I am new to photography and want to get a good all around lense.It is between the
canon EF/L 28-300 and canon EF/L 100-400. I want to use it for car shows, downhill/road
bike racing, party's and general picture taking.


Thanks Aaron

Just a comment for you. There is a trade off when you buy a lens with such a wide focal length as the 28-300. Generally, the quality is going to be pretty bad. Now, I'm not exactly recommending the 100-400 either. In fact, I REALLY don't recommend it for what you described.

I think you're better off looking for a lens in the 28-70 focal length and if/when you determine you need a longer lens then you can look into the cheaper (but excellent in my opinion) 75-300mm lenses or the fabulous 70-200 lenses.

So in short, I don't recommend either lens you chose but if you HAD to have one of them and couln't have others I'd pick the 28-300.

Trevor, You do know he is speaking of the NEW replacement to the 35-350L right?


THE 28-300L IS
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=319784&is=USA

This lens is VERY new , so I would look LONG AND HARD for REAL user reviews before commiting to $2100 for a zoom of that type. As Trevor stated a zoom of 10x WILL HAVE WEAK AREAS.

I own the 100-400IS(Trevor did) and can tell you that it will not fit all your needs. I own a 28-70 F2.8 for the wider angle stuff you desire to shoot(car shows, parties, general picture taking)

to be honest, You would be better served with a 24/28- 70 and a 70-200L F2.8(with CANON TC's)

Thanks for the info Paul. I figured as such but was too lazy too look up the details of the lens. Since you've done that for me I will comment further ..... :)

I agree with Paul.

Additionally, the 28-300 is a push/pull design. That's a big reason why I chucked the 100-400. I will never buy a push pull again if I can help it. You can take that comment for whatever value it has to you. I can't speak for the quality fo that lens but it looks to be 3.7 pounds. That's pretty damn heavy for a "I want to use it everyday for everything" lens.