Canon EF 100-400mm 4.5-5.6 L IS USM or EF 70-200mm 4.0 L IS USM?

Mister Gooey

Hi!
looking for some advice (thoughts) on buying a new canon lens. I currently have a Canon lens EF-S 15-85mm 3.5-5.6 IS USM which came as part of the Eos 7D kit. A lovely lens but lacks some good zoom. I was looking at either the Canon EF 100-400mm 4.5-5.6 L IS USM or EF 70-200mm 4.0 L IS USM. Both priced similarly.

I want the extra zoom for outdoor use (wildlife, sports and my galloping kids who never stand still!). Do you think the 70-200mm wiill give me enough zoom or should I go for the 100-400mm?

All thoughts appreciated.

MG

smash

but 2nd hand and get a 70-200mm 2.8 L IS USM?

AnimalRights

That doesn't really answer his question though Steve...

Mister Gooey both are great lens but it's what you will use it for more, if its wildlife the 100-400L but anything else I'd go for the 70-200L IS which is rated as Canon's sharpest zoom and I find it nice and light and very versatile, you can always add the 1.4 extender to get you some more reach although that would bring you down a stop to 5.6 which is 100-400 territory.

smash

Sorry, I was thinking about the versatility of the 70-200 more than a 100-400.

I think as you suggest, a 1.4 or 2x extender and as I suggested a 2nd hand 2.8 will be a better option.

AnimalRights

I own both 70-200 versions and I rarely use the 2.8 version now, it's just so heavy and awkward, the f4 version is just so versatile and light, ofc if you need to use it indoors the 2.8 version is a better choice but besides that gimmie the f4 version anyday.

jpb1974

I've both - the 70-200 F4 and the 100-400.

100-400 exclusively for wildlife. It's heavy enough and spends most of it's time on a tripod.

70-200 F4 for everything else (sports, portrait, landscape). The 70-200 F4 is one of Canon's best value for money/performance lenses.

AnimalRights

jpb1974 wrote: »

I've both - the 70-200 F4 and the 100-400.

100-400 exclusively for wildlife. It's heavy enough and spends most of it's time on a tripod.

70-200 F4 for everything else (sports, portrait, landscape). The 70-200 F4 is one of Canon's best value for money/performance lenses.

As I said! The 70-200 2.8IS is even heavier than the 100-400L btw, fairly sure of that.

gman2k

Ah, what a thread, perfect timing...
was musing over getting a 70-200 F4, and after some photos were emailed to me this evening, I decided to definitely get one.
Now, where to get one is the next mission.
as I'm a cheapskate (and nearly broke) I think I'll skip on the IS version!
any suggestions?

AnimalRights

I bought my 70-200IS f4 lens 2nd hand on adverts. €780 I think.
All the lens I've bought 2nd hand have been almost brand new if not actually brand new!

pullandbang

gman2k wrote: »

Ah, what a thread, perfect timing...
was musing over getting a 70-200 F4, and after some photos were emailed to me this evening, I decided to definitely get one.
Now, where to get one is the next mission.
as I'm a cheapskate (and nearly broke) I think I'll skip on the IS version!
any suggestions?

I got mine on adverts.ie too. Just over €400 and as new in box with hood, filter pouch etc.

Mister Gooey

gman2k wrote: »

Ah, what a thread, perfect timing...
was musing over getting a 70-200 F4, and after some photos were emailed to me this evening, I decided to definitely get one.
Now, where to get one is the next mission.
as I'm a cheapskate (and nearly broke) I think I'll skip on the IS version!
any suggestions?

http://skinflint.co.uk/eu/a44479.html

This might help. I came accross this website at the weekend.

smash

AnimalRights wrote: »

I bought my 70-200IS f4 lens 2nd hand on adverts. €780 I think.
All the lens I've bought 2nd hand have been almost brand new if not actually brand new!

I bought my 70-200 IS 2.8 for €800 2nd hand from ISS in town.

gman2k

Ok, I've ordered one from Kerso, €597 (non IS)

AnimalRights

steve06 wrote: »

I bought my 70-200 IS 2.8 for €800 2nd hand from ISS in town.

That is cheap as they go for 1100 now so I assume it was b4 last years double price rise from Canon or it wasn't brand new like and a few years old, ISS are no mugs.

AnimalRights

gman2k wrote: »

Ok, I've ordered one from Kerso, €597 (non IS)

Once you've a good steady focus control the non IS will be fine...and it's lighter again!

smash

AnimalRights wrote: »

That is cheap as they go for 1100 now so I assume it was b4 last years double price rise from Canon or it wasn't brand new like and a few years old, ISS are no mugs.

I rented one for a weekend, when I brought it back I asked about 2nd hand sales and bought 2 of them for €800 each. I had the 2nd one sold in 10 minutes.

AnimalRights

steve06 wrote: »

I had the 2nd one sold in 10 minutes.

Exactly my point.


what date did u actually buy them out of curiousity and what condition/year stamp?

jpb1974

Weights... if it's a factor for you -

100-400
Manufacturer Specification Weight 48.7 oz
Actual Weight 48.4 oz
Lens Hood Weight 3 oz
Tripod Ring Weight 4 oz
In-Use Weight 55.4 oz

70-200 F2.8 IS
Manufacturer Specification Weight 46.2 oz
Actual Weight 43.9 oz
Lens Hood Weight 2.5 oz
Tripod Ring Weight 4.2 oz
In-Use Weight 50.6 oz

70-200 F4 IS
Manufacturer Specification Weight 26.8 oz
Actual Weight 26.8 oz
Lens Hood Weight 2.5 oz
Tripod Ring Weight 4.9 oz
In-Use Weight 34.2 oz

70-200 F4
Manufacturer Specification Weight 24.9 oz
Actual Weight 25.2 oz
Lens Hood Weight 2.5 oz
Tripod Ring Weight 4.9 oz
In-Use Weight 32.6 oz

smash

AnimalRights wrote: »

Exactly my point.


what date did u actually buy them out of curiousity and what condition/year stamp?

Bought them well over a year ago now I think. Good condition ex rental refurbs.