"L" Zoom

[Hot Opal]

I am looking to buy a new "L" zoom lens.
My current thoughts are 70-200 f2.8L IS or 28-300 f3.5-5.6L IS.
I guess the faster lens has my preference, however the wider zoom range of the 28-300 also has merit, as it would reduce the amount of lenses I need to carry.
Do any of you Guru's have any thoughts that may help sway my decision?
Are there any after market lenses that are as good or possibly better?
Keeping in mind that I do use the Image Stabilizer regularly and would not consider a lens without it.
Is there anything new about to hit the market that I should wait for?
Regards,
Neville.

[Adam Hicks]

The 70-200 is a much sharper lens. Use something else for the 10-70 ranges. You'll love the 70-200 2.8. You might consider going without IS on that lens depending on what you plan on doing with it. It's excellent light gathering ability will lessen the need for IS in most situations. I have the 100-400L IS which NEEDS IS as it's 4.5-5.6. If it were 2.8 constant it wouldn't be so necessary (though it would be one huge lens!)

Maybe save the IS money and put it towards a Canon 24-70L or a Tamron 28-75 2.8 (~$390)

The resale on the 28-300 is lower as well as it's not as desirable of a lens as the 70-200.

Good luck!
Adam

[FlyingPete]

The 28-300's results are very average, I knew a guy who had one, loved it except for its size, then again her was not printing much above 5x7. I didn't think the results were that great.

Lens designers make a lot of comprimises in building a lens like that.

Then there is the 70-200 f/2.8 IS, that is currently on the top of my 'to buy' list :D

[lomond]

IMHO forget the 28-300 and go with the 70 -200.
The 28-300 is to great a focal range , something has to give.
The 70-200 f2.8 is a very nice lens. Add a 1.4 TC and you almost have your 300, and I bet it's sharper.

[Hot Opal]

Thanks Guy's,
You have convinced me.
I was leaning toward the 70-200 but now I'm happy that it's the way to go.
Although it seems that I will have to get a wide "L" zoom & 1.4TC to complete the package.
Regards,
Neville.

[Medic1]

70-200 all the way......

have fun!!

[Samiad]

Can't beat a good 70-200 L lens