3rd lens for a Crop?

rodleviton wrote in post #12689974
Canon 70-200L f4 IS or also consider the 70-300L IS for that extra reach and if you have the extra cash.

Honestly, the sharpness doesn't compare. And if you just add a high-quality 1.4x TC to the 70-200 f/4L IS you get 98-280 f/5.6. So you get practically the same coverage without speed loss, while paying less and getting more.

Honestly, the 70-300L seems to me was a brainchild of the marketing department, not the tech department. Yes, its a large improvement over the 70-300IS, but it will attract more 1st-time L-buyers rather than people who know what they need/want... especially the 300mm end. Same as the 70-300IS before it.

Madweasel wrote in post #12690118
All things are relative and the question becomes how sharp is sharp? The McLaren F1 is fast, but not Bugatti Veyron fast. I would just say both are fast, same as I said both lenses are sharp.

Yeah until you put an 70-200 f/4L IS into the conversation... because the thing is PRIME sharp. Honestly @ f/4 on up... the thing is a razorblade. Until you shoot with one, you won't believe it... after you've shot with one... you'll never wanna be without one.

Get the 70-200 f4IS, it's a very good lens that isn't going to break the bank.

ar10 wrote in post #12690015
I haven't researched the 70-300L much - in a nutshell is it as sharp as the 70-200 4.0?

I honestly have not used the 70-200L F4 but I can say that the 70-300L is very sharp, very quick to focus and is close up ready. I really like the extra reach....

Just so the discussion is apples and orange, the F4IS lens is optically different then the non IS F4 version. A lot of folks think its just the addition of IS on the old design, but its a total optical upgrade, much sharper.

ar10 wrote in post #12690279
Thanks for the suggestions regarding the 17-55mm, I have thought about that as well. Forgot to mention I do have a 50mm 1.8 that I'll probably carry with me to reachout a bit farther than 30mm. With only $1500ish to spend, I think I would get more mileage out of 70-200 type lens. Since i frequently use my prime to shoot, im very used to shuffling my feet to frame the image.

I tend to agree with the others that a walkaround is the most important lens you can have. If that walkaround is a prime, that is fine as well. Once you have that covered, with a prime or 17-50/55/85 ish zoom, you can look into the 70-200/4IS. It is an absolutely awesome lens! If you have anything left over, pick up a used flash like the 430EXII or 580EXII.

If you're used to primes and can live without zoom, you could get an 85 f1.8/100 f2 and a 200 f2.8 and still come in under budget. Both of those are sharper than the f4 IS.

If you do want a zoom, not much not to like about the f4 IS other than it's not f2.8.

70-200mm f/4 IS, it is claimed as the second sharpest zoom lens that canon ever made. I am more than happy with mine.

Spend a 100 bucks on the kit lens and then pick a long FL lens. Then you have good coverage. Granted the kit lens feels like a toy but at least the copy I have is very sharp.

In HI I think you will want some reach for birds, surfers, dolphins etc. so something that can get you out there will be enjoyed.

Which island are you headed to?

I'm going to be going to Big Island which is heard is nice and not as busy as Oahu. Funny I actually sold the kit lens today, sold a 55-250 before that as well. Not they were bad lenses, but I really found myself shooting with either the 30mm / 50mm prime because I love the low light flexibility and sharpness.

I have only spent time on Kauai but hear the big island is amazing, particularly the volcanos. You could take a pns and still get some keepers!

Have a great time.

My recommendation is either the 70-200l f4 IS or the EFS 15-85. I have both and depends of what you like shotting, you can't go wrong with either of these great lenses.

The 15-85 is cheaper, has the best IS I have every use on any lens, IQ matches that of L lenses, and the range of 15-85 is really versatile and invaluable.

The 70-200 f4 IS is really my favorite lens for long distance use. The sharpeness on this less is outerworldly good. If you need a medium to long distance zoom, look no further.