necessary because it will be used to take pictures of sports.