Please make recommendation for ~300mm lens ... And a general lens for a 70D

[Maria]

I have a new 24-70mm f2.8 and want something to compliment it for the longer distances. I'm thinking something between 250-400 would be good but not sure which one(s) are 'better'. This would mostly be used for indoor/stage shooting with some outdoor of kids plays, concerts or playing etc. maybe something in the 55-300 range?

I also have a new 70D (just took it out of the box) ;). So also looking for a recommendation on a USM to use with it for video - something mid range that would be good for most situations.

All input welcome!

[Maria]

Should have mentioned that i have a Sigma 70-300mm f4-5.6 - i like the range but do not find it very sharp thus looking for something else ...

Wondering what folks recommend?

And also what the preference is betweeen the 70-200 f/4L vs the 70-300 f/4-5.6L??? I believe they are close in price.... is one sharper than the other? Are any of the other brands worth looking at in this range?

Oh and i had said "USM" but meant "STM" for video on the 70D - the super quiet ones good for video...

[cicopo]

If you're thinking high quality zoom both the 70-200 L's and 70-300 L IS are worthy contenders. I haven't used the 70-300 but have read a lot of very good reviews praising it's AF speed & image quality. The one weak spot may be that it's not fast enough for some indoor stuff.

[Maria]

Thanks for quick reply! Really appreciate it!

Will have the check the price locally for them and the weight - that is really my only concern - i can't lug around heavy lenses ;( wish i could but my neck and back won't allow it ;(

The faster the better 😉 and also why i'm open to other brands - to hopefully lower the cost.... can't afford another expensive one after the 24-70 f/2.8L !!  😉

[Maria]

 What about the Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM lens?  Doesn't get me to 300 but a lot cheaper! From what i read it is pretty sharp??  obviously not as nice as an L 😉

[cicopo]

Can't comment on it from use but I've read both good & bad. From what I've read the only other serious contender may be the Tamron 70-300 VC.

[cicopo]

I will warn you that there is a learning curve to shooting longer lenses, so as you pass 200 mm things need to be done more carefully re shutter speeds & keeping things steady, and with you using a crop body it's even more important to develop good technique.

[ebiggs1]

Maria this is a problem!....."...  can't afford another expensive one after the 24-70 f/2.8L !!"

There is not going to be a huge assortment of lenses that come in the quality and sharpness of this lens. You got the best first, kido. Now, if you are going to put something with it just as good, it is going to cost large. And likely be heavy but the

24-70mm f2.8 is no featherweight! I rarely recommend a lens not in the Canon stable but, lately, I have come to see there are a few off-brand lenses that do come close to Canon performance at a much lower price.  

My top choice right now, for you, is the Sigma 70-200mm f2.8 EX DG OS HSM. It is around the same weight as your 24-70mm and is much less expensive. The best part is, it is very sharp.

I own this lens and can testify to it's superb performance. It is a best buy.

[ebiggs1]

Oh, BTW, that same lens is available in a crop sensor "DC" version as the 50-150mm f2.8 EX DC OS HSM.

But since you indicated you wanted a little more reach, 300mm, the 70-200mm version will yield an equivalent 320mm on your camera.

[Maria]

You had warned me about that hadn't you? 😉 thanks for the cheaper suggestion - will check it out.

Speaking of 'sharp' I'm struggling with the 24-70 - pics are not sharp and not sure why ;( going to post as a seperate thread ... I'm sure it's me and not it! 😉