markngolf wrote:
Anyone have experience with this lens. I'm looking for a lightweight alternative to my Canon L lenses. Do not want to sacrifice IQ, but I do not expect it to be perfect.
Thanks for any feedback. I shoot RAW.
Mark
Hi Mark
My lightweight kit (if birds involved) has been an EFs 15-85 and an EF 70-300 (the first version). It has also been my travel kit if I felt might need anything longer than the 85mm. I had a play with the second version, and if I didn't own the first version, I'd get that one, but I couldn't see any need to upgrade.
As its main attraction to me has been its lighter weight, I haven't used it much on a FF, but when I have it has paired nicely with my EF 16-35 (maybe with the EF 40 f2.8 pancake on my person) or the EF 24-105. I don't have a 5DIII, but just by the way, when mounted on my 1DIV, it all feels a bit less balanced than same with an EF 300 f4. I'm sure that's just me though.
I think its a pretty good lens. As you'd expect, its just not quite as sharp as my EF 300 f4, which is twice the weight. Mine is also just a bit soft above 280/290mm, (and I thought the vsII that I played with for a few days was the same) but still quite usable, but overall, perhaps not the lens I'd choose first to produce 20x16 prints involving feathers.
I'm thinking of selling it though, as I've now got an EF 70-200 f4 IS which is giving it a bit of a run. Its a bit heavier and just that little bit short, but it does focus a bit faster, (especially in AI Servo). I think the IS implementation is a bit better and it works well enough with the x1.4 TC, producing pretty similar IQ and AF speed to the EF 70-300.
But the EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens is a sort of 'just right' lens for me (on a crop), so its not so easy a decision to sell it. So I'd recommend you consider it.
Phil