Itay747 From Israel, joined Aug 2012, 27 posts, RR: 0 Posted (3 months 1 day 12 hours ago) and read 1362 times:
Hello all,
I own the EOS 7D. What is the best lens to use on that camera for spotting?
I have the 70-200 at the moment and 200 mm is just not enough! I have always seen the battle of the 100-400L vs 300 f4L IS vs 400 5.6L. What is your recommendation for choosing a new lens that will give me the extra range I am missing?
ckw From UK - England, joined Aug 2010, 530 posts, RR: 18 Reply 1, posted (3 months 1 day 11 hours ago) and read 1352 times:
If you've seen the discussions then you already know there is no "right" answer. Each lens has its merits and issues, and of course there are probably budget considerations.
All are good lenses - you can't make a bad choice, so you need to decide what is most important to you
IQ = 300 f/4 or 400 f5/6
Max range = 100-400 or 400 f5/6
flexibility = 100-400
IS = 300 or 100-400
JakTrax From United Kingdom, joined Jun 2005, 4738 posts, RR: 8 Reply 2, posted (3 months 1 day 11 hours ago) and read 1340 times:
I think most of us have been through this 'dilemma' at some stage as we've progressed. I looked at the 300L, the 400L, the 70-300L and the 100-400L. I chose the last of the four, and regardless of whether the others would have been equal or better, it's suited me very well.
I'd have loved to have gone down the prime route but as someone who loves perfect side-ons in the main the primes just weren't flexible enough. Besides, the quality my 100-400 produces is barely any different to the primes when viewed with the naked eye.
The 'best lens for my camera' conundrum is always so hard to answer; basically the best lens is the one that gets you the kind of shots you want - and only you know that information!
vikkyvik From United States of America, joined Jul 2003, 8225 posts, RR: 28 Reply 3, posted (3 months 1 day 10 hours ago) and read 1332 times:
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Quoting JakTrax (Reply 2): I think most of us have been through this 'dilemma' at some stage as we've progressed. I looked at the 300L, the 400L, the 70-300L and the 100-400L.
I just recently had the same dilemma. I will add, though, that the incompatibility of the 70-300L with the 1.4 Extender was a factor in deciding against that one.
I ended up choosing the 300 F4L IS, and I'm quite happy with it. Of course, I kept my 70-200 F4 as well. And I have the 1.4, so can get out to 420mm if I choose.
Quoting JakTrax (Reply 2): The 'best lens for my camera' conundrum is always so hard to answer; basically the best lens is the one that gets you the kind of shots you want - and only you know that information!
And I rented a 300 F4L a couple times before I bought one, just to see how it would suit me. And it suited me well.
"Two and a Half Men" was filmed in front of a live ostrich.
N243NW From United States of America, joined Jul 2003, 1494 posts, RR: 21 Reply 4, posted (3 months 1 day 4 hours ago) and read 1302 times:
Quoting vikkyvik (Reply 3): I ended up choosing the 300 F4L IS, and I'm quite happy with it. Of course, I kept my 70-200 F4 as well. And I have the 1.4, so can get out to 420mm if I choose.
I have the exact same combo, albeit with the 2.8 non-IS version of the 70-200. I'm still trying to get used to the long lens, since it's relatively new to me. Overall, I'm happy with the variety. I usually keep the 300 + 1.4 glued to the camera for spotting...the long reach usually comes in handy.
JakTrax From United Kingdom, joined Jun 2005, 4738 posts, RR: 8 Reply 6, posted (3 months 18 hours ago) and read 1260 times:
I had the 1.4x Extender II and wasn't happy with it on my 70-200 f/4 L. The 100-400L performs much better, albeit at a price.
I think the 100-400L comes in for much unnecessary stick. There are bad copies going round but instead of requesting a decent copy or sending it to Canon for calibration most people choose to simply put up with it. And then moan about it.
Mine is superb, from 100mm right the way through to the full 400mm. It's ever-so-slightly softer at the long end but barely noticeable, even if you pixel-peep. Only downside is the sluggish IS (especially compared to newer L models), but I can easily work with that.
Testimony to the 100-400L's ability is the fact that I rarely sharpen images taken at 400mm any more than those taken at 100mm with the 70-200. Here are some examples shot at or close to 400mm:
vikkyvik From United States of America, joined Jul 2003, 8225 posts, RR: 28 Reply 7, posted (3 months 17 hours ago) and read 1254 times:
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Quoting JakTrax (Reply 6): I had the 1.4x Extender II and wasn't happy with it on my 70-200 f/4 L
I don't use the 1.4 on my 70-200 F4L either. It just doesn't work well with that lens - the left side sometimes gets very soft.
I do use it with my 300 F4L IS on occasion, though.
Quoting JakTrax (Reply 6): I think the 100-400L comes in for much unnecessary stick. There are bad copies going round but instead of requesting a decent copy or sending it to Canon for calibration most people choose to simply put up with it. And then moan about it.
I've never owned a 100-400, but when I buy an L-class lens, I expect it to be at least "good" right out of the box. It doesn't have to be "great" or "superb", but at least good. I've been able to get them to "great" just using micro-focus adjustment. The absolute LAST thing I want to have to do is exchange it until I get a good copy. Calibration I can understand, but luckily haven't needed it yet.
"Two and a Half Men" was filmed in front of a live ostrich.
Itay747 From Israel, joined Aug 2012, 27 posts, RR: 0 Reply 8, posted (3 months 16 hours ago) and read 1247 times:
Karl, Nice photos, especially of the two Alitalia's!! I think the problem wit the lens is that the photographer needs time to get use to it! You should know how to take photos with it, I have had a chance to take some shots with the 100-400. At first it was hard to hold it steady at 400mm. I know a guy who uses it on a 7D and he has great shots. I am still in this bid dilemma with the 3 lenses mentioned.
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