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

airbutchie wrote in post #2247829
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...

I rented the 500 f/4 from them.

What kind of photography do you do airbutchie? I have read your thread with great interest as I'm looking to buy a zoom on a similar budget.

I had set my mind on getting the 70-300 IS but now I'm in a dilemma over the 70-200 L.

I just got the 70-200 f4 not too long ago. It's a great lens. With the rebate, it's very reasonable and you can buy the 1.4x converter for under $200? You're there. I can't afford the 2.8 IS version quite yet, and I think the weight of the f4 is fantastic for what I use it for. I'm thinking, skip the f2.8 IS and get the f4 IS instead for me. You have to consider whether you need the 300mm. I've heard good things about the 70-300 IS. And I gave away my quantary stuff. Not fast enough.

Karlos:
I'm a "somewhat" noob in photography... I know the basics and such... But now, after finding this forum, I know I could be more creative in my shots... I usually take pics ranging from object stills to wedding photos to landscape composition... I'm absolutely floored at what people can do with their equipment in this forum... It inspires me to be more creative and to think outside the box... Of course, without the proper tools, equipment, and knowledge, none of this could be possible... That's why this forum is great... You can ask the question that you need answers to and someone may have the answer you're looking for (like my dilemna in zoom lenses, for example)... Anyhoo... Sorry for making a two sentence answer into a whole paragraph...

Suzy:
I've read the same things with the 70-300mm IS USM... Great lens with a wonderful zoom... But the superb glass of the L-series with the additional 1.4x TC is the way I'm going to attack my needs, but i'm sure either lens would've done well... Thanks for reading my thread...

- airbutchie

Thanks airbutchie. I'm looking for a lens for motorsport use. I was going for the 70-300 with IS but now having seen some shots using the L lens and my body, I'm going for the 70-200L.

If I feel I need the extra reach, it's good to know that the TC works well with it.

I'm having a hard time figuring out why one would pick the 70-200 over the 70-300is. The 70-300 is not significantly slower, if at all, through the same range as the 70-200, plus it gives you another 100mm of reach and a couple stops or more of IS. If you add the TC to the 70-200 to get similar reach, but it becomes a lot more expensive, and more of a hassle. Seems like the 70-300 would be a much more versatile lens. I thought the IQ between the two was pretty close, maybe I'm wrong.

I understand there is an allure having an "L" and a big white lens. Maybe that along with the build quality factors into the decision.

I love my 70-200 F2.8L IS so I guess the f4 will be just as good so I would recommend that one

another vote for scrapping the 2X and going for 1.4.