OldSams Loc: Pensacola, Florida

Hello all,
I'm new to the forum and need a little push in a direction. I'm considering the 70-300mm USM F/4-5.6 or the 70-300mm nanoUSM F/4-5.6 II. I am primarily a professional Real Estate Photographer, but am looking to add to my lens collection (reasonably priced lenses at this point, I'm still financially conservative.) I recently picked up a few outdoor event gigs. My 24-105 just won't cut it, as I'll be at greater lengths. I also do Pet photography, and many people want their pets photographed 'in action' at the dog park. I just need a longer focal range. Also, fast auto-focus is critical, and I've done a lot of research on the new nano USM technology. It seems to be 'the bomb'. However, finances are also in play, and I can pick up the older model at about 1/2 it's price from a reputable vendor (used, of course). The other is still too new to get a decent discount on, and I'm anguishing over performance vs price.

Does anyone have good/bad things to say about the original? I know it's got CA issues (well, both seem to at the long-end). And, of course, if I could afford it, I'd get the L lens. However, I've read some good things about both lenses, vs the L. And I was just curious about other peoples experiences with both lenses, good and bad. Thank you for all of your help. I truly appreciate any comments.

boberic Loc: Quiet Corner, Connecticut. Ex long Islander

If you need reach Canon is selling the 100-400 IS (mark 1) for about $900.

Charles 46277 Loc: Fulton County, KY

Sounds like for your descriptions the modestly priced Canon kit zooms should do very well. I have them and although I have some prime lenses, the kit zooms are still handy and quite good. For real estate you might consider the new short wide angle to shoot indoors or large buildings (10-18mm). Either long zoom you mention ought to be fine.

OldSams Loc: Pensacola, Florida

I have the 10-22mm for my crop sensor. I also have the 17-40mm for my 5D mark iii. I'm good in wide-angle lenses. But I appreciate the recommendation, nonetheless. Thank you.

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

I used the older model for birds etc. until I got my Tamron 150-600 and Canon 100-400. It did pretty good. I gave it to my daughter to give her more reach than the EF-S 55-250 kit lens she had.

4bcsmith Loc: Portland, Oregon

I have the original and love it. I'm fairly new to DSLRs (less than a year) and just a hobbyist. My main interests are pet/wildlife photography and love the results I get when shooting my pet dogs and birds in action. I recently shot a flock of Seagulls during a storm at the coast and got some fantastic shots. It is definitely a great lens and quick enough to get some great action shots.

OldSams Loc: Pensacola, Florida

Thank you, Robert. I appreciate the input. I guess, for right now, less expensive is the way to go. I just can't justify the extra money for limited income potential, at this point. As it will accomplish what I need it for, the original is the way to go. Ken Rockwell and Bryan Carnathan (sp?) seemed to like it

OldSams Loc: Pensacola, Florida

Thank you! I appreciate the comment!

markjay

rent them all and try them.
If you dont see a difference in image quality - go for the cheapest.
Never make a decision on all of these reviews and specs.
You can get caught up in all of it and it means nothing compared to your own experience and images.
The reality is that in most cases you could take the low cost version and the high end version at dfouble the price - and 2 side by side images are often had to differentiate.
So go with your eyes and not the specs.

CLF Loc: Raleigh, NC

OldSams, one thing you did not mention is your camera body. If it is a crop body like all the Rebels there is one lens that is mentioned that maybe the best for the dollar. The 55-250mm lens is an awesome lens that may handle your needs. New is only in the $300 range and used is usually around $150. I had this lens and it produced some very fine images until I upgraded to a 70-300mm Canon lens. Just another suggestion that I hope does not confuse the matter even more for you.

Greg

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Try some lens comparison sites, and don't rule out used.

https://www.imaging-resource.com/IMCOMP/COMPS01.HTM
http://www.dpreview.com/products/compare/lenses
http://lenshero.com/lens-comparison
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx
http://www.lenstip.com/lenses.html
http://www.dxomark.com/Lenses/Compare
http://www.lenscore.org/

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Have you thought about/looked at the latest 55-250 - lots of good reviews and CHEAP . Look at the MTF chart ! -

http://www.kenrockwell.com/canon/lenses/55-250mm-stm.htm

OddJobber Loc: Portland, OR

That's covers a lot of territory.

cthahn

If you call yourself a professional photographer, you should not have to ask all these questions here.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

At first glance, I thought you were being abusive.