70-200L to 70-300 IS

Anyone go from a 70-200 non L lens to the 70-300 4-5.6 IS Lens? Any regrets. Looking for a good all around performer for vacation. I already own the 135L and 200 2.8L so I'm hoping I wont be to disappointed with the "downgrade" in image quality. Mainly because it covers the same range and better and has IS I would sell my 70-200L non IS. Just pondering the idea.

I used to own the 70-300 non-L, but sold it and got the 70-200 f4 IS instead, and have since swapped that for the 70-300L. Honestly, I'd say it depends on the type of photography you intend to do. "Vacation" covers quite a range of possibilities. For us, "vacation" means the beach, and for that, I personally would prefer the faster focusing of the 70-200. For touring and visiting, it's probably less clear-cut. What you will be losing in the exchange is some sharpness in the upper part of the range (the 70-300 I had was not particularly sharp above 250 mm), some colour and contrast rendition, the internal zoom (the 70-300 extends when zooming), and above all, focusing speed; the 70-300 is a slow-focusing lens (it's not "true" USM). That may not matter if you're photographing stationary subjects, but it should be a consideration if you think you'll be photographing fast-moving things (e.g. birds on the beach).

If you haven't tried the 70-300, I'd suggest you do so before making the switch. Having owned the lens, I personally wouldn't do what you're suggesting. But the addition of IS may be worth it to you; as I said, it all depends on how you'll be using it.

Good luck with your decision!

I agree with ceegee on all counts.

Destination is Aruba which will be a lot of sun and beach. I think I'm going to hang on to the 70-200 f4 and eventually go for the IS version at some point in the future. I hate to go backwards in the image quality dept. I'm spoiled by L glass. It is a tough choice though if you can only pick one.

Heya,

Sun & Beach and you're looking at telephoto?

35L.

Very best,

I agree with ceegee, as well. I owned the 70-300 IS quite a few years ago, and never cared for the lens. It was soft at 300mm, and the auto focus performance was mediocre, especially in lower light. I upgraded to the 70-200 f/4 IS, and was much happier.

If you are looking for more reach, I would add a 1.4x TC to your existing 70-200 non-IS. It will still performance better -- both in image quality and AF - than the 70-300 IS. At least, that has been my experience with the IS version.

If you want image stabilization, too, and cannot afford the 70-300 IS L, I would look at the Tamron 70-300 VC over the Canon 70-300 IS non-L. From all reports, it improves upon the weaknesses I listed regarding the Canon.

Honestly, with all the other options available today, I cannot think of one good reason for someone to buy a Canon 70-300 IS non-L.

MalVeauX wrote in post #16595865
Heya,

Sun & Beach and you're looking at telephoto?

35L.

Very best,

yep. you need reach in a well-balanced travel kit.

MalVeauX wrote in post #16595865
Heya,

Sun & Beach and you're looking at telephoto?

35L.

Very best,

I am also planning to bring my 24-105. I just wanted to travel light and try to only bring a couple of lenses.

.....But then again this can be the only time i ever go! Still debating if I should pack the 135L. And then which bodies? 60D? 5D2? If I bring the crop I'll have more reach! Should I bring the Sigma 50 1.4? I have even thought about bringing the trusty old 1D2 for beater purposes and great autofocus. If I bring the crop maybe I'll bring my 15-85, darn good lens, just as good as my 24-105! What if I go and shoot at night? Now I'm all messed up! Darn LOL!

Of course a telephoto for beach shots...

http://www.the-bikini.com/photos/inde​xmodels.html

RPCrowe

Very, very nice!

EOS5DC wrote in post #16594849
I agree with ceegee on all counts.

Having owned all the lenses mentioned above, I also agree with ceegee.

I have the 70-300 IS and while it is a good lens you would not be happy with the lesser IQ. I agree with ceegee also.

carloman wrote in post #16594980
Destination is Aruba which will be a lot of sun and beach.

The butterfly farm in Aruba is worth visiting. They open around 9AM. We went there in the afternoon and were told to come back and visit in the morning when the butterflies would come out from their cocoon. It was unfortunately our last day, so we couldn't come back.

Have fun!