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Lens Advice: 2 Mid-Level Primes or 1 L-Series Wide Angle Zoom

Started Jun 10, 2013 | Discussions thread
bhollis
bhollis Veteran Member • Posts: 3,931
Re: That's a Very Easy One:

YardYeti wrote:

You suggest primes for telephoto. Does anyone else agree? I like the idea of the 10-22, 15-85, and 70-300better. But I really want feedback. I'm sold on the first two lenses already, although if I can get 17-55 I will, just discussing the telePhoto.

Which 70-300 are you thinking of--the L or the non-L? The 70-300L is a very fine lens that's quite sharp throughout its zoom range. The non-L, although a good lens (and far less expensive), is noticeably less sharp, particularly at the long end. See here.

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=738&Camera=453&Sample=0&FLI=4&API=1&LensComp=358&CameraComp=453&SampleComp=0&FLIComp=4&APIComp=0

So if you plan to do a lot of shooting at 300mm, I'd strongly recommend the 70-300L over the non -L.  Another fine option at 300mm is the 300 f/4L prime.  Less expensive than the 70-300L, and faster, but lacks the versatility of a zoom.  If you can get by with 200mm, I'd recommend one of the two 70-200Ls I mentioned in an earlier post, or if you want a prime, there's the 200 f/2.8L.

I personally prefer the versatility of tele-zooms and own two:  the 70-200 f/4L IS and 100-400L.

BTW, what are you planning to shoot with a telephoto/zoom?  Your decision as to a focal length range should be driven by your intended subject matter.  For example, if you're an avid bird or wildlife shooter, I'd say you need 400mm and recommend the 100-400L or 400 f/5.6L prime.

 bhollis's gear list:bhollis's gear list
Sony RX1R Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Nikon Z7 Canon EF 70-200mm F4L IS USM Canon EF 24-70mm F2.8L II USM +5 more
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