Which lens would you get if...

[Dooglla]

You had to choose between a Canon 70-200 f/2.8L IS or Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS. I was thinking about the long range of the 100- 400 but, then I think about how fast the 70-200 is for my 1D. I like taking portraits and from nature to races so, I need your help in this.

Thanks,
Dooglla

[sheldon]

I dont have, nor used the 100-400, but I can tell you...I LOVE my 70-200 IS. If I need the extra length, it works great the the 1.4TC.

[timmyquest]

I was in your sohes a while ago. Depends on what your shooting. I was going to be doing highschool football, although 200mm is kind of short for football, f/5.6 is way too dark.

So i love my 70-200...and to fill my length needs i'm about to buy a 300mm f/4 + 1.4 tcon.

[Mills]

If portraits are important, get the 70-200 f2.8L.

[Dooglla]

I hear so much about the 70-200 f/2.8L IS that I know I want it...but, seeing the 100-400 shots of these racing cars make me want it too...man...this is rough. hahahahaha

[Jon]

With nature in there, the 100-400. You've got an extra 120 mm over the 70-200 even with the 1.4x TC. There's no substitute for that.

[PacAce]

Get them both! :mrgreen:
Now the question is, which one first? :confused:
The answer would depend on which you do the most of. If nature photography, then get the 100-400 first (like I did). Otherwise, get the 70-200 and the 1.4X TC, if you can swing it (you know you're going to get that sooner or later, anyway). :)

[Longwatcher]

Okay, I have both.
Get the 70-200/2.8L IS before the 100-400
add a 1.4 or 2x extender if needed for range.

While the 100-400 will give you better pictures at range, the 70-200 will give you good enough with a extender. From 70-200 the 70-200 is better. The image stabilization on the 70-200/2.8L IS is way better. The bokeh is better (although only a little)

With a 1.4x TC it will be close to the 100-400 without, with a 2x extender it will be inferior, but good enough.

Later you can get the 100-400 and really extend your range with the extenders.

In short unless know you will be needing the 201-400 range frequently more often then 70-200 range, the 70-200/2.8L IS is the better lens. The flip side though is if you need the range, you need the range and should get the 100-400 instead.

Just my opinion,

[Deckyon]

I have the 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS lens (love it) and I have used the 100-400. I can honestly say that I would rather get the 500mm prime for anything longer than the 70-200mm w/ eithet the 1.4x II or 2x II. As nice as the 100-400 can be, I have not been in a situation I needed that exact lens. The only time it would be nice I would rather have the 500mm... Clear enough?

[Tom W]

If portraits are important, get the 70-200 f2.8L.

On the other hand, if races and nature are more important, get the 100-400.

Both are good lenses, but only you can decide if you want the longer lens or not.

[Dooglla]

Thanks everyone...so far my mind has me saying get the 70-200.

[timmyquest]

Just go with whatever seems best, my new rule of thumb is that i wont be upset with either.

Once you reach the point where your only selecting from quality glass...there rarely is a reason to not be happy.

[Budley007]

One possible factor that you may not have considered is that either way you go, you won't be crippling your ability to sell and go with the other. Both these lenses hold their resell value extremely well. (although I doubt you'll sell either. These lenses have their own particular uses and shouldn't be considered as replacements for each other.)

[IanD]

This is a tough one. As PacAce says, get them both:)
However, having both of them, I can say that I have used my 100-400 a lot more for the type of shooting that I do. (nature) Sometimes you can get lucky and approach your subject to a distance that the 70-200 will do just fine, but most nature shots are taken from a fair distance back. The majority of my owl shots were captured with a 400mm. With Ma Nature, you can never be too long.:)
100-400 gets my vote.

[Andy_T]

Get the 70-200/2.8 NON-IS, then you'll have saved enough money for your 100-400 sooner :lol:

Best regards,
Andy

[chris.bailey]

I have and use both. I got the 100-400 first. In hindsight I would have got the 70-200/1.4x first and then the 100-400. the 70-200 with a 1.4x gives you a lot of flexibility but not quite the reach.