Canon 70-300 Question
May 30, 2019 07:50:59 #
JJS
Loc: SE Michigan & SW Florida
imagemeister wrote:
I have it, I use it, It is the BEST lens you can buy for that money - period ! IQ is right up there with the best of ANY lens - and I do shoot 300 2.8's also. - https://kenrockwell.com/canon/lenses/70-300mm-is-ii.htm
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Very impressive download. In fact, it was your posting a while ago of the owl being released from rehab that got me thinking really hard about this lens. Of course equipment is one thing. Practice and patience for those kinds of shots are quite another...and something I need to work on.
May 30, 2019 08:05:19 #
JJS wrote:
I've considered the L version. Fantastic lens but cost and size are an issue since I want to keep this one pretty simple. I hope to make a move on the 100-400 L soon and am planning my strategy on explaining the need to my better half.
I sold the 70-300L when the 100-400L II came out. The longer / newer lens is larger and heavier, as well as optically superior with an option for an extender. This non L version is very useful with just the limitation of being too short for most wildlife situations. I've seen many excellent results from this lens, particularly given the comparatively low price.
May 30, 2019 09:00:46 #
May 30, 2019 09:15:05 #
I had my eye on the Canon 100-400 L about two months ago when a Canon was cycling them on sale via its refurb website. Then I noticed that stores were finally getting Sigma 100-400 Contemporary back in stock for $660. Optically, you lose 1/2 stop of light at 100mm. For a $1000+ less, I decided to give it a shot especially after reading/watching favorable reviews. Gotta say, I’ve been really pleased with the results and still have money leftover. The main complaint is lack of a tripod collar. That problem was solved aftermarket for less than $20 via Amazon. Haven’t had to use it tho, since it’s light enough handheld. And it works fine with my Sigma Teleconverter TC-1401 at f/8.
May 30, 2019 11:22:58 #
I have the lens. I am very pleased with it. The coatings on it if nothing else make it significantly better. When I can’t carry my EF 100-400 dues to size/length, etc., it is a good alternative with great IQ. I think you would be very pleased.
May 30, 2019 12:25:08 #
nadelewitz
Loc: Ithaca NY
JJS wrote:
I own the Canon EF 70-300 f/4-5.6 USM IS. It's se... (show quote)
Is the version II the one with the LCD focusing scale display? I'd get it in a minute if I had the money. This lens allows full-time manual focus, as its predecessor with the focus-scale-in-a window does. Meaning, you can leave the lens on AF permanently, set camera to use back-button focus, and focus manually whenever you want without switching anything, just not pressing the BBF button.
I wouldn't have a lens that does not allow this.
May 30, 2019 12:41:56 #
amfoto1
Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA
Differences between the EF 70-300mm "L" IS USM (2010) and the EF 70-300mm "II" IS USM (2016)....
- The "II" has excellent image quality, but the "L" is slightly sharper throughout the focal length range.
- The "L" has very slight chromatic aberration at 70mm and little to none at 300mm. The "II" has the opposite, none at 70mm, a very small amount of CA at 300mm.
- The "L" can optionally be fitted with a tripod mounting ring. The "II" cannot.
- The "II" uses Canon's new "Nano USM" auto focus drive, while the "L" uses standard USM.
- The "II" is the first Canon lens to have that unique LCD focus scale, which can be programmed to display some other info.
- Canon doesn't list it, but the 70-300mm "L" is physically compatible with Canon 1.4X and 2X extenders, while the "II" is not. Note: With a 1.4X the lens is effective f/8, which will only be able to autofocus on select Canon cameras with limited AF points. With a 2X the lens will be effective f/11, which cannot autofocus on any of the Canon DSLRs, but may be able to do so if adapted for use on one of the R-series mirrorless cameras.
Compared to the EF 100-400mm L IS USM "II", besides the obvious difference in focal length ranges....
- The EF 100-400mm "II" is slightly sharper than either of these 70-300s at all focal lengths they share. The least difference is at 300mm.
- The 100-400mm uses one fluorite element and one super UD element in it's optical formula. Both the 70-300 "II" and "L" use two UD elements and no fluorite.
- The EF 100-400mm "II" comes with a tripod mounting ring, which is only partially removable.
- The EF 100-400mm "II" is considerably bigger and heavier: It's 1700 grams, w/hood. 70-300 "L" is 1125 grams and the 70-300 "II" is 759 grams.
- 100-400mm "II" uses 77mm filters, while both 70-300 "II" and "L" use 67mm (the original 70-300mm IS USM uses 58mm).
- EF 100-400mm "II" focuses closer and renders higher magnification: 0.31X versus the "II's" 0.25X and the "L's" 0.21X.
- EF 100-400mm "II" variable aperture starts out at f/4.5 (at 100mm), while both 70-300s are 1/3 stop faster at f/4 at 70mm.
- On the other hand, the 100-400 "II" maintains f/5 aperture through 310mm. The 70-300 "II" does so thru 175mm and the 70-300 "L" thru 225mm.
- Image Stabilization on all three lenses is rated to be up to four stops effective. The 100-400 "II" has IS Mode 1, Mode 2 (panning) and Mode 3 (instant). The 70-300 "L" has Mode 1 and Mode 2. The 70-300mm "II" has no user-selectable IS modes.
- None of these lenses are "IF" or "internal focusing". All three extend in length as they're focused closer.
- All three have zoom locks. I think the locks on both 70-300s are simple off/on and only serve for storage or carrying of the lens in the most retracted position. The 100-400 "II" instead uses a zoom tension adjustment ring that's variable and works throughout the zoom range.
EF 70-300mm "II" IS USM... $449 ($100 off, sale ends June 1)
- Canon ET-74B lens hood... $45 (not incl. w/lens)
EF 70-300mm "L" IS USM... $1359 (hood incl.)
- Canon Tripod Ring "C" for 70-300L and 28-300L... $165
EF 100-400mm "II" IS USM... $1799 ($400 off, sale ends June 1, hood & tripod ring incl.)
- Hejnar Photo, Kirk Photo, RRS replacement tripod foot... $70 to $90. (Recommended for Arca quick release use.)
Compare image quality between 70-300mm "II" and 70-300mm "L": https://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=1077&Camera=979&Sample=0&FLI=4&API=1&LensComp=738&CameraComp=979&SampleComp=0&FLIComp=5&APIComp=1
Compare image quality between 70-300mm "II" and 100-400mm "II": https://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=1077&Camera=979&Sample=0&FLI=4&API=1&LensComp=972&CameraComp=979&SampleComp=0&FLIComp=3&APIComp=1
Detailed review of EF 70-300mm "II" IS USM: https://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-70-300mm-f-4-5.6-IS-II-USM-Lens.aspx
Detailed review of EF 70-300mm "L" IS USM: https://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-70-300mm-f-4-5.6-IS-L-USM-Lens-Review.aspx
Full review of EF 100-400mm "II" IS USM: https://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-100-400mm-f-4.5-5.6-L-IS-II-USM-Lens.aspx
- The "II" has excellent image quality, but the "L" is slightly sharper throughout the focal length range.
- The "L" has very slight chromatic aberration at 70mm and little to none at 300mm. The "II" has the opposite, none at 70mm, a very small amount of CA at 300mm.
- The "L" can optionally be fitted with a tripod mounting ring. The "II" cannot.
- The "II" uses Canon's new "Nano USM" auto focus drive, while the "L" uses standard USM.
- The "II" is the first Canon lens to have that unique LCD focus scale, which can be programmed to display some other info.
- Canon doesn't list it, but the 70-300mm "L" is physically compatible with Canon 1.4X and 2X extenders, while the "II" is not. Note: With a 1.4X the lens is effective f/8, which will only be able to autofocus on select Canon cameras with limited AF points. With a 2X the lens will be effective f/11, which cannot autofocus on any of the Canon DSLRs, but may be able to do so if adapted for use on one of the R-series mirrorless cameras.
Compared to the EF 100-400mm L IS USM "II", besides the obvious difference in focal length ranges....
- The EF 100-400mm "II" is slightly sharper than either of these 70-300s at all focal lengths they share. The least difference is at 300mm.
- The 100-400mm uses one fluorite element and one super UD element in it's optical formula. Both the 70-300 "II" and "L" use two UD elements and no fluorite.
- The EF 100-400mm "II" comes with a tripod mounting ring, which is only partially removable.
- The EF 100-400mm "II" is considerably bigger and heavier: It's 1700 grams, w/hood. 70-300 "L" is 1125 grams and the 70-300 "II" is 759 grams.
- 100-400mm "II" uses 77mm filters, while both 70-300 "II" and "L" use 67mm (the original 70-300mm IS USM uses 58mm).
- EF 100-400mm "II" focuses closer and renders higher magnification: 0.31X versus the "II's" 0.25X and the "L's" 0.21X.
- EF 100-400mm "II" variable aperture starts out at f/4.5 (at 100mm), while both 70-300s are 1/3 stop faster at f/4 at 70mm.
- On the other hand, the 100-400 "II" maintains f/5 aperture through 310mm. The 70-300 "II" does so thru 175mm and the 70-300 "L" thru 225mm.
- Image Stabilization on all three lenses is rated to be up to four stops effective. The 100-400 "II" has IS Mode 1, Mode 2 (panning) and Mode 3 (instant). The 70-300 "L" has Mode 1 and Mode 2. The 70-300mm "II" has no user-selectable IS modes.
- None of these lenses are "IF" or "internal focusing". All three extend in length as they're focused closer.
- All three have zoom locks. I think the locks on both 70-300s are simple off/on and only serve for storage or carrying of the lens in the most retracted position. The 100-400 "II" instead uses a zoom tension adjustment ring that's variable and works throughout the zoom range.
EF 70-300mm "II" IS USM... $449 ($100 off, sale ends June 1)
- Canon ET-74B lens hood... $45 (not incl. w/lens)
EF 70-300mm "L" IS USM... $1359 (hood incl.)
- Canon Tripod Ring "C" for 70-300L and 28-300L... $165
EF 100-400mm "II" IS USM... $1799 ($400 off, sale ends June 1, hood & tripod ring incl.)
- Hejnar Photo, Kirk Photo, RRS replacement tripod foot... $70 to $90. (Recommended for Arca quick release use.)
Compare image quality between 70-300mm "II" and 70-300mm "L": https://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=1077&Camera=979&Sample=0&FLI=4&API=1&LensComp=738&CameraComp=979&SampleComp=0&FLIComp=5&APIComp=1
Compare image quality between 70-300mm "II" and 100-400mm "II": https://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=1077&Camera=979&Sample=0&FLI=4&API=1&LensComp=972&CameraComp=979&SampleComp=0&FLIComp=3&APIComp=1
Detailed review of EF 70-300mm "II" IS USM: https://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-70-300mm-f-4-5.6-IS-II-USM-Lens.aspx
Detailed review of EF 70-300mm "L" IS USM: https://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-70-300mm-f-4-5.6-IS-L-USM-Lens-Review.aspx
Full review of EF 100-400mm "II" IS USM: https://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-100-400mm-f-4.5-5.6-L-IS-II-USM-Lens.aspx
May 30, 2019 12:44:23 #
melueth wrote:
Have you ever used this lens with your Sony plus adapter?
ML
ML
My Sony is a translucent mirror A-mount A99 ....so no adapter to make it work - but that would be a good question for E-mount users !
.
May 30, 2019 13:03:54 #
amfoto1 wrote:
- Canon doesn't list it, but the 70-300mm "L" is physically compatible with Canon 1.4X and 2X extenders, while the "II" is not. Note: With a 1.4X the lens is effective f/8, which will only be able to autofocus on select Canon cameras with limited AF points. With a 2X the lens will be effective f/11, which cannot autofocus on any of the Canon DSLRs, but may be able to do so if adapted for use on one of the R-series mirrorless cameras. ]
- Canon doesn't list it, but the 70-300mm "L" is physically compatible with Canon 1.4X and 2X extenders, while the "II" is not. Note: With a 1.4X the lens is effective f/8, which will only be able to autofocus on select Canon cameras with limited AF points. With a 2X the lens will be effective f/11, which cannot autofocus on any of the Canon DSLRs, but may be able to do so if adapted for use on one of the R-series mirrorless cameras. ]
A nice comparison study ! .....I have tried using a Kenko 1.4X with the IS II nano on an 80D - NO AF !
.
May 30, 2019 19:46:16 #
A great shot with the same 300 lens I use.
I have had mine for 9 years and I love it.
Don
I have had mine for 9 years and I love it.
Don
May 30, 2019 20:04:11 #
amfoto1 wrote:
- None of these lenses are "IF" or "internal focusing". All three extend in length as they're focused closer
- None of these lenses are "IF" or "internal focusing". All three extend in length as they're focused closer
This lenses ARE all internal focus - but they are extending zooms.......
.
May 30, 2019 20:08:27 #
If anyone is interested I have a 70-300mm L f4.5-5.6 IS Lens in excellent condition. Price is $925.00. I upgraded to the 100-400.
I also have the Tamron 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di VC PZD Lens for Canon rarely used $450.00 and an excellent copy. It doesn’t work with the Canon R which I upgraded to.
I also have the Tamron 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 Di VC PZD Lens for Canon rarely used $450.00 and an excellent copy. It doesn’t work with the Canon R which I upgraded to.
May 31, 2019 02:11:14 #
JJS wrote:
Thanks for the tip. I've always have had good luck with Canon refurbished. Can't tell them from new. I checked a while ago and it seems to me they did not have this lens in refurbished. Now that they do it may seal the deal!
Ordered the refurb from Canon earlier for $359 plus tax. Hope it works well with my old 40D.
May 31, 2019 12:09:38 #
royden wrote:
Ordered the refurb from Canon earlier for $359 plus tax. Hope it works well with my old 40D.
That is so tempting. I just want to get a little more reach but aware of the weight in the backpack. Is there any quality 3rd party extender that would fit? I guess my ideal would be the 100 to 400 with the extender, but up to $2200 For that combo, and heavy.
May 31, 2019 12:57:48 #
GeorgeK
Loc: NNJ
royden wrote:
Ordered the refurb from Canon earlier for $359 plus tax. Hope it works well with my old 40D.
I also just ordered one for my 7D II. Funny, last night it showed as out of stock but came back in stock today.
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