To IS or not to IS So heres the question im am definately going to buy a good L series telephoto in the near future, as I have the canon 75-300 f/4-5.6 USM now and it doesnt quite cut it. Ive decided that giving up the extra 100mm is not a problem, and I can always sell the 75-300 and buy a teleconverter. Anyways, I have been borrowing a non IS 70-200 f/4L and have turned out great photos mainly of soccer (hockey is too dark for the f/4) with little camera shake even hand held. Seeing as the IS drains the battery I just can justify paying the extra dollars for the IS. So whats the attraction? To IS or not to IS So heres the question im am definately going to buy a good L series telephoto in the near future, as I have the canon 75-300 f/4-5.6 USM now and it doesnt quite cut it. Ive... » Read More To IS or not to IS So heres the question im am definately going to buy a good L series telephoto in the near future, as I have the canon 75-300 f/4-5.6 USM now and it doesnt quite cut it. Ive decided that giving up the extra 100mm is not a problem, and I can always sell the 75-300 and buy a teleconverter. Anyways, I have been borrowing a non IS 70-200 f/4L and have turned out great photos mainly of soccer (hockey is too dark for the f/4) with little camera shake even hand held. Seeing as the IS drains the battery I just can justify paying the extra dollars for the IS. So whats the attraction? « Show Less
1609774
PD,Thanks for a really informative review. I'm in the process of trying to make this decision. I'm getting a 70-200. I just don't know which one. On your 2.8 w/o IS, and adding a 1.4 teleconverter, do you miss the IS? I know you said you use a tripod or monopod a lot. Is that how you overcome that? Or do you find yourself still able to shoot hand-held? I'd love to get that combination of the 200 + 1.4tc.Thanks!
1609775
PD thank you for the great review. What do you guys think about the new Tamron 70-200mm ?
1609776
Thank you for the excellent reply PD. What do you guys think about using the 70-200 lens with a camera that does not have a full sized sensor? I have a rebel XT and I think thats almost half the size of the 1d sensor. Still a good focal length?
1609777
To IS or not to IS,Simple always IS.Why?Because I shoot breaking news and sports.And you don't have the time to set up a tripod and compose your shots.You got to shoot and scoot.I handhold everything up to my 300 f/2.8 IS. Anything over that I monopod.IS Mode 1 for standing still.IS Mode 2 for panning.Now if you got good light you got holes for your tripod, great for you.You can use any lens out there.Heck you and even use a Holga and get great pictures.But most of the time I'm shooting bad light, low light or almost no light and I can't use flashes. This is when IS really helps.I regularly shoot handheld my 70-200 and my 300 at 1/30 with IS and get shots that people pay for.Try that with non IS. To IS or not to IS,Simple always IS.Why?Because I shoot breaking news and sports.And you don't have the time to set up a tripod and compose your shots.You got to shoot and scoot.I handhold everything up to my 300 f/2.8 IS. Anything over that I monopod.IS Mode 1 for standing still.IS Mode 2 for panning.Now if you got good light you got holes for your tripod, great for you.You can use any lens out there.Heck you and even use a Holga and get great... » Read More To IS or not to IS,Simple always IS.Why?Because I shoot breaking news and sports.And you don't have the time to set up a tripod and compose your shots.You got to shoot and scoot.I handhold everything up to my 300 f/2.8 IS. Anything over that I monopod.IS Mode 1 for standing still.IS Mode 2 for panning.Now if you got good light you got holes for your tripod, great for you.You can use any lens out there.Heck you and even use a Holga and get great pictures.But most of the time I'm shooting bad light, low light or almost no light and I can't use flashes. This is when IS really helps.I regularly shoot handheld my 70-200 and my 300 at 1/30 with IS and get shots that people pay for.Try that with non IS. « Show Less
1609778
Good timing on your question, because DPReview.com JUST posted their review last week on that lens:http://www.dpreview.com/lensreviews/tamron_70-200_2p8_c16/Optically it appears to be quite good. AF is slow and noisy, but for 694 bucks at Amazon you can't beat the price if budget is a concern.
1609779
Richard, you brought up a great point I never thought of: photojournalism. IS is probably your best friend there, perfect application. The point about getting paid for a handheld shot is irrelevant though, we all get paid for all kinds of shots. Anyway, as a photojournalist, the extra $500 for IS is a necessary tool. For us on a budget, we can live without it if necessary.Thanks for replying, good point you made.
990746
Thanks for the replies. I finally went ahead with my purchase in late february. I love shooting outdoors so I went with the 55-200mm lens. A great point was made, coming from the world of point and shoot, I wasn't use to not being able to zoom in and in that regard, the 55-200mm lens definitely does it's job. If I shot everyday in Yosemite or the Grand Canyon or from the top of the Empire State Building, I'd probably get more out of the 55-200 lens. But I never really zoomed using my old P&S; and so far, have hardly used my 55-200. I'll save it, probably use it down the road. But when I can I plan to add the 35mm prime to my collection. Thanks for the replies. I finally went ahead with my purchase in late february. I love shooting outdoors so I went with the 55-200mm lens. A great point was made, coming from the world of point and shoot, I wasn't use to not being able to zoom in and in that regard, the 55-200mm lens definitely does it's job. If I shot everyday in Yosemite or the Grand Canyon or from the top of the Empire State Building, I'd probably get more out of the 55-200 lens. But I never really zoomed using my old P&S; and so far, have hardly used my 55-200. I'll save it, probably use it down the road. But when I can... » Read More Thanks for the replies. I finally went ahead with my purchase in late february. I love shooting outdoors so I went with the 55-200mm lens. A great point was made, coming from the world of point and shoot, I wasn't use to not being able to zoom in and in that regard, the 55-200mm lens definitely does it's job. If I shot everyday in Yosemite or the Grand Canyon or from the top of the Empire State Building, I'd probably get more out of the 55-200 lens. But I never really zoomed using my old P&S; and so far, have hardly used my 55-200. I'll save it, probably use it down the road. But when I can I plan to add the 35mm prime to my collection. « Show Less
963337
Outperforms the 70-300 VR in that is can zoom back to 28mm. That is why it is twice the price. It does not produce better images between 70 and 300mm. I would chose the 70-300 for the longest shots, and the 28-300 for shorter. Both lenses are as professional as the person using them, do not be impressed by reviewers waving wads of bills at you, because like a Violin, a Camera/lens is only as good as the user!
1630104
Whoa, buying and having it shipped straight from Hong Kong? Did you ever do that in the states or only in the UK? BTW, thanks for the great posts Mark, they're turning out to be very very helpful. I am currently shopping around for a telephoto and have to make a decision soon about the aperture f/4 or f/2.8, the $$ i want to spend on it and whether I want IS or not. You may be able to help with the $$ on the Hong Kong issue. Thanks again! Nino
1274515
I sold my canon 7d and two very good canon lenses so I could buy the X-T1 - that was 3 months ago. In that time I have used it nearly every day, including a 3 week hiking trip in Utah. I haven't regretted that decision for one second. The xt1 has better image quality, is a joy to use and half the weight of the canon. I often left the canon in the car when I went hiking because of its weight and size. The xt1 by comparison is a constant hiking companion. Make the move you won't regret it.
1375143
if I were taking a photo across a regular type street. fairly well.. it will be clear but not seem that "close" some of the photos I have are very sharp . but I always felt like I would of liked to get closer.. my initial impression was I was disappointed . A 300 is better, but neither take a tele lens very well. if I had it over to do Id just go with a 600
1672486
Wow, that's a lot of information to digest! I can tell you really enjoy photography though-thanks for the help! I must have read your latest post like five times!Since I'm still I beginner, I have no idea how to operate the camera in A or M mode so I guess I'll leave the purchase of a prime lens for later on.~ Dan
423142
Thanks Janet, I kinda knew that, but was surprised that you would be using p&s.; I would love nothing more than to stick with a p&s;,but the shutter lag (for shooting puppies/dogs in motion)(low-key professionally) is KILLING me. Is it true, there is no p&s; with a truly shorter shutter lag?p.s. not to mention a big ol' black SLR scares heck outta puppies!
537009
Sorry. Shooting in RAW, though, is always a good idea when you can't afford to lose a shot to over-exposure or other issues.The thing with telecoverters is that it MIGHT have helped but not necessarily so. Some lenses work better with teleconverters than others. For example, my old Tamron 70-300 was probably much worse with a teleconverter than a simple crop. There is also quite a difference between teleconverters and the better generic ones run about $200 and up. The Tamron PRO and Kenko PRO models are the most versatile high quality generic teleconverters. The cheaper generic teleconverters probably aren't worth bothering with and the Sigma and Canon teleconvters ONLY work with a small number of pro level lenses. Sorry. Shooting in RAW, though, is always a good idea when you can't afford to lose a shot to over-exposure or other issues.The thing with telecoverters is that it MIGHT have helped but not necessarily so. Some lenses work better with teleconverters than others. For example, my old Tamron 70-300 was probably much worse with a teleconverter than a simple crop. There is also quite a difference between teleconverters and the better generic ones run about $200 and up. The Tamron PRO and Kenko PRO models are the most versatile high quality generic teleconverters. The... » Read More Sorry. Shooting in RAW, though, is always a good idea when you can't afford to lose a shot to over-exposure or other issues.The thing with telecoverters is that it MIGHT have helped but not necessarily so. Some lenses work better with teleconverters than others. For example, my old Tamron 70-300 was probably much worse with a teleconverter than a simple crop. There is also quite a difference between teleconverters and the better generic ones run about $200 and up. The Tamron PRO and Kenko PRO models are the most versatile high quality generic teleconverters. The cheaper generic teleconverters probably aren't worth bothering with and the Sigma and Canon teleconvters ONLY work with a small number of pro level lenses. « Show Less
1630105
So, I'm looking to upgrade from the Canon EF-S 55-250 ISII lens that I currently shoot my daughter's soccer and outdoor nature scenes. I know this is an entry level L, still the price is hard to complain about. How much of a difference from my current lens (on a 70D) will this make, and will I still be able to shoot fairly clean/crisp images @ 200mm without IS? I can use a monopod, so I'm sure that would help. Thoughts?
537007
Thanks, Tech. Funny that teleconverters are available for so many other size lenses but not this one. I could have lived with a 1.4x. Like you said, I'll have to live with what I've got... until I can pony up $1500+ for Canon's 100-400mm zoom.I guess I'd better plan on having a good number of 8mb and 16mb cards with me and shoot JPEG and RAW so I can seriously crop and/or enlarge the best shots (which will be many if the weather is good). I want some 20" x 30" or 24" x 36" posters from what I'm shooting. A telecoverter would have helped.
313346
Question: Night time Sports . I own a Nikon D90, and I Photography Night Time sport from time to time , under low lights . I need really powerful flash to help me the best out of my camera. I am rebuilding my collection of Nikon lens . sold my Nikon flash and Nikon 2.8 80-200 mm Zoom . 13 years old . Wish I had never have done that :(Steven Los Osos, Ca.
1742136
If you want sharper images and faster focusing, you might instead consider getting one of the Canon 70-200mm f/4L USM models. The difference in image quality can be quite a startling. Back (WAY back) when I was looking to upgrade my old telephoto lens, someone gave me excellent advice that the difference between the newer telephotos I was considering was relatively small - too small to agonize over - and that if I really wanted to upgrade, I should just bite the bullet and get the L. One of the best pieces of advice on equipment I ever got. Once I tried the L, I never looked back. The one drawback is that the lens will spoil you forever.
1940851
Thanks again. I'll be deciding by the end of the week, because I'll have to return the Canon by Saturday! Another thing re: the Panasonic is that you can attach certain lenses to it to extend the zoom and possibly some other stuff. I like that Idea. I love cameras with big wide lenses on them!Take care, and thanks for your thoughts.
1907925
Anytime you can get a Canon L-Series lens, you are probably going to do pretty well. I noticed a lot of the "answers" didn't really address your question, just stated they already HAD lenses. I had NON-L series lenses before buying this camera, and when I had the chance to get the camera with an L-series lens, I definitely went for it. I have not been disappointed. The only lenses I have used that have ever been sharper than this one are the L-series Prime lenses. Otherwise, the kit lens is quick, sharp, has a nice bokeh to the pictures at the low F-stops, all in all, a nice lens. Anytime you can get a Canon L-Series lens, you are probably going to do pretty well. I noticed a lot of the "answers" didn't really address your question, just stated they already HAD lenses. I had NON-L series lenses before buying this camera, and when I had the chance to get the camera with an L-series lens, I definitely went for it. I have not been disappointed. The only lenses I have used that have ever been sharper than this one are the L-series Prime lenses. Otherwise, the kit lens is quick, sharp, has a nice bokeh to the pictures at the low F-stops, all in all, a nice lens.
1796748
They offer bundles with the 18-55mm and the 55-250mm. MAke sure it is STM which is the new super quiet lenses focusing mechanism that won't interfere with HD recording on motion video. The HD videos I've shot look amazing, but 18-55mm may be pushing the envelope for being too far away. The 55-250mm would be better for sports and awards. I really want to get the 55-250mm STM next. I just found out that most of the sport photo pros use Canon and rent them because of the crazy prices on the Lseries lenses. I went online and found Borrowlenses.com, and you can try them all out before you buy, and pick up and drop off at a camera store near you. They offer bundles with the 18-55mm and the 55-250mm. MAke sure it is STM which is the new super quiet lenses focusing mechanism that won't interfere with HD recording on motion video. The HD videos I've shot look amazing, but 18-55mm may be pushing the envelope for being too far away. The 55-250mm would be better for sports and awards. I really want to get the 55-250mm STM next. I just found out that most of the sport photo pros use Canon and rent them because of the crazy prices on the Lseries lenses. I went online and found Borrowlenses.com, and you can try them all out before you buy,... » Read More They offer bundles with the 18-55mm and the 55-250mm. MAke sure it is STM which is the new super quiet lenses focusing mechanism that won't interfere with HD recording on motion video. The HD videos I've shot look amazing, but 18-55mm may be pushing the envelope for being too far away. The 55-250mm would be better for sports and awards. I really want to get the 55-250mm STM next. I just found out that most of the sport photo pros use Canon and rent them because of the crazy prices on the Lseries lenses. I went online and found Borrowlenses.com, and you can try them all out before you buy, and pick up and drop off at a camera store near you. « Show Less
515664
Thank you so much for taking the time to help me out...I appreciate it.I am leaning towards getting the fz40....it is $50 more but will ship in one day free from amazon...the fz35 is shipping from adorama in one day at a charge...My husband is showing me a flyer with the Nikon L110 for $179...really don't want that one....lolThanks again!