Xbox 360 vs. 70-200L f/4

[adam*]

OK guys.. well here's the dilemma, I can't decide between possibly getting an Xbox 360 or a 70-200 f/4 for Christmas. I need you guys to try and persuade me either way :p

[dentharg]

Get XBox. This way your whole family can get fun.

[adam*]

I will have it at uni though, perhaps my housemates will be glad though!

[Belmondo]

Which will be worth more two years from now? Besices, hasn't Bill Gates made enough money off you yet?

[Lightstream]

Which will be worth more two years from now? Besices, hasn't Bill Gates made enough money off you yet?

WELL SAID!!!

I'd get the L. No sense throwing money at computer technology only to flush it down the drain 2-3 years from now.

[adam*]

All very good points!

Also, if i get the L there is an opportunity to take photo's for BUSA (British University Sports Association)- which means access to some pretty big games uni wise and the 70-200 would help alot. Also tempted by the Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 but thats a bit too pricey.

[adam*]

Be fair to the Xbox though, it probably has another 3 years in it :p

[Ronald S. Jr.]

WELL SAID!!!

I'd get the L. No sense throwing money at computer technology only to flush it down the drain 2-3 years from now.


That's like saying no one should buy computers. :|

That said, I play my Dreamcast, NES, and N64 regularly. The original NES is dying a slow, painful death, though. :cry:

[-MasterChief-]

get the 360 so you can play Halo 3 (http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/viewer.aspx?productId=1084&assetTypeId=2&shotId=2)! :D

[NickSimcheck]

Another vote for the L lens, I'm a soft-core gamer and I got Xbox 360 a couple days after it was realeased...I haven't played it in 3 months. I have however, used my 70-200 within the last 24 hours.

*EDIT* Oh, and good luck with ever making family memories with the Xbox, or making money from it.

[Woolburr]

I can see a whole lot more value to the lens...you can play games on the computer if you really need.

[adam*]

Hmm the argument is pretty convincing! I really really want the L but I think I might have to get the Sigma 70-200 2.8 as I would like the option of using it for sport and maybe gigs (whilst most gigs I will shoot are close to the front, it's nice to have the option for the future)... that means more saving! Is the IQ of the Sigma anything like the L?

[Ronald S. Jr.]

It's very good. I would put the Sigma 70-200 2.8 on par with the 70-300 IS.

[adam*]

Does that put it just below the 70-200 f/4 then? :p

[Lightstream]

That's like saying no one should buy computers. :|

That said, I play my Dreamcast, NES, and N64 regularly. The original NES is dying a slow, painful death, though. :cry:

If not for the job, POTN, and digital, I might not even have them ;)

(I work in this line.. the computers abuse me regularly.... :p)

It's very good. I would put the Sigma 70-200 2.8 on par with the 70-300 IS.

Hmm.. that's an interesting and very valid comment. I have never put the two together despite owning them, but yes... now that you mention it, I would say the two are on par.

Does that put it just below the 70-200 f/4 then? :p


I would think so. I believe the f/4L is pretty magnificent at 200mm, which is the only area the Sigma falls a little bit short in. Sharpness is not fantastic until stopped down a tad, whereas the f/4L can be shot wide open all the way. So.. seems like another valid observation :)

[Ronald S. Jr.]

Still...if you need 2.8, you need it. Sometimes I'd like to have a 70-200 f/4L, and I just might get one soon for the weight difference, but even 2.8 barely cuts it for what I shoot. Luckily, I have IS, as well as faster lenses.

[Lightstream]

Still...if you need 2.8, you need it. Sometimes I'd like to have a 70-200 f/4L, and I just might get one soon for the weight difference, but even 2.8 barely cuts it for what I shoot. Luckily, I have IS, as well as faster lenses.


Very true. I am agonizing over this decision myself. Thing is, I'm running around, travelling, most of the time - so I figured I would get myself the f/4L IS version. The sports I do shoot are in such bright daylight I have to stop the Sigma down and I get 1/4000 anyway! So no worries there, but I've decided to hang on to the Sigma anyway in case I need it. A bit like your decision in reverse (72 2.8ISL as your main zoom and f/4L as travel zoom) because of slightly different priorities. What do you think?

(I'd most likely let the 70-300 IS retire if the f4L IS works out, so as to minimize redundancy)

[In2Photos]

Be fair to the Xbox though, it probably has another 3 years in it :p
Unless manufacturers stop making games for it in less time in which case would you still play your old games? And a year from now you could buy the Xbox for probably $100 whereas the 70-200 will still be $600.

[Ronald S. Jr.]

If you're regularly getting 1/4000 for a shutter speed, why bother with IS at all? Save yourself 800 bucks and get the plain f/4. The f/4 sounds tempting with the 4-stop IS, but I just can't help but think it's just a way of trying to make up for the lost f-stop. Wouldn't the 2.8 with 3-stop sorta equal the f/4 with 4-stop? Plus, the 4th stop takes 2.5 seconds to engage. I don't know...the 2.8 IS just seems so much more worth the money to me. Couple hundred more and you get 2.8.

[Lightstream]

Ahh.. the IS is for the lowlight situations (sports is only one aspect). Not making up for the lost stop here, I'm going for the light weight.

The price delta overseas is far worse, $600 difference straight up :confused: (and that's flying it in from B&H with tax & shipping.. if I bought local.. it's 2X the f/4L IS price......!!)

[johnohio]

NO question!!!!!! GET THE 70-200 f4 or 2.8 either one is a better choice than the xbox


john20d,gitzo and stuff

[KROHN27]

im going to have to say xbox 360. great way to keep in contact with friends across the U.S.

[NickSimcheck]

im going to have to say xbox 360. great way to keep in contact with friends across the U.S.


BOOO!!

BAN HIM!

[ZekaG]

I would get an L, at least it has some potential of making some $$$.

[MegaTron]

*EDIT* Oh, and good luck with ever making family memories with the Xbox, or making money from it.

To be fair, he and his family could have a lot of fun with the Xbox in their living room. He could use his 18-55mm to capture those moments.

If he had the 70-200L, then only he gets to play, and if he tried to use it in his living room, he tried to capture any moments with it in his living room, then he would probably only be able to get shots of his family members foreheads.

Tough choice. It really depends on how much of a gamer you are. Games are expensive, and I personally get bored of each game rather quickly, but it can be fun if you have company.

My 70-200L sits in the closet most of the time, im not a good father.

[arvin.07]

Short Run Satisfaction = Xbox360
Long Run Satisfaction = Lens

Xbox360 Resale Retention (after 5 years) = Med - Low
Lens Resale Retention (after 5 years) = High

Xbox360 Resale Retention (after 10 years) = Low - None
Lens Resale Retention (after 10 years) = High

Xbox360: Get to own your friends in multiplayer games*
Lens: Get to impress friends / family with awesome pictures*

*Results may vary :)

Hehhe...

[adam*]

Short Run Satisfaction = Xbox360
Long Run Satisfaction = Lens

Xbox360 Resale Retention (after 5 years) = Med - Low
Lens Resale Retention (after 5 years) = High

Xbox360 Resale Retention (after 10 years) = Low - None
Lens Resale Retention (after 10 years) = High

Xbox360: Get to own your friends in multiplayer games*
Lens: Get to impress friends / family with awesome pictures*

*Results may vary :)

Hehhe...

lol well said.

As for the price of games they can sometimes be strangely very cheap :lol:

I really really really want the 70-200L f/4 for its IQ, I just love the results and it would be a great lens for travelling (when I get time to go!) but I think if i'm going to be spending so much i'll have to get the Sigma in terms of its versatility.

[lostdoggy]

If you buy the lens its a one shot deal, pay for it once and its done.
Buy the XBox you're committed to it, buy it and buy some more games and more games and before you know it its time to upgrade to XBOX 460 (or whatever it might be call). Consider this each game will set you back another $60. Ten games later and you're out $600. Try to sell the damn thing and you'll loose more money. Its a vicious losing cucle.

[adam*]

True, if I get the Xbox the games will be very cheap or free so that's not really an issue.. but still some might cost and then there's controllers etc.

Just checked Sigma prices, seems it's over 600 pounds at minimum so that might be a problem!

[MREGAN]

Get the L. Get your self out and take photos that you can frame and sell. Then with the money you make buy the XBOX.

Sorted. Best of both.

[dentharg]

Good arguments here..

[inthedeck]

You did say you were in Univ. correct? Are you going to be taking the lens with you to school? Will you get to use it most of the time? Will you make use of it, while studying as well? Will friends be handling the lens/camera? I would buy insurance on it...just in case.

Xbox, same thing...will you use it more than studying? Will friends be playing with it, and abusing the controllers when they get p'd off, when playing games, etc? I would buy insurance on it, just in case.

There's no wrong or right here. Just a matter of preference. Since I already own the 360, and the lens in question...I am a little biased. I used the rebate checks from the triple rebates, to buy the 360...so I kinda made one work for the other, in a sense. I know where you are, there may be no rebates...so, my situation might not apply. I do feel for ya though...maybe order the Lens from B&H (order the imported one) since it's a little cheaper anyway, and then use the extra cash saved to get put in towards the 360. Ask the friends to 'donate' towards the 360...hehe.

All in all, good luck with whatever you decide to do.

[Big WIll]

PLAYSTATION 3 COUGH

[Billginthekeys]

PLAYSTATION 3 COUGH
why on earth would anyone want to waste their money on a PS3 right now. there arnt even any good games out for it yet. not to mention you couldnt buy one if you wanted to.

*EDIT* Oh, and good luck with ever making family memories with the Xbox, or making money from it.
HEY, i have plenty of gaming memories, and there are some people that make a living off playing video games in tournaments, so you might be careful what you ask for.

that all said. the 70-200 is a great lens, although if i were you i would save up for the sigma. but i definitly dont see a problem with getting the xbox if you want it (thats what i want for Christmas.... but then again theres not much photo gear i still want that fits in that budget)

[Big WIll]

The console isnt even out... Well not in the UK anyway!

[Billginthekeys]

The console isnt even out... Well not in the UK anyway!
hehe that would be a problem aswell wouldnt it. :D

[arvin.07]

Hmm, i really like that "buy lens, sell photos, buy xbox360/equivalent" idea... hehe..

Wii will decide which is best.. ;)

[saravrose]

lens. hand down.. don't they hold value better than games?... besides you can take a lifetime of photos with the lens..

[adam*]

Well seems like you all pretty much vote for the lens, not surprising! The gears of war advert on tv is soo good though lol :p

At the moment, whilst I am in love with the IQ, colours etc of the L, I think i'll have to see how much money I get and then save towards the Sigma. I can only afford a new lens at most twice a year and so I may as well get the lens which will give me the best value (i.e. versatility). The L would be great for when I go to Morocco but in England with our weather it may not be as useful. And like I said, perhaps I may use it to shoot gigs/sports (we don't often get VERY sunny skies and we play most of our sports in the winter) and for that 2.8 is pretty important.

[Billginthekeys]

Well seems like you all pretty much vote for the lens, not surprising! The gears of war advert on tv is soo good though lol :p

At the moment, whilst I am in love with the IQ, colours etc of the L, I think i'll have to see how much money I get and then save towards the Sigma. I can only afford a new lens at most twice a year and so I may as well get the lens which will give me the best value (i.e. versatility). The L would be great for when I go to Morocco but in England with our weather it may not be as useful. And like I said, perhaps I may use it to shoot gigs/sports (we don't often get VERY sunny skies and we play most of our sports in the winter) and for that 2.8 is pretty important.
well halo 3 doesnt come out for a year, and you HAVE to have an xbox then, i suppose you could take a picture or two before then. when is your birthday :D

[lmelendez]

I was on the same boat a couple of weeks ago... PS3 or new lense? I couldn't get a PS3 but found a good deal on an xbox360 (Futureshop).

I decided to get the xbox 360. I'm still now using my current lenses/camera to the fullest so I promised myself no more money to camera stuff until my skills actually improve.

Now... I gotta admit the time I use to take pictures has been reduced a bit due to the Gears of War game in xbox 360 :)

Leo.

[Big WIll]

Has anyone in the UK seen photos from the Getaway 3?

[adam*]

Yeah, graphics look really good but not quite as good as Gears of War.

[rhys]

XBox360 - sits in the corner and comsumes electricity while you consume hamburgers and get fat playing some mind-numbingly boring game.

Canon L lens - goes on your camera, allows you to take photos and can make you some money. Keeps you fit as you have to move around to take photos.

If you really want to sit and play games then I suggest playing Hearts on your PC or getting together with some frints from the real world and playing cards together.

[Wazza]

Hadn't I tought you anything, Adam? :p

Why not buy have of each?

You can have an Xbox180, get half way there...

As everyone's mentioned, the lens may cost a bit more up front, but it's depreciation will be insignificant compared to a console, and you won't be making money at rave parties for Xbox hirage, but you certainly might get some sellable shots from the lens ;)

[adam*]

lol, where can I get one of those consoles? :p

How do you rate your Sigma, would you recommend it considering what I need and do you like the IQ etc?

[Wazza]

May be a bit of an overkill.. And could you handle the weight? :p


http://wazz*****scity.com/d1-r2/IMG_4038.jpg

http://wazz*****scity.com/d1-r2/IMG_4098.jpg

http://wazz*****scity.com/d1-r2/IMG_3964.jpg

http://wazz*****scity.com/d1-r3/fanga.jpg

[adam*]

Overkill, how so? And if you can handle the weight I certainly can :p

[cjm]

Which will be worth more two years from now? Besices, hasn't Bill Gates made enough money off you yet?Hasn't Jong Kamsutru (or who ever owns Canon) made enough off all of us yet? LOL

[Wazza]

Yeah, you have eaten a few pies lately.

Anyway, grab the lens, it will fit in nicely with my kit, when you next visit NZ. We have a lot to see and do.

By then, I'll have a PS3 anyway, plus the PS2, and PC games... And the 1DIII ;)

[Mike Reynolds]

heck withit get both

[Wazza]

:lol: on a students budget, he may have to beg or steal.
:D

Or organise some portraits of Uni students for their parents at Christmas time ;)

[cjm]

question is. Who has time for both? I own a XBOX, work a job and try to work photography into my day. I do not even use my XBOX except every few months I play it for a day or two and end up buying new games for it. I think I have about 7 unopened games (that I might return with out a receipt on boxing day :lol:) because I have no time for it. Does anyone really have time for both? I guess but I can't imagine whatelse you could possibly do. I would go for the 70-200 f4 simply because it allows you to have a life outside of your living room.

You can get them mint and used for around $450 to $550 on FredMiranda right now.

[Tandem]

Get the lens, make some money with it and buy the xbox 360 next year. Once the PS3 and Wii get established the prices will come down. I bought the original xbox at launch and then another one for $149 after the dvd drive failed on the first one. I got a few games at $50 but then I waited until the prices dropped to $20-30 on a game before I bought any more.

A good game is still a good game years later. My favorite computer games, Civ II and Alien Crossfire came out in the '90s. Once the newness wears off on a game the manufacturers will discount heavily in order to sell a few more copies. That can be as early as 3-6 months.

The only thing that would get me to buy a new generation console now is if it came with a universal HD-DVD/Blue Ray player. Since Sony owns Blue Ray that just isn't going to happen. I own a great DVD-A/SACD player and I can be just as patient with the hi-def players.

[ilovemycamera]

LENS, most definitely

[macroshooter1970]

so what u get