Lens upgrade

[mondmagu]

Hi all,haven't been here for a while,apologies to all.I had forgotten how good this site is.
I have a Canon EOS 60d with the ef-s 17-55 f2.8, 50 f1.8 and the 55-250 f4 to f5.6 lens.Now I am looking to upgrade the 55-250 lens.
I generally shoot landscape,macro,garden birds,street and general photography.I am looking to get the ef 70-300 L IS USM f4 to 5.6 lens.The reviews I have read so far have been very positive and I like the fact that the lens is compact.
Has anyone got this lens,if so could you please give me your opinions. I think it would suite my needs well.
Thanks to all for any info.

Des

[Geoff F]

I was looking at this lens when it first appeared, to update my old 70-300 non L lens, but before the L version was available in the UK, so I ended up getting the 70-200 L F4 lens instead. That is certainly an excellent lens.

More recently, a friend purchased the 70-300 L and he finds it works well with no problems.

I have the Sigma 150-500 to extend beyond 200 mm; but that certainly isn't compact or an easy carry lens. However, it is useful for wildlife when 300 mm wouldn't be sufficiently large.

[Steve S]

Des, bobo has that lens. You may want to PM him about it.

[Harpo]

I bought the 70-300 L last year. It seemed to catch on slowly, but now its really being recognized as a good lens for many people. I really like it. Check out the pictures with the 70-300L on POTN here. I mainly go to that site due to the numerous photographic examples being posted from all over, not the discussion or advice.

From what you said, you are looking for a telephoto lens that gives you good reach, good image quality and is light enough to be a walk around?

1) This lens on your 60D would give you a range of 480mm, so it is a lot of reach right there for a walk around.

2) Ive read that many have said the 70-300L compares closely to the 70-200L 2.8 II in IQ. I rented the 70-200L f2.8 II before purchasing the 70-300L. I have to agree that the IQ in both are very sharp.

3) You mentioned the weight. The 70-300L is lighter than the 70-200L, making it a good walk around telephoto in many situations where that length is needed.

[rpcrowe]

I purchased the 70-200mm f/4L IS lens when it was first introduced and I have been using it and loving it ever since... The 70-300mm f/4-5.6L was not available at that time. If it had been available, I would really have had some problems deciding which lens to select...

Although I love my 70-200mm f/4L IS lens, especially used on a pair of 1.6x cameras along with the 17-55mm f/2.8 IS, I think that I might have opted for the 70-300L because of the extra 100mm at the long end. It would really depend on just how well I could hand-hold the 70-300L. The 70-200L is a great lens to hand-hold...

For my uses, the 70-200mm is just fine! However, I may consider selling my 70-200mm f/4L IS; my 300mm f/4L IS and my 1.4x TC to switch over to the 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS lens...

I would certainly come out financially ahead in that transaction. It would also be lighter in weight than the two lens + TC combination...

Whatever lens that you select, I would definitely pick one with IS. Stabilization is the way to go with long focal length lenses...

[mondmagu]

Thanks Geoff,Steve,Mike and Richard,appreciate your replies.
Steve,thanks for the info on bobo,I will send a pm.
I had thought of the 70-200 previously but the reach was a little short and I didn't fancy adding an extender.With the crop factor of my 60d I recon it will be a good combination.
Thanks guys.

Des

[inkista]

... I generally shoot landscape,macro,garden birds,street and general photography. ...

I think for these uses the 70-300L is a good fit. Particularly if you want a more compact lens.

If, however, you wanted to pursue birding photography past the ones in the garden and out into the wild, I would recommend also considering the venerable 100-400L, as it's mostly the same price as the 70-300L. It's not as compact, true, but it's not that huge as white L lenses go, either.

[mondmagu]

Thanks for the reply Kathy,I don't think I will be going deep into birding photography.

Des

[inkista]

Thanks for the reply Kathy,I don't think I will be going deep into birding photography.

Des

That's what I said when I started. Now I own an EF 400mm f/5.6L USM and a Sibley's guide.