What lens? Canon EF 70-200mm F/2.8 L IS II USM?

[Kayleigh]

I have seen this lens and I know its heavy but have read the reviews on Amazon and wondered what the more experienced on here think.
Is it worth saving for this lens, the reviews said it gives amazing clear shots almost 3d, its a lot of money but if its going to give me the shots I want ie landscape, birds wildlife then you will only buy it once right..
Will my little 500d body be able to cope with such a big lens..

Canon EF 70-200mm F/2.8 L IS II USM Lens

Cheers for all your input and please advise if another lens is your preferred choice with my canon 500d body.

This could have been a fantastic shot..



Elaine

[JeffH]

Hi Kayleigh

I have the mark I version of this lens and it's superb - the mark II version is doubtless even better.

At the time I bought mine it was one of the sharpest lenses in the Canon L series with very fast autofocus.

Yes it's quite heavy but I don't mind that and, in any case, I've used it with a tripod quite a lot - many of my Kingfisher in flight shots have been taken with it

It will also work well with an extender/teleconverter.

I don't know about the claimed "almost 3d" and it wouldn't be my first choice lens for landscapes (especially on a crop body) but as a fast action/fairly close range wildlife lens I'd say it's hard to beat.

Hope that helps

Jeff
(Schedule 1 Licence holder for Kingfishers, Barn Owls and Avocets)

PS. Shouldn't this thread be in the 'Photography Equipment' section?

[Kayleigh]

Yes it does help I basically want a better replacement for my tamron 70-300mm lens.
I want to be able to take better bird and wildlife shots I don't think I could take your standard but I have to start somewhere.
I find the tamron is OK for a first lens but now I want something better.

[JeffH]

Kayleigh,

An afterthought - if you don't already have a longer lens than your 70-300 then you might want to also consider the Canon EF 100-400mm L IS USM as an alternative to the Canon 70-200.

Although it's a slower lens (at f/4.5-5.6) than the shorter zoom, it's a great lens for birds and wildlife and gives you up to double the reach of the 70-200 at about £600 less.

I've had this lens for more than 5 years and have been very pleased with it. I particularly like its versatility when compared to, say, a 400mm prime.

A number of other WABbers use it too, as do several full-time wildlife Pros.
For instance, in December's edition of 'Birdwatch' magazine there's an article on Ben Hall - whom I rate as one of the very best UK Wildlife Pros around - and of the 7 superb images featured in the article, 3 of them were taken with his Canon 100-400 zoom.

I should add that this lens is now quite an old model and does have its critics but I had the pleasure of spending a day with Ben 3 or 4 years ago and if the Canon 100-400 is good enough for him it's certainly good enough for me

Again, hope that helps

Jeff
(Schedule 1 Licence holder for Kingfishers, Barn Owls and Avocets)

[BillyPilgrim]

I'm sure that lens will produce great quality images Kayleigh but you will have to get very, very close for birds and small wildlife. For eg. I use a 500mm + 1.4x teleconverter most of the time but I still rarely get near enough for small birds.

If it were me I'd be saving up for something like the Canon 400mm f\5.6. Doubt that would be any good for landscapes though.

"Will my little 500d body be able to cope with such a big lens.."

Oo-er missus...

[Kayleigh]

Originally Posted by BillyPilgrim

I'm sure that lens will produce great quality images Kayleigh but you will have to get very, very close for birds and small wildlife. For eg. I use a 500mm + 1.4x teleconverter most of the time but I still rarely get near enough for small birds.

If it were me I'd be saving up for something like the Canon 400mm f\5.6. Doubt that would be any good for landscapes though.

"Will my little 500d body be able to cope with such a big lens.."

Oo-er missus...

Cheeky..

I have had a scout through some of the lenses and looked at reviews and decided to go for this one..

Canon EF 70-200mm F/4.0 L IS USM Lens this lens does not come with a tripod mount ring will this canon one fit this lens..
Canon Tripod Mount Ring A II: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics

Its a grand cheaper and lighter and this one also had great reviews..
I want something to give great shots.
I want a good all rounder landscape, close birds, I don't really see wildlife and don't go birdwatching,
I take my tamron out and about but it really is time to upgrade.
I take shots of the birds in my garden that's about it.

[PaulBurd]

I have the f4 version of this lens and it's IQ is wonderful - as said in previous posts if you want close ups of small birds from 200m then this is not the lens for you - however as a general walkabout lens for general wildlife it's brilliant

[wizzo]

I have the Nikon version Kayleigh and it's a stunning lens. For landscapes however, have a look at the Tokina 11-16mm f2.8. It's not cheap at around £550, but phew, what a cracking lens! Good luck! Wizzo

[Kayleigh]

Here is a selection of the images I normally take and I am not happy with the quality of these images I have a macro lens that is good for my close up shots..
But as you will see most are not close up wildlife shots..

Flickr: Elaine2403's Photostream

[Kayleigh]

These are the lenses I have at the moment..
The Tamron 70-300mm
A canon 100mm macro lens
A canon 18-55mm that came with the camera.