EF 70-200mm L v EF 100-400mm L

[Molydood]

Consider the following lenses:

Canon EF 75-300/4-5,6 III USM
Canon EF 70-200/4 L
Canon EF 100-400/4,5-5,6L IS USM

and their (on-line) prices:

£150
£500
£950

and their ratings on photodo:

3.1
4.1
3.6

This appears to be in line with the quality you can expect when considering sample shots posted with these lenses, and also just peoples opinions in general from this forum.
I know that these numbers are not the most important thing, but I started delving deeper into this recently in order to plan my next lens purchase (I have the 75-300 currently) as I was wondering if it was worth paying £500 for a 70-200, when £950 can bag you a lens with twice the focal length and equal quality, and all in one lens.

my current conclusion is that the 100-400 can take fantastic images, but the 70-200 is actually better if you are considering outright image quality only. Well, it would have to be really when you consider the 'small' price difference, and the fact that it gets more and more difficult to preserve lens quality as you get into the higher focal lengths, or zoom ranges (I would expect this price to rise exponentially with focal length, if image quality is the same on both lenses, but it doesn't really, its more of a linear increase)

I wondered if anybody else agreed with his before and go ahead and accept my own conclusions. I would be more than happy to be shot down in flames on this, as being a complete noob, I have absolutely nothing to loose, and everything to gain, so go for it.

and for those that got lost in my convoluted descriptions above; my conclusion is that the 70-200 has better image quality, and the 100-400 has better focal range, but both offer a 'similar' level of value (when considering focal range, image quality and price)

Martin

[RichardtheSane]

Both the 70-200 F4 L and the 100-400 L IS are fantastic lenses quality wise, that much is certain. I now own both of them and I am actually reviewing the 70-200 F4 L which will include some comparisons to the 100-400 L IS

When choosing between the two you have to remember the other differences in the lenses. The 100-400 L IS is double the weight and significantly larger than the 70-200 F4 L.

Really you need to decide on the lens based on what you would use it for rather than the best value you are getting. You could buy the best value lens in the world and it would still be a waste of money if it doesn't fit your needs.

BTW. Where in the UK can you get the 100-400L for £950?

[Molydood]

Richard, you are absolutely correct of course, but I fear I may have started to speculate outside the scope of my requirements with all the value stuff. However, I found it interesting, and it's where my thoughts took me, and I'd still be interested to see if people agreed with the points about the image quality differences.

Regarding the reality of actually buying a lens, I have decided that a 100-400 is overkill for me and my 300D/Digital Rebel, and a 70-200 is a good lens upgrade for me in the future.
I am interested in maximum focal length as will enjoy sports/action/wildlife photography when I get in to the swing of it, but I'm thinking the 70-200 is a more accessable and useable lens for me, given the cameras and more importantly, my own, limitations.

thanks for the comments.

[Molydood]

BTW. Where in the UK can you get the 100-400L for £950?

ebay, and from memory... but I just checked the online shops and cheapest I see it is £1050, oops :oops:

[CyberDyneSystems]

If I did not absolutley NEED my 70-200 f/2.8 lens for certain shooting projects I do at f/2.8 ....

Then I would question owning it now that I have the 100-400mm IS

Yes.. there are things the 70-200mm does better.. in some cases a lot better than the 100-400mm.. but to me the 100-400mm for anyone interested in wldlife.. is the best zoom out there.

[Scottes]

I have a 70-200 f/2.8 and rarely use it because I have the 100-400. I've debated selling the 70-200 - I've taken less than 50 pictures with it - but I'd be a damned fool to lose the f/2.8 if I should ever need it. I'm currently debating getting the 400mm prime, yet I have no plans on selling the 100-400. I'd never get rid of it.

The 100-400 can do anything. I do near-macro with it, and use it up to it's fullest long distance. The IS is fantasticly handy.

If I had only one lens, there's no doubt that it would be the 100-400 L IS. Hands down, no question.

[ssim]

I'll echo what Scott had to say. I too have the 70-200 f/2.8 L IS and the 100-400. I also acquired a 400 DO IS. By far the 100-400 spends the most time on my camera when I need to work in the long range.

It is great value for it's price.

[Morden]

Echoing what others have said, I recommend that you decide what focal length you need. I shoot primarily indoors, often without flash, so the 70-200 f2.8 is my personal favourite zoom lens, but I understand that the f4 version is comparable in terms of image quality - and a lot lighter!
If you need a longer zoom and are going to have plenty of light coming in then the 100-400 would be a better choice, but don't give up your membership at the gym!

[Molydood]

ok thanks, I'm way out of my depth with these things at the moment, so I won't argue :-)

all your comments are appreciated.

regards,
Martin

[aam1234]

but I just checked the online shops and cheapest I see it is £1050

Is that the price in the UK or the US equivalent in Pounds.

[Sherpa]

I've just bought the 70-200 f/4 (£500) and the 1.4x extender (£240) for my 300D. I judged that the 100-400 was a heavy beast and that the combo I bought would cover all eventualities and be lighter and cheaper.

[Molydood]

that price is in UK pounds from a UK retailer, but Ive seen it sell for £900 on ebay in used but 'as new' condition.

[aam1234]

Are there any good online "shops" in the UK. The reason I'm asking is b/c the prices in the UK don't seem much different than the ones in the US.

Any recommendation for a reliable online sources in the UK.

Thanks

[Sherpa]

I bought my lenses from Park Cameras

www.parkcameras.co.uk

Highly recommended

[Sherpa]

Just noticed this thread has now moved. Sorry.