Why is this L glass so "cheap"? Do I really need it?

PoohJen

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Jun 25, 2004
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Canon 70-200 L f/4?

So...any thoughts on why this glass is so cheap in comparison to other L glass?
As I currently shoot (mostly) outdoor sports with a Sigma 70-300 f/4-5.6, would this glass really deliver me anything different (excepting that 200-300mm range which I think I would miss)?

I shoot with a Rebel XT, but am hoping to upgrade to the Canon 40D by next weekend. My hopes for the upgrade are faster shots, clearer pictures.

On a separate note, don't you hate when novices (like moi!) stock up on equipment they have know idea how to maximize the use of??!!:rotfl::rolleyes1
 
In general, upgrading your glass will improve your photos more than upgrading your body will.
 
Thanks Paul. I use a monopod frequently, so I don't think I would get as much benefit from the IS (although I do agree that IS is an excellent feature).

And, good point mabas!
 

In general, upgrading your glass will improve your photos more than upgrading your body will.

I agree that a new model for your body doesn't have as much impact as better glass, but a don't discount the impact of a new body for your model.
 
I agree that a new model for your body doesn't have as much impact as better glass, but a don't discount the impact of a new body for your model.


I wouldn't. In fact, I've always said that I wouldn't upgrade my XT body until it broke on its own, but lately I've been dropping hints that a 40d would make an excellent Father's day present.
 
Canon 70-200 L f/4?

So...any thoughts on why this glass is so cheap in comparison to other L glass?
As I currently shoot (mostly) outdoor sports with a Sigma 70-300 f/4-5.6, would this glass really deliver me anything different (excepting that 200-300mm range which I think I would miss)?

I shoot with a Rebel XT, but am hoping to upgrade to the Canon 40D by next weekend. My hopes for the upgrade are faster shots, clearer pictures.

On a separate note, don't you hate when novices (like moi!) stock up on equipment they have know idea how to maximize the use of??!!:rotfl::rolleyes1

i have that lens and it is great..it's my favorite..it's an older lens but great. if money is no object of course get the is version but i wouldn't hesitate to get the non is if it is that or none at all. it's a fantastic lens
 
I agree that a new model for your body doesn't have as much impact as better glass, but a don't discount the impact of a new body for your model.
yep, it would be nice to think the body has nothing to do with it but it just ain't so;) esp. with the different focus on the d vs the rebel.
 
It's probably about the right price for what you get. Ignoring the "L" badging and the white paint, a 70-200 with only f/4 as it's maximum aperture shouldn't cost more than $500-$600. You can buy faster glass from 3rd party makers that is just as sharp and more useful indoors for similar prices. This lens is a good deal if you don't plan on shooting a lot of indoor sports or dance recitals.


Mike
 
I have one; it is a nice lens but I never use it anymore since I have the f/2.8 is model. Mint condition.

PM me if you would be interested in buying and we can talk price.
 
Here' s a question related to the 70-200 f4 L series lens...considering they are around the same price...would you buy that lens or get the Sigma/Tamron 70-200 2.8 lens?

Is the L series lens worth the change in the f stop?
 
I'd prefer the faster glass over the "L" nomenclature anyday. The only caveat is to make sure you get a sharp copy of that Sigma lens. Their QC doesn't seem to match the standards of Canon, Nikon or even Tokina. In fact, the Tokina 80-200 AT-X Pro f/2.8 is also a lens you might consider. I've never seen a bad copy of that lens.

Mike
 
I have one; it is a nice lens but I never use it anymore since I have the f/2.8 is model. Mint condition.

PM me if you would be interested in buying and we can talk price.

I have the f/2.8 and have thought about added an f/4. It covers my favorite focal length. For situations where I don't plan on shooting anything at below f/4, I thought the smaller size would be nice.
 
I'd prefer the faster glass over the "L" nomenclature anyday. The only caveat is to make sure you get a sharp copy of that Sigma lens. Their QC doesn't seem to match the standards of Canon, Nikon or even Tokina. In fact, the Tokina 80-200 AT-X Pro f/2.8 is also a lens you might consider. I've never seen a bad copy of that lens.

Mike


I have the Tokina 80-200 ATX pro 2.8


it's built like a tank...and is very sharp :thumbsup2 :thumbsup2

I wanted to add one thing, it is my understanding that the ATX Pro lens has a gold ring around the end,, I've seen another model with the red ring, which supposedly isn't of the same quality,, and I've seen that listed as the pro model on ebay, so make sure you're getting the right one..
 
I have an Xti and my Canon 70-200mm f/4 is by far my favorite lens. According to what I have read the image quality on the f/4 IS is the best that Canon makes followed by f/4 without the IS so this lens really does make a difference. The f/4 lens is a great balance between weight and speed. I was considering upgrading to the 2.8, but it weighs alot more than I want to carry around all day shooting.
 
http://photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=009UzT
you might be interested in this thread of the sigma vs canon.
it looks like from fredmiranda reviews there are 2 sgima copies, the dg is only an 8( dg macro) the other is a 9.1 still not as good as the 70-200f4 at 9.5. i haven't used the sigma but i find it hard to believe it is as sharp as the canon which is tack tack sharp(;))...could be an occasional copy is sharp, others not so sharp like some other sigma lenses? i didn't look all that hard but it would be interesting to see some resolution charts...not long ago i was looking at a couple of lenses and the one with the "better" aperture lens was so soft it was still softer when it got to the "worst " aperture lens' biggest aperture...in other words, what good is it to spend another $250 if you can't really use it till 4 anyway( not saying that is the case with the sigma just it would be something to consider) and probably not have as good color, etc.
 
Throwing my .02 cents in. I was looking between the 70-200L and the 70-300 USM with IS.
Both are pretty close in price but I have decided when I have the money I will get the 70-300. I often need that extra 100.
 
Throwing my .02 cents in. I was looking between the 70-200L and the 70-300 USM with IS.
Both are pretty close in price but I have decided when I have the money I will get the 70-300. I often need that extra 100.

It all depends on what your shooting and under what lighting. If you shooting in a dark area with moving subjects, the extra stop of apeture could be worth a lot more than the extra 100mm of zoom.
 
Throwing my .02 cents in. I was looking between the 70-200L and the 70-300 USM with IS.
Both are pretty close in price but I have decided when I have the money I will get the 70-300. I often need that extra 100.

i was where you are last yr and ended up with the 70-200. with a 1.4 converter i can get almost 300 but i need a tripod ...the 300 is pretty good iq imo but the build just wasn't there( like the 50mm f1.8 plasticy) plus it was during the height of my IS problems when they replaced the function on my 28-135 twice and it still didn't work... and that kind of put me off. i don't want to have to get new lenses due to them cracking or something but i don't mind upgrading the body so for the price ,i went with the little sharper iq and better build.maybe some day after i get everything else i want i might get the 300 just for my hand shaky days when i can't use the 200 even
 















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