7d: canon 70-300l IS vs 70-300L f4 IS battle

Well I placed an order on the 70-300l and it is about to arrive at the shop any time soon.

But the more I read about it, the more the 70-200 seems appealing.
Problem is most of its owner are FF users.

Any one has had a chane to try both side by side?

I do need the extra reach, but a TC when needed should do well.

In the long run, I will sell the 7d for what ever canon gives for a 5d replacement, and will keep the 7d for underwater use.

Any one?

Well if it were me, I would get a really nice 70-300 and a 70-200 2.8. The reason for this is because 70-300 is a great range at events etc while the 2.8 of the 70-200 can be very helpful indoors or later on in the day etc. Having said that, unless you believe you may need the 2.8 a 70-200 can offer, stick with the 70-300L. The 70-200 f4 IS and 70-300L are, from what I've seen, very close in IQ and for that reason alone I would go for the extra reach the 70-300L provides if I actually had the money. I plan to upgrade my 70-200 f4 (use on my 1D3, works great on 50D also) to a Sigma 70-200 f2.8 OS, but may end up with a different one (Canon 2.8 for example).

Hatallas wrote in post #15937085
But the more I read about it, the more the 70-200 seems appealing.
Problem is most of its owner are FF users.

They are very different lenses targeted to different audiences. FF has nothing to do with it. The 70-200's have been around much longer, are known for their outstanding image quality, and have a strong following. Many people prefer a constant aperture as well. What are you envisioning using the lens for mostly? Would be perfectly acceptable to eventually have both. I've been debating on a 70-300L myself as a travel zoom for when I don't want to lug my 70-200 2.8, don't need the speed or need a little more reach.

Hatallas wrote in post #15937085
I do need the extra reach, but a TC when needed should do well.

Zooms don't take teles as well as primes. You could use a 1.4x on the 70-200 f4 and maintain AF, but you may not be very happy with it depending on what you're using it for. The AF speed on my 70-200 2.8 is noticeable decreased when using teles.

Hatallas wrote in post #15937085
In the long run, I will sell the 7d for what ever canon gives for a 5d replacement, and will keep the 7d for underwater use.

My favorite part; both sell it and keep it at the same time...

I own a 70-200 f4 IS, and last year I rented the 70-300L to try it out.

Let's start by saying that I absolutely love my 70-200. It's small, light, gives outstanding IQ, has lightning fast focus and does everything well. I bought it several years ago to replace a f2.8 non-IS version that was too heavy and bulky for me.

The only reason I wanted to try the 70-300L was for the extra reach. I sometimes photograph dog sports, and the 70-200 is often a bit short. And I was prepared not to be impressed by the 70-300L because I love my 70-200 so much.

More fool me. I was blown away by it. It's a hugely impressive lens in every respect: IQ, focusing speed, and the IS is amazing. Not to mention the extra reach, which I loved.

Bottom line: if I could bring myself to sell the 70-200, I'd buy the 70-300 in a heartbeat. As it stands, I'm saving up for it.

If I were starting from scratch today and had to choose one of the lenses, I'd choose the 70-300L.

PS I have a 1.4X that I use with my 70-200, but the combination is not as good as the 70-300L.

Another vote for 70-300L. This lens is like a combination of good things from 100-400L and 70-200/4L IS.

Rocky Rhode wrote in post #15937403
My favorite part; both sell it and keep it at the same time...

Lol it is supposed to be "or", same for the tittle.
Dyslexia and Mobil browsing isn't the best combo.


Thanks guys, I will then take gladly the delivery of the 70-300l.


Updates to come

I was an early owner and defender of the f4 IS before it's abilities had become common knowledge .

I agonized over it but recently bought the 70-300L which is not only a much more practical lens for a FF user but it's just an excellent lens throughout its range. no regrets here .