Canon 70-200 2.8 IS or Canon 100-400???

[Pete7D]

I would like to buy a lens for outdoors sports, soccer, football, surfing, wakeboarding, motocross etc...

and still have my doubts, can you give me any input on this?
Canon 70-2002.8IS or Canon 100-400 IS

Thanks

[pleincadre]

I have both and I do prefer the 70-200 on quality side. The 100-400 is quite pratical, useful in many situations, not that heavy, just the quality is a bit below, in fact it is really sharp if you have a good light.
soccer, football, you'll need 400, but you'll also need the 2.8, so beter to stay behind the goal and have few but good pictures than to have dark ones.
surfing, you'll need the 400 if not more, usually you will have good light.
wakeboard, if you're on the boat 70-200 is perfect
motocross 70-200 and a flash.
hope it helps.

[Photo-John]

I think the 70-200mm f/2.8 lens is one of the most versatile and best quality lenses you can buy. I consider it an almost mandatory investment for any professional or aspiring professional. The auto focus, optics and build are about as good as it gets. I'd start there. I've shot skiing, wakeboarding, cycling, skiing, landscape and portraits with mine and I would never trade it for a 100-400mm zoom.

So now you have my vote

[DHMN69]

How about a 70-200 and a 1.4 if you need a bit more reach?

[SmartWombat]

I agree.
70-200 2.8 is a very good lens, the newest mkII version with the fluoride coating and upgraded IS will be my next upgrade. I'll trade in my two 70-200 2.8 IS for that
Also after that I'll upgrade my old 1.4x (mkI !) converter to a 1.4x mkIII with the new coatings and more advanced camera communication.

For me the 100-400 has been a disappointment.
Soft wide open, with distinct vignetting in the corners.
Needs to be stopped down at least 1 1/2 stops for best results.

And here in the UK it's hardly ever bright enough to do that and still get an action sports image.

Plus it's not water sealed, with the pump action zoom you have to use a rain sleeve in bad weather.
It was fine even in a thunderstorm at 400mm until I zoomed it to 100 for carrying.
Then it misted up and was useless for the rest of the day, as the moisture stayed inside the lens.
I was up past midnight with a hair dryer trying to dry it out ...

I won't recommend a 2x converter until I've tried the new 2x mkIII (3rd upgrade, you guessed) because my 2x is just too soft to be usable. I admit I'm picky and for most people it could be acceptable, but there are times I wish I'd used the 70-200 and cropped looking back at the results from years ago.


My ideal mid-long lens isn't on sale yet ...
http://www.parkcameras.com/18509/Can...0L-USM-IS.html
A 200-400 zoom with internal focus and internal zoom, weather sealed, IS - and a 1.4x extender built in so there's no changing lens/extender in the rain.
Remember here in the UK that's a constant hazard

[Abel01]

Hi Pete7D

As a previous owner of the 70-200 IS f/2.8,this will be your best option for sport/action shots..within that range...for surfing your subject will be further out and not reachable with this lens even with a 1.4 extender unless your out in the water with the subject,also depends on your beach ect, but normally you wouldn't have the reach for surfing shots with the 70-200,but any other sports it's a gem.