Opinions Please?

[Axdrenalin]

I've got a Canon T1i DSLR, and I'm in the market for a Canon L series lens for distance. I've been toying with cameras for many years but would still consider myself a rookie based on the shots I see in this subforum. I shoot a little landscape and nature photography, and want something to reach out with that will give be good results and a sharper image. Also, I'm interested in getting a few good shots of the moon (been experimenting with a Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4.0-5.6 IS). Problem is I'm torn between a couple lenses and wanted to reach out to a more knowledgable community.

First is a Canon EF 100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS USM Telephoto Zoom Lens
Second is a Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM Telephoto Zoom Lens

I know that the 70-200mm Lens would be better for movement based on the f/2.8, but the 100-400mm lense would give me a longer reach for far away objects, albeit a bit slower. I use a tripod occasionally, but not for most things. Seeing as how the L series lenses are heavier, I'm sure a tripod will become more of a staple in my shots.

Advice and opinions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[VictorChan]

There is the general misconception about longer lens taking shots of far distance subjects. Mostly, longer lens is used to capture smaller subjects at the same distance. The longer focal length can enlarge the subject, such as birds and other smaller wild animals which you can't get close to. Yes, you can use a longer lens to capture a building or a person a block away. Unfortunately, shots like that are usually not even worth taking...just my opinions. Many beginners fall into this way of thinking about long lens and zooming ability. Only in few occasions you can pull a nice landscape shot with a longer lens. Shooting a nature subject on a plain wide open field. Shooting, let's say, a temple or a historical statue at the edge of a cliff will the background view of a village or another mountain peak. Longer lens for landscape shots would work only if you can isolate the subject from the rest of the surrounding.

The 100-400 is a great zoo and wild life lens, for the obvious reason since you can't get close to a lion or a bear. The 70-200L is a good all around long lens. I think you should get the 70-200L 2.8 IS. Great for outdoor portraits, outdoor sports, and nature shots (flowers and plants).

 

[darktiger]

I say get the 70-200 f/2.8 IS II with a 1.4x Kenko teleconvertor. I had the 100-400 and while it was great at zoo's and bird shots, I enjoy my 70-200 a lot more.

 

[Axdrenalin]

Gentlemen, thanks for taking the time to give me your input. It is greatly appreciated...I'm now looking at the 70-200 f/2.8 IS II lens and while it's a bit out of the price range I had in mind, it appears to be a top notch lens based on the reviews. Having never spent this kind of money on a lens before, you might say I'm a bit aprehensive about it, but it seems to be one of the best L series lenses for overall use and if you're going to do it, you might as well do it right.

Thanks again for your comments. Any additional tips or advice is always welcome...

 

[darktiger]

That is what I learned.... in the beginning I use by the cheaper solutions (ie tamron, sigma), but ended up at the end buying the lens I really wanted. Everything was better than the cheaper solutions, not saying that they were bad (there are exceptions). I have just learned to get what I want in the beginning.

The 70-200 f/2.8 IS II is a gem of a lens, a lot better than the Gen I, and that is saying a lot. I would even recommend in buying the 70-200 f/2.8 IS Gen 1 used to save a few $$.

You can go to sites like
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/
or
www.fredmiranda.com

and get a good used one. Plus fredmiranda has ratings for the lens and POTN has samples
70-200 f/2.8 IS I
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=138395&page=228
70-200 f/2.8 IS II
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=838247&page=135
100-400 aka the Dust pump
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=373778&page=253

 

[Axdrenalin]

The 70-200 f/2.8 IS II is a gem of a lens, a lot better than the Gen I, and that is saying a lot.

Thanks for the recommendation on the 70-200 f/2.8 IS II...order has been placed and I should have it on Thursday. That being said, let me say that you take some incredible shots with your setup darktiger. I've been lurking the photography thread for a while and the images you shoot never cease to amaze me. I'd love to know more about how you achieve the colors and depth in some of your pictures, and what settings you use to get those kinds of results. If you've got any particular guides or reference materials you wouldn't mind pointing me to, I'd greatly appreciate it!

 

[darktiger]

Thanks for the comment. I am still a amateur in photography, but stride to get better in the little time I have (first kid 9 months ago). I see you want to shoot landscapes, what wide angle lens do you shoot with?

As for my results, I experiment alot. But I would learn the camera/manual settings first. Then learn composure and exposure. I have a lot of pdf guides that I am willing to share. Just send me a email.

 

[Axdrenalin]

Nothing really notable, just the stock 18-55mm lens that came with my T1i and I also bought a 70-250mm f/4 lens. Picked up a 50mm f/2.8 not long ago I've been playing with too. So many options and things to consider that it's really hard to know what works best. This 70-200 IS II f/2.8 is the first L series I've ever bought (It arrived today, BTW). Shame I don't have nicer weather to try it out in.

I'll have to send you an e-mail and check out some of those materials you've mentioned. I could sure use a few additional pointers and help. Thank you much for offering.

I've taken some nice fall images with an older Canon S3 IS before getting my current chassis. Several of those turned out well. When you look up amateur in the dictionary, you'll find me...I'd hardly consider you amateur based on what I've seen. You've got a great talent for shooting nice pictures. Oh, I can relate on the 9 month old and lack of time too. Have one 12 and one 5 here, and they *do* grown up quickly. Enjoy them while they're young!