Canon zoom/telephoto lenses.

[Flowers]

It's time to buy a new lens for my XTI again. The lenses I'm considering are the EF 70-200mm f/4 L IS USM, EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM, EF 100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS USM , or maybe, MAYBE, for the sake of image sharpness, EF 300mm f/2.8L IS USM. I'm planning on using them for outdoor only lenses. I have indoors covered with the two lenses I have now. They will be used on animals, people, etc, as well as with a tripod. I'm hoping to hear from people who own/have used any of these. Any opinion will be extremely helpful. It's not every day I dump this much money on something.

[flhiker]

If I had my choice I would go with 300mm because of the f/2.8 providing that you already have a wide angle 18-80mm zoom with macro or similar. You can add a 2x coverter lens and double the focal length to your existing lens (36-160mm) and make the 300mm to 600mm. Converters are about $50.00 I have noticed that you may need to use a tripod if you zoom in 300mm or more to get a steady picture( make sure you get auto focus if your camera is auto) Hope this helps

[Ross]

Originally Posted by Flowers

I'm planning on using them for outdoor only lenses.

I don't use Canon (I use Nikon) but the same answer would apply here. First what do you mean by "outdoor only"? Wildlife? Landscapes? Flowers? See what I mean? I personally own a 300/f4, a 70-200/f2.8, and a 200/f2.8 micro. Each has it's place, or I wouldn't pay over $1000 for each lens. If you have an idea of how you plan to use the new lens, or better yet, what is the problem you are trying to solve, maybe we could give you some solid advice.

[Flowers]

Originally Posted by rsfrid

First what do you mean by "outdoor only"? Wildlife? Landscapes? Flowers?

All of the above, but the least of those would be landscapes.

I've been practicing photographing animals using my cat and a Canon EF 28-135. They good, but good isn't good enough I'm afraid.

flhiker: That does help, and I will definitely be using a tripod. I'm planning on buying a new one the same time I buy the lens.

[LauraN]

I currently use the 70-200 f2.8L IS USM, for all of my action shots outdoors. This is an awesome lens and I wouldn't trade it for anything! I originally purchased the 100-300 4.5/5.6 and it shot pretty good photos, but shooting anything indoors was impossible (I was trying to shoot at an indoor horse show and a dog agility trial) also it was miserable at night/late evening photos. There is also a huge clarity difference between the 4.5 and 2.8.
I've looked at the 300 2.8, but the weight was too much for me at 15 lbs, you would have to use a tripod, and I feel too hampered by one, so all of my shooting is hand held. I would definitely spend the extra money for a 2.8 if you ever anticipate shooting in low light conditions.

[Marty]

I'm also looking for a lens for my Rebel XTi. I didn't have a lenz cap or a UV-Haze on and put a nice gouge right down the middle of the lenz.

The one you're looking at is a bit too posh for my taste. I'm looking for more of a wide angle/general purpose. I already have a 300mm zoom, but from my non digital old rebel 35mm body. It's not the greatest, but for the amount of time I use it it's good enough. I'm considering this one myself EOS (SLR) EF-S 17-85MM f4-5.6 IS USM also isn't cheap, but I think getting the IS will make the photos much more crisp. For me this will be a general lens for shooting mostly people indoor and outdoor.

From the reviews I've read it's the lens to have as your main one... One day I'll get an IS macro Just don't feel like dropping a grand right now.

[Flowers]

I love things on the fancy side. I've been known to spend more than I should on something that has that "wow" factor.

If you're ever planning on upgrading your XTI to a full frame camera, don't buy an EF-S lens. They only work on cameras with cropped image sensors, like the one in the XTI.

[IdahoOrchid]

I use a Canon XT. I have the EF 70-200 2.8 L lens. Wow, it is great. Much better than I am, so far. I also have the Extender EF 2x.

One thing you have to watch out for with extenders is they drop the f-stop quite a bit. I would not use them on anything less than a 2.8 lens or you will be in manual focus except in the very brightest conditions.

I also have the EF 16-35 2.8 L and the Ef 24-70 2.8 L. Can you say California Equity? I can take and post pictures with any combination you would like.

Oh, yeah, I did not like the IS feature on one lens I had. I guess my style of photography did not match it.

[Marty]

Steve, why didn't you like the IS ?

[IdahoOrchid]

Originally Posted by Marty

Steve, why didn't you like the IS ?

It did not seem to do anything special.Pictures still came out blurred even though I could hear it activated. An expensive option for blurred pics.