Telephoto

[pagnamenta]

Canon rebates have been extended until Feb. 19th so I'm thinking about getting a telephoto lens.

I'm between the 70-300 IS and the 70-200 f4. My main purpose will be soccer shots so I think the IS will come in handy when cropping at 300mm. I also shoot nature and some architecture so the IS will be handy then as well.

So narrowed down (might have been confusing above) I know I would like the IS but does the focusing speed cause an issue for anyone shooting sports with the 70-300 IS USM?

[cdifoto]

IS doesn't help one bit with sports. The 70-300 focus would be iffy. It's not ring USM. Go check out Andy's 70-200 thread.

[DonSchap]

How can you miss so many simultaneous threads concerning this decison?

This is staggering ... I mean, why bother writing at all, if no one reads this tripe? All your answers are right here... day after day, just read 'em! :mad: Don't get defensive, just do the homework ... then ask.

[Honest Gaza]

IS doesn't help one bit with sports..... .

CDI, while I understand what you are saying in relation to the actual "photo" capture, there is one area that IS will help, even when taking sports shots.....and that is the bility to hold the subject still for focusing.

At 300mm (and allowing for crop factors and TC's), pre-focusing of the subject in MF mode is so much easier with the IS activated.

And what of the many "panned" shots of motorsports that are posted on to the forum whereby Canon's two variations of IS come into play......so personally, I think there is definitely a place for IS in sports.

[pagnamenta]

Don,

I will get defensive. I asked a simple question that I have not seen answered in the other threads. I've done my homework and I know the 70-200 f4 has faster auto focus, but I asked if the 70-300 IS USM speed is reasonable and barable.

Thus you don't need to give any input, unless you have either of the two lenses in question, and that probably isn't going to happen since you're in bed with Tamron.

If you think that nobody reads "this tripe" then don't post.

[DonSchap]

Come on, you are right here, in the state, you could easily make your way to the local camera shop and do this kind of investigation yourself. You are asking for a very subjective testimony and truly need a quantitative response. Try one out. :p

[pagnamenta]

I've been to the stores, useless sales reps. and I can't test one out unless I first purchase it. There's little to be learned from focusing a lens in a dimly lite Wolf Camera. But you're in the state, so you should know that.

Seeing as you don't have the lens, unless you forgot to put it in your signature, I don't really feel the need for further advice from you.

CDI, thanks for pointing me in the right direction.

Gaza, thanks for the comments, nice to know someone has experience with the lens.

[shoey]

http://www.dcresource.com/forums/showthread.php?t=27545

[Rontech1]

Canon rebates have been extended until Feb. 19th so I'm thinking about getting a telephoto lens.

I'm between the 70-300 IS and the 70-200 f4. My main purpose will be soccer shots so I think the IS will come in handy when cropping at 300mm. I also shoot nature and some architecture so the IS will be handy then as well.

So narrowed down (might have been confusing above) I know I would like the IS but does the focusing speed cause an issue for anyone shooting sports with the 70-300 IS USM?

Come on, you are right here, in the state, you could easily make your way to the local camera shop and do this kind of investigation yourself. You are asking for a very subjective testimony and truly need a quantitative response. Try one out.

Pagnamenta,
Yes there are many threads about this. However sometimes you need to see for yourself.
Don, sometimes when you live close to a bigger metro area it is easier to go to a " local camera shop" and try it out. Some of us don't live near a good " local camera shop"!!!!!
Des Plains IL:
http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?formtype=address&addtohistory=&address=&city=Des%20Plaines&state=IL&zipcode=&country=US&geodiff=1
Large metro area isn't it! Quite a few " local camera shops" to choose from!!!
Don, Springfield (where I live) is a small metro ( if you can call it that:confused: ) area, 120000 people on a good day!
Not a camera shop worth a damn here! Have no idea where Pagmenta lives, just pointing out that sometimes the " local shop" is not an alternative.
Sometimes the way the answer is worded is very offensive. There is no tone of voice in internet communication.
Please don't take this as a personal attack, just trying to clarify.
Just letting you know that IMHO it was a valid question. CDI-Buy, Honest Gaza and Shoey gave some good response's that directed the OP to something he could use. Some of us do not have the experience that the rest of you do on some of these issues.
Pagmenta, if you would like to try my 70-300IS, IM me and I will be glad to let you try it. Make it a day if needed. Drink a beer or two.:) I may have a 300 f4L IS that you may want to try also.:D
That is if my rental of it does what I want.
Not an expert, just trying to give back what this place has given me! A lot of info from a lot of good people from this sight has directed me towards many informed and useful purchase's.
I also found by lurking (for a long time before I joined) that there really is some good info and knowlegdeable people here. And MOST are willing to help.
I hope that I can sometime come into the part that are willing to help;)
Ron

[aparmley]

I'll poke my head up long enough to suggest the Sigma 70-200 2.8 or the canon F4L - you'll need focus speed. . . ok see ya. . .

[cwphoto]

Hmmm, based on Andy's recent experience with the focus I'd sway toward the 70-200/4.

Don I agree with you that IS is of little value for sports (maybe the panning), but HG your point is one that I haven't considered before and is very valid too.

One of the pains I find with IS is that it takes a while to spool the gyros, by then you've missed the shot. You could always have them 'primed', but then your battery drains a bit quicker.

I love IS, but could happily live without if all I did was sports.