Canon "L" series lenes: I have been saving for sometime now for a "L" series len The local camera store suggested 3 lenes. 300 f/4 prime, 70-200F4 and 70-300 f/4-5.6 all are IS. I like...

bigdog1 Loc: nebraska

I have been saving for sometime now for a "L" series len
The local camera store suggested 3 lenes. 300 f/4 prime, 70-200F4 and 70-300 f/4-5.6 all are IS. I like to shoot landscrape, flowers, birds, butterflies etc and of course I have 12 grandkids in sports and birthday parties. Just wondering if anyone have any comments on the above lens for best walk around lens also I have a canon T1i camera

BigBear Loc: Northern CT

I have a 300 2.8 IS which is my primary carry around and a 70-200 2.8 IS both take super shots.
It depends on how far away from your subject you are as to which lens you choose.

bigdog1 Loc: nebraska

thanks BigBear

jimberton Loc: Michigan's Upper Peninsula

take your camera to the local store and try them all. take one of your grandkids to be the model. shoot lots of photos and then go home and check them out...this way you won't buy on impulse and will buy the one you really want.

this opinion is from an experienced impulse buyer that has bought lots of stuff i didn't need....and then ended up selling off and losing bucks.

i finally broke myself from the impulse buying........running out of money puts an end to that for sure!!

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

bigdog1 wrote:

I like to shoot landscrape, flowers, birds, butterflies etc 12 grandkids in sports and birthday parties. best walk around lens. canon T1i

BigDog
Of the group the best for outdoor, daytime sports is the 70/200 but too slow for night/indoor. IMHO none would work well for a walk-around especially with your crop cam. For all around I would look at the 24-105. For landscape I would investigate the 17-40. On your crop it is 27-64mm, barely wide enough for landscape and not a too bad as a walk-around but a little short(at least it's cheap). You are asking a lot of one L lens. Once you get into the L's, versatility goes away. It is assumed you will be specializing your lenses. They are designed for quality not quantity. Pick carefully BigDog or you will wind up with a drawer full of'em.

RaydancePhoto

Here is my 2C Canon 24-105L 70-200 f/2.8 L and Canon 2x extender. That should cover anything you would want to shoot except a wide angle.

The Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 OS is also an excellent lens and a little less than the canon.

I also like the Tamron 17-55 - it is my sharpest lens, even better than my 24-105L -- OR I may have gotten an exceptional copy.

Festina Lente Loc: Florida & Missouri

What model camera do you have?

bigdog1 wrote:

I have been saving for sometime now for a "L" series len
The local camera store suggested 3 lenes. 300 f/4 prime, 70-200F4 and 70-300 f/4-5.6 all are IS. I like to shoot landscrape, flowers, birds, butterflies etc and of course I have 12 grandkids in sports and birthday parties. Just wondering if anyone have any comments on the above lens for best walk around lens also I have a canon T1i camera

gym Loc: Athens, Georgia

If you like to shoot birds, butterflies etc., you might want to also take a look at the 100-400. It does a GREAT job with birds. The only downside is that it's a bit bigger and carrying it for several hours can be a drag.

Edit:
I didn't see that you also want to use it as a walk around lens. Sorry. This one would NOT be a good choice for that.

bigdog1 Loc: nebraska

canon T1i

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

bigdog1 wrote:

I have been saving for sometime now for a "L" series len
best walk around lens. canon T1i camera

BigDog, I forgot to mention. When I had a crop cam I first bought the 24/105 then added the efs-15/85. After that I rarely used the 24/105. The 15/85 is sharper than the 17-40 and as sharp or sharper than the 24-105. It is a newer generation efs with L glass but less build. It is a wonderful lens and will do landscape pretty well. Only draw back is its slower than F4 at the long end BUT is faster(f3.5) at the short end. It was designed to be the ultimate walk-around for crop cams as is the 24/105 to FF cams. I recommend it. I sold mine when I went to FF but it was very nice indeed.

elsteff Loc: Delaware.

SharpShooter wrote:

quote=bigdog1 I like to shoot landscrape, flowe... (show quote)

I agree. Some lenses make my Rebel a little top heavy and feel better on my Canon 50D, even the 24-105 L lens that I love. I like the Canon 28-135 for the Rebel but it isn't an L lens. I've heard great things about the Tamron 18-270. I have liked the Canon 18-200 on the 50D but I just sent it back to Canon for the second time during a three year warranty. If it fails again, I think I'll try the Tamron

elsteff Loc: Delaware.

SharpShooter wrote:

quote=bigdog1 I have been saving for sometime now... (show quote)

My Canon 50D is not a full frame camera and I'm sure the 24-105 that I like so much would be even better on a FF. As I said above, this lens and the 18-200 FEEL better and more balanced on the bigger body 50D. The Rebels are great cameras but I wonder if you have considered the Canon 60D or even the 7 body for the lenses you are looking at. Trying the lenses out on your Ti is essential.

elsteff

hnoel

I get most general use out of the Canon EF 24-105mm L.

bigdog1 Loc: nebraska

I am looking to upgrade to a canon 60D

PNagy Loc: Missouri City, Texas

bigdog1 wrote:

I have been saving for sometime now for a "L" series len
The local camera store suggested 3 lenes. 300 f/4 prime, 70-200F4 and 70-300 f/4-5.6 all are IS. I like to shoot landscrape, flowers, birds, butterflies etc and of course I have 12 grandkids in sports and birthday parties. Just wondering if anyone have any comments on the above lens for best walk around lens also I have a canon T1i camera

The closest thing in my scabbard is a Canon 400mm F2.8 IS. For birds you will need as much reach as possible. I often hook the Canon 2X expander onto the 400mm and still cannot go close enough to some of the more skittish birds. On the other hand, the 300mm will probably put you close enough to shoot the grandchildren playing sports.

What seems to be missing in your contemplated list is something that can handle the close situations of the parties you mentioned. I would add a 24-70mm F2.8. It is a great lens for such situations.