Looking to replace my old zoom lens... Need help/info on some new glass...

Hi Everyone...

First and foremost, thank you for taking time to read my thread and, hopefully, give me some input in my future purchase... Here's a quick synopsis:

- I recently purchased the Rebel XTi
- I have about $650 budget to get a new zoom lens
- I have an old Quantaray 70-300mm f/4-5.6 zoom lens (used on my film SLR)
- Primary use of the Quantaray lens was for telephoto closeups (ppl & objects)

The lenses I would like to consider and is roughly in my price range is as follows (and in no particular order):
- Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L USM (~$580)
- Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM (~$560)
- Tamron AF 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di LD (~400)
- Sigma 18-200mm f3.5-6.3 DC (~$390)

All are above average lenses (by means of quality and build), but I have no way of "renting" any of the lenses. That's why I request input from my fellow photographers in this forum...

In addition, I'm also contemplating adding the Kenko 2.0x Pro Teleconverter Extension Tubes to double the range (if & when I need that extra reach)... Would anyone know which lens would give better results with the Kenko attachment?

Again, thank you all for any input, comment, and/or concern in my decision making. I appreciate the help all of you give... Thanks again!

- airbutchie

I don't see what the dilemma is... The 70-200 f/4L is by far the sharpest lens in that range. Very tough lens to beat unless you spend a lot more.

The Canon 70-200 f4 is the best of the bunch, but don't overlook the 70-300 IS. If you want the extra 100mm reach and the benefit of IS, the 70-300 won't disappoint. Personally, I'd shy away from the 2 superzooms. Too much optical compromise to get that range in 1 lens.

Thanks you guys for the input... Anyone else have their "two cents" to put in?

- airbutchie

Get the f/4L and skip the teleconverters. There's too much image degradation with a 2x. I've used a 1.4x pretty successfully in good light, though.

I vote for the EF 70-200mm f/4L USM. And like Liza said get the Canon EF1.4x II converter for it.

The 70-200 is the best of that bunch.The 70-300 IS is also worth considering for the IS, very useful at the long end.Don't bother with a TC unless you get the 70-200 and then make it a 1.4x.The 2x wont autofocus on an f/4 lens and will be of very limited value.

I 2nd the above comments! Don't bother with a 2x teleconverter! The 1.4 Canon is good. Use only on lenses that are compatable ! See canon list. I like the 70-300 IS for its compactness, 300mm, and good IQ for the money and don't need or bother with the telextender. (I often end up useing my 100-400 L IS but that is NOT compact. Good IQ though.)

I have the 70-300 IS and have been very pleased with it over the last 13 to 15 months. To give you some idea, here is a link to some shots done with it.
http://www.tabblo.com/​studio/stories/view/12​4501/
http://www.tabblo.com/​studio/stories/view/11​7683/
http://www.tabblo.com/​studio/stories/view/11​1151/
Most of these were shot with less than perfect light and all are handheld.

FWIW, the 70-300 IS will autofocus with the Kenko 1.4X Pro 300 DG in decent light and provide dencent IQ.

airbutchie wrote in post #2245497
First and foremost, thank you for taking time to read my thread and, hopefully, give me some input in my future purchase...

thank them? soon, you'll be cursing these people for making you subconsciously wanting to buy new lenses all the time! this IS a vicious forum.

Jaetie wrote in post #2247284
thank them? soon, you'll be cursing these people for making you subconsciously wanting to buy new lenses all the time! this IS a vicious forum.

Yeah, that's like thanking the drug dealer for your "free" sample.

airbutchie wrote in post #2245497
but I have no way of "renting" any of the lenses.

www.lensrentals.com

They are easy to work with and top notch glass.

Airbutchie, the 70-200 when used on an XTi will give you the same field of view as a 112mm to 320mm zoom would on a 35mm film camera. If you were happy with a lens that went to 300mm on your old film camera, the 70-200 f/4 L should be an extremely good choice for your new camera.

You may want something a little shorter as well, though, to fill in the very important gap (to me, anyway) between 55mm and 70mm (equivalent to the 88mm to 112mm range on a 35mm film camera).

Blue:
Thanks for the link to lensrentals.com... They may come in handy in the future... Have you rented from them at all? Just curious...

Jaetie & runninmann:
I understand what you're saying... This lens thing is absolutely addictive... Nonetheless, I'd rather have my addiction to lenses than to real drugs!!! Hehheheheh...

Buddy:
Great shots on your 70-300mm IS USM... And the shots were taken without a tripod!!! Nice shots!!!

The decision has been made... 70-200mm f/4L with Kenko 1.4x Pro 300 DG combo... Thanks again everyone for nudging me in the right direction... I appreciate everyones input and comments!!!

- airbutchie