03-08-2023 06:13 PM
Alright: Firstly, please keep in mind that I have a grandson in college, a mortgage, a car payment and a spouse who has grown accustomed to eating regularly. Now: I recently purchased an SL-2 with the 18-55mm and the 70-300mm kit lenses. It didn't take very long to figure out that the 70-300mm was not the greatest zoom lens. (Not complaining, as you get what you pay for.) But I would like to improve on the zoom quality somewhat. I would appreciate any recommendations for a better-quality lens to replace my 70-300mm that is in the reasonable price range of, say, $500. I would not object to refurbished. My favorite subject is wildlife, especially birdwatching. Any advice appreciated!
03-09-2023 01:07 PM - edited 03-09-2023 01:09 PM
@JoeySnaps.
I agree, the EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM is a great lens. I got one at release and used it with a T6s. My control ring has been living on it recently. Adapted on my R5 C it also does a surprisingly good job. In its previous life - 6D2, it proved to be one of the best travel lenses I've owned. I did replace it with an RF 100-400 which is now my casual "travel lens". The 100-400 is actually just a tad shorter and lighter. You do loose some stops (fully zoomed) f5.6 vs f8 but not bad for what you gain. For real birding, I believe you cannot beat the additional reach a 600mm lens offers in lowering subject distraction and "spook-ability".
~Rick
Bay Area - CA
~R5 C (1.0.6.1) ~RF Trinity, ~RF 100 Macro, ~RF 100~400, ~RF 100~500, +RF 1.4x TC, +Canon Control Ring, BG-R10
~DxO PhotoLab Elite ~DaVinci Resolve ~Windows11 Pro ~ImageClass MF644Cdw/MF656Cdw ~Pixel 8 ~CarePaks Are Worth It12/05/2023: New firmware updates are available.
EOS R6 Mark II - Version 1.3.0
09/26/2023: New firmware updates are available.
CN-E45-135mm T 2.4 L F - Version 1.4.0
EOS 1DX Mark III - Version 1.8.0
08/18/2023: Canon EOS R5 C training series is released.
07/31/2023: New firmware updates are available.
05/18/2023: New firmware updates are available.
EOS Rebel T100 - Version 1.1.0
EOS 5D Mark IV - Version 1.4.0
PowerShot Elph 360HS - Version 1.1.0.0
PowerShot SX420 IS - Version 1.1.0.0
PowerShot 620 HS - Version 1.1.0.0
PowerShot SX720 HS - Version 1.1.0.0
PowerShot G1X Mark III - Version 1.1.0.0
PowerShot G7X Mark II - Version 1.2.0.0
PowerShot G9X Mark II - Version 1.1.0.0
03/30/2023: New firmware updates are available.
Speedlite EL-1 - Version 1.0.2
03/30/2023: Product Advisory for EF50 F1.2 L USM
Canon U.S.A Inc. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without permission is prohibited.