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!

[ebiggs1]

"I may be wrong but I think the question relates to the Mk 1 or Mk 2 versions of the 70-200 & not the 5D's."

Oh, you probably are correct, sir.  It's hard for this ole brain to switch gears sometimes, ah, most times.

So to clarify whichever way the question is aimed.

The difference between version 1 and 2 of the 24-70mm f2.8, not much.

The difference between version 1 and 2 of the 70-200mm f2.8, a little.

The difference between version 1 and 2 and 3 of the 5D series is night and day. They continually got better and better.

There is also a 70-200mm f4 IS L that is a pretty darn good lens. It is lighter and less costly.

[Maria]

Still waiting to hear back on the price of the 5d Mark ii. I have until Jan 4th to return to 70d body. So far I like it but discourage that the pics taken with it and the 24-70 f/2.8 lens are not sharp.

I know the 24-70 is made for full frame but thought it would work well with the 70d as it is a midrange camera. Plus would give me a little more range - up to 130ish.

If the 70-200 is the original version I'm going to pass - if anything I think I've learned that i should only get IS for that kind of zoom.

[ebiggs1]

Maria how does the 24-70mm f2.8 perform on your T1i?

[ebiggs1]

"I know the 24-70 is made for full frame ..."

This has nothing to do with it.

[Harv]

Hi, Maria.

I have owned and used the 24-70 f/2.8L (Ver.1) for several years.  Unlike the Ver.2 of this lens, the Ver.1 is NOT sharp when used wide open at f/2.8 and is actually quite soft.  I checked the EXIF dagta on your images and they all show shot at f/2.8 so I'm not surprised at your results.  It gets better when stopped down to f/4 and becomes excellent when stopped down to f/5.6.  The newer Ver.2 is much better, but I was not about to put out over $1,000 to make the upgrade as I use the lens primarlily for people or landscape and am stopping it down any way.  I learned to NEVER shoot that lens wide open.

For the record, I use it on 2 bodies with the same results.... a 1D Mark IV and a 5D Mark III.

As for the 70-200, I have owned and used every version Canon has made.  In fact, the latest 70-200 f/2.8L IS Ver. II is much, much sharper than the previous version.  It's a lens I normally shoot wide open and it's tack sharp.  Best zoom lens made..... period.  By anyone.  It's the Gold Standard of zoom lenses.  Best money I have ever spent on an upgrade.

Here are a couple of links to reviews on the 70-200 f/2.8L IS II.....

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-70-200mm-f-2.8-L-IS-II-USM-Lens-Review.aspx

http://www.photozone.de/canon_eos_ff/510-canon_70200_2is28

I hope this helps.

Harvey

[Harv]

I should also mention that I have owned the 70-300 f/4-5.6L IS lens.  It was super sharp but too slow for my needs. 

[Maria]

Hello 😉

Mine is the f2.8L II ....purchased in late Sept....just tested with a second body and results are about the same but the second body (T1i) needed to go up to 1/4000 to focus - very bright outside today 😉  going to retest using f/4 but .... the reason i purchased this lens and put out $2k for it was so that i could take better shots in lower light - i take 90% of my shots indoors in low light (typical living room lighting) ... everything i had read up to the purchase said that it was a sharp lens and that it did well in low light.... I know that most lenses to better by stepping one f stop but didn't realize it would be this off/soft at 2.8 ;(  i posted my test shots in the other thread .... going to retest now using f/4 on both bodies to see what happens.

I have until Jan 4th to return the 70d body (or exchange) so just need to figure out where the problem is ....