70-200 f4 IS vs 100-400 on FF

[thrtytwo]

Hi there, I cant decide between these two lenses. 70-200 has constant aperture but I suppose if it isn't the f/2.8 variant then it still wont be any good in low light

and having rented one it's not quite as long as I would like on my 5DmkII

If you had the choice which would you pick?


Or should I just buy the 70-200 f/2.8 and a 2xTC :P ??

[Shelley]

Depends on what you want the lens to do for you - wildlife, people stuff ,landscape etc., etc.

[Redbaron]

Depends on how much you want the reach. If money is not an object I'd be going the 70-200 2.8L IS

[Ganzer]

what about 28 - 300 L f3.8 lS usm.

[MarkChap]

I guess it has been asked already, but what is the intended use ??
I am guessing, since you are considering the 100-400 that it is more for wildlife/birds and the like.
The option of the 70-200 f2.8 L IS plus a 2 x TC is going to give you f5.6 anyway, so no saving in aperture.
However, the 70-200 f2.8 and TC combination does give you effectively 2 lenses, a 70-200 and a 140-400,

[Bennymiata]

The problem with using the 70 -200 with a TC, is that, that moment when you really want a 400mm, you haven't got the TC on the lens!

I have a 100-400 and it is a wonderful lens, and even those that have both a 70-200 and a 100-400 reckon the 100-400 is still an excellent lens.
Sharp, good colours and excellent contrast and I love the trombone zooming too.

[thrtytwo]

Thank you for all the replies.

To be perfectly honest it wouldn't be for a single purpose, but a very general multi use lens.

wildlife, cars, just reaching further when I need to.

I read a few articles online and I think I may just go for the 100-400! I wont be using it inside much so the f/2.8 isn't a big deal for me.

[William W]

To be perfectly honest it wouldn't be for a single purpose, but a very general multi use lens. wildlife, cars, just reaching further when I need to. I read a few articles online and I think I may just go for the 100-400! I wont be using it inside much so the f/2.8 isn't a big deal for me.

F/2.8 is not EXCLUSIVELY about using the lens inside (i.e. low light): it is also about adequately arresting motion: I suggest you factor that into your choice, also.

WW

[LJG]

As a suggestion, go into a store that stocks them and actually handle them, look at them etc. Some who buy the 100-400 find it hard to get used to the push/pull zoom mechanism. The latest and greatest 70-200 F2.8 IS series 2 has been referred to as "scary good" and the best lens Canon has ever produced. It is quite a bit more expensive than the 100-400 though. Just more things to confuse you further

[dulvariprestige]

I miss my 100-400, such a great lens for the money, I really liked the push/pull once I got the hang of it, 70-200f4 vs 100-400, the 100-400 easy, vs the new 70-200 2.8IS, that's a harder decision.

[thrtytwo]

Thanks for the input! I guess ill just have to get my hands on them both and see :P