help from lens experts who understand

I have the canon 70-200 f/2.8 L IS, its heavy! But I can manage it. However, i really only use it for indoor school events and ballet. Do you think the New Canon 70-200mm f/4L EF IS (USM) LENS can be used in these situations? I know the IS doesnt help with motion, im mostly shooting at "still-like" opportunities.
troy

Troy,

for the events you mentioned, which focal length do you use most?
I am a bit reluctant to suggest the f/4 lens if the venture is a bit dark (OK, I also only have the f/2.8 version, but hardly use it at anything but f/2.8 ). If you use the 70-200 at one of its extremes mostly, you might consider getting either the 85/1.8 or the 200/2.8 L (or the 135/2.0 L if you use it mainly in the middle ).

You wouldn't have IS with those, of course, but they are a lot lighter than the 70-200/2.8 IS. (and you can always use your new Sigma 130-300/2.8 if you should be missing the heavy lens )

Best regards,
Andy

if your pushed for light that extra stop on the f2.8 will come in handy over the f4.
Rob.

Troy, I wouldn't use an f4 lens for indoor events; it won't cut it. Possibly pick up the 85 f1.8 or 135 f2, if you can.

I wouldn't use an f/4. I get 2.8 because you can always stop to f/4, but if you need it, 2.8 will give you double the shutter speed.

No I don't.

The Non IS f/2.8, either Canon's or Sigma's would be better alternatives at lower cost, in particular the Sigma is also much lighter weight.

I do a fair amount of indoor event shooting, and I find that f/2.8 is the bare minimum I can get away with. When I can't, I need to use the faster primes. I have never succesfully used the f/4's

The other alternatives even better than another f/2.8 zoom are the 85 1.8 and the 135mm f/2

I'd go for something like the 85 1.8, 100 f/2, 135 f/2L, or the 200 2.8 if you're strapped for cash. If you can, though, I'd stick with the L IS. I can handhold down to around 1/30 at 200mm and get respectable results. You'd get 1/15 at f/4, and that's just out of the question. Just extrapolate that. If you're getting 1/50 on the f/4L IS, that's sketchy. Rip out the 2.8L IS, and you're at 1/100 for the same shot. Much better!

135/2 + 1.4 t-con will give you both a 135/2 and a 189/2.8 ...

Best regards,
Andy

Try it for yourself: use your 70-200 without IS and at apertures of f/4 and smaller. You will notice this is very difficult, you'll quickly bounce against the shutter speed limit.

P.

If you can manage it keep it.

malla1962 wrote:
If you can manage it keep it.

doomed then to a life of eating bread and water for about 6 months....
sigh... well at least i'll finally lose some weight!

i think i will keep my 70-200 f/2.8 IS for indoor events and the Sigma 120-320 f/2.8 for soccer..... just seems a little redundant but then it doesnt.. know what I mean??


troy

Well, if you regularly work out with your new 120-300/2.8, then the 70-200/2.8 won't be to heavy for you any more

You might consider replacing your 70-200/2.8 IS L with the 135/2.0 L to have a dedicated indoors lens. The rest of the focal range should be covered by the 120-300/2.8.

What other lenses do you have?

Best regards,
Andy

Why not just buy a 1.4 t-con for the 70-200L for soccer?

Andythaler wrote:
Well, if you regularly work out with your new 120-300/2.8, then the 70-200/2.8 won't be to heavy for you any more

You might consider replacing your 70-200/2.8 IS L with the 135/2.0 L to have a dedicated indoors lens. The rest of the focal range should be covered by the 120-300/2.8.

What other lenses do you have?

Best regards,
Andy

currently i own all canon lenses:
70-200 f/2.8 IS
10-22
400 f/5.6
50 f/1.4

i am buying sigma 120-300 f/2.8 ( comes tomorrow)
i was going to sell canon 400 f/5.6 hoping that the sigma w/ TC gives equal IQ ( Does it ?? )
i was going to sell the 70-200 f/2.8 IS ( I could get a few primes ) but IM really a "zoom" kind of guy...
i have daughters who are in ballet / school events
I was trying to raise some cash to afford that new Sigma and my new "USED" eos1dMII im getting this weekend!
I dont make $$ for my images Im a teacher....
WHAT MIGHT YOU RECOMMEND??

THANX SO MUCH SO FAR !!!!!!

TROY

malla1962 wrote:
Why not just buy a 1.4 t-con for the 70-200L for soccer?

ive tried that and then its not a 2.8 anymore ( right ? ) and i havent been very pleased with the results too date....
yeah, it could be becasue im still a "newbie" but the added reach of the sigma would be nice too!


troy