70-200 f4 or sigma 100-400

ttcyclist wrote:

Hi Everyone,

Most of the time I shoot prime lenses on my 5d3. I mostly shoot nature and portraits, so taking the time to switch lenses has never been a problem, plus I just have more fun with primes. Lately I've been shooting more of the kids and other targets that it would be nice to have the flexibility of a zoom. I have a 24-70, but I want something with more reach. I'm leaning towards the 70-200 f4 IS, but the new Sigma 100-400 and the Canon 70-300 IS (both L and non L) are still on my radar. I ruled out the 70-200 2.8 and 100-400 L due to weight, plus I have my primes if I need to shoot in low light.

I'm leaning towards the 70-200 f4 because it is weather sealed and I can use it with my 1.4 extender to effectively get a 98-280 f5.6. The extra reach to 400 mm would be nice from time to time, but is not a must for what I shoot. IQ is always important, but for this purchase ease of use and weight will be big factors as well.

I don't know zooms lenses well, so I wanted to hear if people had comments about other things I need to consider, or have insight into how these lenses stack up against each other (preferably in the real world and not just the lab).

Thanks

TT.

First off, a 70-200 is one of the staples in the industry or enthusiasts, hobbies T because they are just darn good lenses. Having both the 70-200 f/2.8 L IS Mark II AND the 70-200 f/4 L IS I certainly hear your argument about weight. Since turning 50 four years ago, my old trust f/4 has been finding its way in the bag more and more. Why carry around all that weight when shooting in great light outdoors at f/8-11 for example. Just a smaller, lighter tool delivering wonderful images. And yes get the IS version.

I did get first hand experience with the 70-300 L while up high on a bridge in Philadelphia a few months ago. Weight wise in between the 70-200 f/4 and the f/2.8. Image quality again outdoors does not disappoint one bit.

I think the 70-200 f/4 L IS followed by the 70-300 l would be great choices.

like you said, adding your 1.4 X EXT to a 70-200 f/4 L IS will give added reach of 280 and f/5.6, which I do as well.

Have fun.