which zoom lens

[mrshabbs]

Thanks all for your replies. I have come across two Lens that I feel I could justify purchasing:. Any suggestions on which?

1) canon EF 70-300mm f4.5/f5.6 IS USM

I have been offered this Lens new for £390 and is in stock in the UK.

The lens was purchased in the US - does this make a difference to warranty/compatibility?

I have read that there is a manufacturers problem with this lens and this is the reason it is very difficult (or impossible) to source in the UK at present. Can anyone comment?


2) canon 100-400mm EF f4.5/f5.6 L IS USM.

Many Thanks
Mr Shabbs

[Loupey]

Since you have listed both lenses here, I'm assuming that price is not the whole issue. That said, comparing these two is like comparing a Chevy Camaro verses the Corvette (apologies for using a US car analogy - I don't know what's common in the UK ) In other words, no comparison. Go for the 100-400mm.

I have played around with that 70-300mm. For your upcoming trip, I wouldn't trust that build quality for such a photo-oriented excursion. The 100-400 is built for Pro use.

Keep in mind that the 300mm f/4L IS + 1.4x or 2x TC will cost about the same as the 100-400mm.

To confuse you even more, I just played around with the 200mm f/2.8L. I believe it is one the cheapest "L" prime lens that Canon makes and it is fast, light, and sharp. Put a 2x TC on that you have a sharper 400mm f/5.6 than the zoom version. The cost of this lens plus the TC will be about the same as the 300mm alone. However, no IS

[Liz]

I have played around with that 70-300mm. For your upcoming trip, I wouldn't trust that build quality for such a photo-oriented excursion. The 100-400 is built for Pro use.

I have the new 70-300 IS lens and love it. However, Loupey is right. Since there is a glitch/defect that Canon has promised a resolution for at the end of June, I wouldn't get this lens now. The "glitch/defect" has to do with the build so I wouldn't trust it. The quality of the images is awesome, but for a trip like yours, forget it.

Go for the 100-400mm.

I think Loupey has some great points and I would take his suggestions seriously. He knows what he's talking about.

Liz