| Sir Salty A F |
| (Post Master Supreme) |
| 02/12/13 04:32 PM |
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need a zoom for the Mark ii *update
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so since i switched from Nikon to Canon, i need a new zoom. i used my 70-300mm IS on my D90 quite a bit. mostly for air shows/airport shots and motorcycles on the track... so basically panning.
looking back through most of my shots it seems like i'm always at the high end.. 250mm or more.
here's what i'm looking at.
Canon EF 400mm f/5.6
pluses: prime, 400mm which would be nice, price, fast? because it's a prime?
minuses: no IS (but for panning i usually have it turned off) f/5.6 (trying to stay under $12k lolz)
Canon EF 300mm f4 IS
pluses: IS, Still a prime f/4 is a little better
minuses, not 400mm haha
Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS
pluses: zoom range which helps with my composition.. basically the canon version of the lens i've been using
minuses: slower?
Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 IS
gives me some zoom and still get the 400mm reach, has IS
anyone have experience here? my main concern with the primes is loosing a shot when something get's too close (moving towards me) and i can't zoom out. not sure if f4 will have a noticeable speed difference over say f/2.8 or something to warrant going with a "lower end" prime and sacrificing the zoom capabilities.
| Sir Salty A F |
| (Post Master Supreme) |
| 02/12/13 04:33 PM |
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Re: need a zoom for the Mark ii
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if i had to pick two to narrow it down, i'd say the 400mm f/5.6 or the 100-400mm, just cause i love me some 400mm option.
| flyEX #1 |
| (Post Master Supreme) |
| 02/12/13 06:02 PM |
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Re: need a zoom for the Mark ii
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I have the 70-300 and it's nowhere near as good as the Nikon version I used to own.
I use a 70-200 f/2.8 IS II with a 2X III extender and it's perfect for me. Out of those 4 lenses, the only one I would sort of recommend is the 100-400. The 300mm isn't going to give you the 450mm reach you are used to with the Nikon crop sensor.
| Senor Eduardo_82 |
| (Post Master Supreme) |
| 02/12/13 07:56 PM |
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Re: need a zoom for the Mark ii
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I've used the 100-400, got some great shots out of it but I dislike the push-pull zoom.
I own the 400 f/5.6 and have nothing but good things to say about it, understanding its limitations when it comes to available light. It's not big or heavy, but it does magnify every little twitch, movement and shake in your hands, so learn to be steady or get a monopod like I did and not have to worry about it.
| Huggy |
| (Post Master Supreme) |
| 02/13/13 06:49 AM |
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Re: need a zoom for the Mark ii
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The Canon 70-300 is not that great and the 100-400 will destroy it. Obviously primes are great but you are stuck with no zoom. You could also do like Mike and do a 70-200 with a 2x extender, but honestly at that point I'd just take my 100-400 over my 70-200 2.8 IS II.
Let me know if you want any more info on the 100-400, I absolutely love everything about mine.
| Sir Salty A F |
| (Post Master Supreme) |
| 02/13/13 07:10 AM |
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Re: need a zoom for the Mark ii
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Originally Posted By: eddie_82
I've used the 100-400, got some great shots out of it but I dislike the push-pull zoom.
I own the 400 f/5.6 and have nothing but good things to say about it, understanding its limitations when it comes to available light. It's not big or heavy, but it does magnify every little twitch, movement and shake in your hands, so learn to be steady or get a monopod like I did and not have to worry about it.
I own the 400 f/5.6 and have nothing but good things to say about it, understanding its limitations when it comes to available light. It's not big or heavy, but it does magnify every little twitch, movement and shake in your hands, so learn to be steady or get a monopod like I did and not have to worry about it.
good point. i forgot i've got a really nice monopod. i guess that helps.
so what's this push pull zoom about? i guess just like it says. my Nikon, you twisted (just like most lenses) to zoom. what's the point of the push/pull?
| Sir Salty A F |
| (Post Master Supreme) |
| 02/13/13 07:11 AM |
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Re: need a zoom for the Mark ii
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yeah, that 70-200 f/2.8 IS is nice but it's showing $1000 more than the other four i listed. if it was the same price i'd prob for sure jump on that one with an extender in my bag as well.
| Huggy |
| (Post Master Supreme) |
| 02/13/13 07:28 AM |
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Re: need a zoom for the Mark ii
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Originally Posted By: salty
Originally Posted By: eddie_82
I've used the 100-400, got some great shots out of it but I dislike the push-pull zoom.
I own the 400 f/5.6 and have nothing but good things to say about it, understanding its limitations when it comes to available light. It's not big or heavy, but it does magnify every little twitch, movement and shake in your hands, so learn to be steady or get a monopod like I did and not have to worry about it.
I own the 400 f/5.6 and have nothing but good things to say about it, understanding its limitations when it comes to available light. It's not big or heavy, but it does magnify every little twitch, movement and shake in your hands, so learn to be steady or get a monopod like I did and not have to worry about it.
good point. i forgot i've got a really nice monopod. i guess that helps.
so what's this push pull zoom about? i guess just like it says. my Nikon, you twisted (just like most lenses) to zoom. what's the point of the push/pull?
The 100-400 you pull the front of the lens out to zoom in, and push it back in to zoom out. It's insanely fast to use, but can make for a long lens at the 400 side. I love it as it is insanely fast to use and simple.
edit ~ here is two pics of my friend using mine:
| Sir Salty A F |
| (Post Master Supreme) |
| 02/13/13 08:07 AM |
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Re: need a zoom for the Mark ii
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i thought i've read somewhere that over time on some push/pulls the "mechanism" can wear down and the actuation becomes sloppy and loose, is this true?
| Huggy |
| (Post Master Supreme) |
| 02/13/13 08:47 AM |
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Re: need a zoom for the Mark ii
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Originally Posted By: salty
i thought i've read somewhere that over time on some push/pulls the "mechanism" can wear down and the actuation becomes sloppy and loose, is this true?
I don't think so. I've had mine 2 years now and it has a tensioner to help prevent this. The tensioner can go from sloppy loose (like holding the camera down it will slide out to 400 on its own) to almost impossible to push or pull hard.
| Senor Eduardo_82 |
| (Post Master Supreme) |
| 02/13/13 08:52 AM |
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Re: need a zoom for the Mark ii
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The 100-400 has an adjustable tension on the push-pull mechanism, so I can see it potentially wearing out over time. But standard zoom rings also tend to get sloppy over time with hard use so that doesn't say much either. I just found the 100-400 awkward to get comfortable with.
| Lafora |
| (Post Master Sr) |
| 02/13/13 01:06 PM |
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Re: need a zoom for the Mark ii
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air shows and bikes? 400. Not even a question; both objects are so tiny relative to their environment I doubt you can have too much length.
| Lafora |
| (Post Master Sr) |
| 02/13/13 01:06 PM |
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Re: need a zoom for the Mark ii
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Originally Posted By: salty
i thought i've read somewhere that over time on some push/pulls the "mechanism" can wear down and the actuation becomes sloppy and loose, is this true?
it has another moniker: the dust pumper
| Sir Salty A F |
| (Post Master Supreme) |
| 02/13/13 01:24 PM |
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Re: need a zoom for the Mark ii
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Originally Posted By: Lafora
Originally Posted By: salty
i thought i've read somewhere that over time on some push/pulls the "mechanism" can wear down and the actuation becomes sloppy and loose, is this true?
it has another moniker: the dust pumper
yeah, i was just reading about that
| Huggy |
| (Post Master Supreme) |
| 02/13/13 02:53 PM |
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Re: need a zoom for the Mark ii
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Originally Posted By: salty
Originally Posted By: Lafora
Originally Posted By: salty
i thought i've read somewhere that over time on some push/pulls the "mechanism" can wear down and the actuation becomes sloppy and loose, is this true?
it has another moniker: the dust pumper
yeah, i was just reading about that
Trust me when I say, if I haven't pumped any noticable dust into my 100-400, most probably won't either... I mean I shot with mine in basically a dust storm, lol. Maybe if you drug it through the sand... but whatever...
| jsstritz |
| (Post Master Supreme) |
| 02/13/13 03:20 PM |
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Re: need a zoom for the Mark ii
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OP have you considered Canon's 70-300L? thats my next lens for sure. i've been lusting after it for over a year now. Usually around 1500. It's fantastic quality, and 5.6 at 300. its smaller than the 100-400 and much newer technology with the 3 stop IS, etc.
Someone mentioned a very good point though. Since you're used to 300mm on a CROP sensor the 300 on FF isnt gonna reach as far for you. If this is really the case then some sort of 400 might be your only option. in that case why NOT get the 100-400 so you have the range and the same max aperture as the prime?
Good luck! keep us posted.
| jsstritz |
| (Post Master Supreme) |
| 02/13/13 03:23 PM |
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Re: need a zoom for the Mark ii
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EDIT: the 70-300L has a FOUR stop IS
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/732106-USA/Canon_4426B002_EF_70_300mm_f_4_5_6L_IS.html
| Sir Salty A F |
| (Post Master Supreme) |
| 02/13/13 03:31 PM |
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Re: need a zoom for the Mark ii
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yeah, it's in the OP.
i'm leaning towards the 400 prime lol glutton for punishment.
| jsstritz |
| (Post Master Supreme) |
| 02/13/13 03:35 PM |
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Re: need a zoom for the Mark ii
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call me crazy but size, weight, and same max aperture, why NOT go for the zoom then??
| Sir Salty A F |
| (Post Master Supreme) |
| 02/14/13 07:03 AM |
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Re: need a zoom for the Mark ii
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lol, no reason i guess.... hmmm
the prime is $200 cheaper is all i got, haha
| jsstritz |
| (Post Master Supreme) |
| 02/14/13 10:51 AM |
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Re: need a zoom for the Mark ii
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well any will give you great IQ dude. good luck!
| Huggy |
| (Post Master Supreme) |
| 02/14/13 02:31 PM |
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Re: need a zoom for the Mark ii
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Originally Posted By: salty
lol, no reason i guess.... hmmm
the prime is $200 cheaper is all i got, haha
the prime is $200 cheaper is all i got, haha
So are you going to save $200 to not have some actual zoom ability over a telephoto prime? Seems like an easy decision really.
To me your choices are 400 f/5.6 or the 100-400. The 100-400 will give you tons of flexibility for a tiny bit of money extra.
| Sir Salty A F |
| (Post Master Supreme) |
| 02/14/13 03:07 PM |
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Re: need a zoom for the Mark ii
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you're prob right.
there's gotta be a reason for the 400mm prime, yes? or will the 100-400mm to everything just as well?
| Huggy |
| (Post Master Supreme) |
| 02/14/13 03:46 PM |
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Re: need a zoom for the Mark ii
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Originally Posted By: salty
you're prob right.
there's gotta be a reason for the 400mm prime, yes? or will the 100-400mm to everything just as well?
there's gotta be a reason for the 400mm prime, yes? or will the 100-400mm to everything just as well?
This took me forever to find, but it is what sold me on the 100-400 vs the 400 prime.
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=43436
The 400 is lighter, faster AF (he claims it's a rocket ship compared to the 100-400, not really as the 100-400 isn't slow by any means, but it is a little faster).
I do agree with one of his opening statements, the 100-400 could only be taken from my cold dead hands. I'm not sure it would be the only one lens I'd want to have... but I love it and it would be a toss up between it or my 70-200 2.8 IS II as to what I'd want to keep if only choosing between those two.
| Sir Salty A F |
| (Post Master Supreme) |
| 02/14/13 04:00 PM |
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Re: need a zoom for the Mark ii
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great read, thanks.
that led me to this though lol
| Huggy |
| (Post Master Supreme) |
| 02/14/13 05:09 PM |
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Re: need a zoom for the Mark ii
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Ewww yeah, f11 the 100-400 starts to fall apart... but then really, if I'm concerned at shooting at f11 in a long distance shot, the 100-400 really isn't what I'd be buying.
The 100-400 to me is a great sports/air show lens. I mean are you really going to need f11 when shooting an airplane in the air... versus say 5.6-8.0 where the 100-400 holds it own and DOF will be just fine shooting a plane or racecar.
If you want, I can post some airshow pics I've taken with my 100-400.
Yes the 400 part is great, and sometimes I wish I had 600-800 at them, but a lot of times even 100 isn't wide enough for close flybys and shit. I don't typically have 2 cameras on me either to have 2 different lenses mounted at all times, and the push-pull of the 100-400 I can quickly and easily adapt as needed.
After a few more things I'm seriously considering going to a telephoto prime like the 400... but I can tell you I'd shoot myself if I were stuck at 400 and at the same time I'd shoot myself if I couldn't get to 400 sometimes.
| Sir Salty A F |
| (Post Master Supreme) |
| 02/15/13 07:30 AM |
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Re: need a zoom for the Mark ii
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well, air shows, likely not. shooting motorcycles wide open is glorious. i'd LOVE to be able to drop some coin on a large prime @ 2.8, some of the best shots i've seen have great subject isolation.
here's the best my 70-300 could do... f/5.6 is all she has, but it still gives a nice subject isolation
300mm 1/400 f/5.6 ISO 100
like i said, it certainly isn't f/2.8 but it has a little of that effect.
| Sir Salty A F |
| (Post Master Supreme) |
| 02/15/13 07:31 AM |
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Re: need a zoom for the Mark ii
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i'm thinking full frame @ 400 and f/5.6 should yield similar results??
| flyEX #1 |
| (Post Master Supreme) |
| 02/15/13 07:51 AM |
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Re: need a zoom for the Mark ii
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Pretty much.
Look at the lens archives for yourself on POTN:
400mm f/5.6: http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=241053&page=241
100-400mm: http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=373778&page=464
| Huggy |
| (Post Master Supreme) |
| 02/15/13 01:24 PM |
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Re: need a zoom for the Mark ii
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In one of hte last posts on the 100-400 post there a guy posted a picture of Roger Daltrey that is incredible beyond believe. Don't get me wrong, there are a ton of incredible pics in all the posts in POTN, but that one is one of my favorites period.
| Huggy |
| (Post Master Supreme) |
| 02/15/13 01:42 PM |
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Re: need a zoom for the Mark ii
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Here's a few from an Air Show I went to 2 summers ago (keep in mind this was with my T1i and my editing skills were sucky-er back then):
ISO100, 400mm, f/6.3, 1/500sec
ISO100, 300mm, f/8, 1/1000sec
ISO200, 220mm, f/8, 1/400sec
ISO100, 400mm, f/6.3, 1/320sec
ISO100, 235mm, f/9.0, 1/1600sec (no crop here ~ needed to shoot at 150-200mm)
And one more at US Nationals with 7D and 100-400 and only the 129th picture I took with my 7D.
ISO100, 330mm, f5.6, 1/500sec
| Sir Salty A F |
| (Post Master Supreme) |
| 03/06/13 11:38 AM |
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Re: need a zoom for the Mark ii
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Went with the 400 f/5.6
| Senor Eduardo_82 |
| (Post Master Supreme) |
| 03/06/13 12:56 PM |
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Re: need a zoom for the Mark ii
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Needs a zoom.
Buys a prime.
| flyEX #1 |
| (Post Master Supreme) |
| 03/06/13 01:34 PM |
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Re: need a zoom for the Mark ii
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Thought the same thing.
Good kill on the 400mm. Have fun with it.
| Sir Salty A F |
| (Post Master Supreme) |
| 03/06/13 01:57 PM |
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Re: need a zoom for the Mark ii
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Originally Posted By: eddie_82
Needs a zoom.
Buys a prime.
Buys a prime.
haha, yeah, i caught that when i edited it...... oh well.
next one will be a prime too lolz, 135 f2