Hi there, I am looking for input on which lens to buy. I have Canon EOS Rebel T4i. I am looking for a lens that is good for soccer-outdoor, wildlife. I was thinking of getting the Canon EF 300mm f/4L IS USM before my daughter started playing soccer again. Now that she is playing soccer, I am thinking about the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM or the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L USM Autofocus Image Stabilized Telephoto Zoom Lens.
I really like the L series lenses and am willing to pay a bit extra for that. I buy used and am trying to limit to $1000.
I like to hand hold most of the time.
My concern is how much sharpness will I lose with the zoom over the telephoto. But I need the versatility for the soccer.
Love the conundrum :))
thanks for the input. Especially from those who have tried those lenses.
Ha ha. So funny I am also eyeing up a longer lens.
I haven't used a long prime lens but notice they have a much shallower depth of field then a zoom lens. That may cause you some issues during a match and also as you can't zoom in or out you may suffer at some distances.
If I were you I would go to you're local store and attach them to the body of a camera and feel the weight of each. They will all be sharp if there l series
However generally I personally would think a zoom lens would suit this better even if it's one stop slower.
Or what about the 70-200 with a 2x extender as that will shoot a constant 5.6.
@johnston1364 Also looking a t canon 70-200 2.8L IS USM (used $889) that gets great reviews. I have crop sensor so zoom should be enough for soccer. with the 2x extender it would be awesome and still fast. I'm leaning that way.
That would be way I would go. I have a cropped body and a 70-200 f4. It's so much lighter then the 2.8 and very comfy to use all day. With the cost saving it's worth looking at
You will lose significant image quality going with a zoom, even a good one, at its longest length rather than sticking with the 300mm prime. Also at least one stop so you will be shooting at 1/2 the speed or doubling the ISO, both of which will further degrade the image quality, handheld. What don't you like about the 300mm f/4? Too big and heavy? Not versatile enough?
Personally, I wouldn't even consider adding a x2 teleconverter to any lens for fast action. That will double the focal length, for sure, but it will double the f/stop. The widest aperture, f/5.6 - the aperture at which the lens will meter and acquire AF before closing down to whatever aperture you (or the camera if you are shooting "s" or "m") have selected when you press the shutter completely - now becomes f/11.2 for your fastest aperture. Even the f/4 becomes an f/8. You will find your t4i will be extremely unreliable on its AF, and "tracking" AF probably stops working altogether. Tracking mode of the Rebel line is at best elementary, especially your older t4i. Let alone having to shoot at 1/4 the shutter, or four times the ISO, and what will that do to IQ. There is no "free lunch" especially as regards use of teleconverters.
If you are thinking to spend $1,000, would you consider upgrading your camera, say to a 7Dii (used) or maybe the new 80D? Even a 6D full frame, used, if you have full frame "normal" lenses. And keeping your current lens portfolio for some time, especially the f/4 300. The AF system of these cameras will serve you much better for the difficult low light and fast action of soccer. As well as far superior high ISO performance. I think these cameras will AF an f/8 lens on the central focus point at least. While it may be true that for "normal" shots, no motion, lots of light, it is probably the quality (price) of the "lens" rather than of the "camera body" that will dictate image quality, this is not true for sports and motion and low light where both are critical working hand-in-hand. I just don't want you spending $1,000+ on a lens like the 100-400 (even used) and being disappointed because your camera body can't keep up.
@lisainstpete I'm eyeing that 70-200mm f/2.8 lens for evening marching band performances (outdoors, high school football field lighting). I definitely need the f/2.8, based on what I've taken with the lenses I've had. I am really attached to my prime lenses (now I have 24mm, 40mm and 85mm) so before I actually buy one, I was thinking I'd rent one for a show weekend this season. If it works out well I can buy one (very used) next season!
Maybe rent a couple and see what works best in your situation?
@sarahsthreads@frankhymus that's a lot to think about. I have ben reviewing and researching all day. Now it seems tobe between the canon70-300mmL is USM or the 70-200mmL USm IS. but it keeps changing.
Frank, I think a prime would cause me to lose a lot of shots that are closer up as I am on the sidelines. I have to sleep on this -my brain is fried with all the options.
Sarah, I kind of like the idea of the rental. hmmm
@lisainstpete I do a lot of equine photography, mainly Dressage and Show Jumping, not identical to soccer but similar in that I'm generally shooting from a fixed location at the end of an arena. As you mention, the downside of a prime is that you will miss shots when action is close to you. I used to shoot with a Sony A100 with a 70-300 f/5.6. I moved to Nikon and now use a D7000 with a 55-300 f/5.6. I'd love to get a f/2.8 but can't afford the change.
I'm not familiar with Canon but at the risk of causing further frying of your brain, I'd recommend looking to see if there is 55-300 option. I found that on a cropped sensor that 70 was too long when the action got close to me, the 55-300 made a big difference.
Something else that's worth looking at (if you don't already use it) is back button focusing, it makes a huge difference to the final image and is far superior to normal continous focusing. It can take a little getting used to, but once you get used to it you won't go back.
@lisainstpete Hi Lisa, I used to have the 70-200mm f/4 L IS and sold it for the 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM as I needed just that little bit more reach, both are wonderful lenses, and I have spent many hours enjoying the versatility of a zoom lens while taking wildlife shots. Its a shame that you don't live in the UK as I am now considering selling all my Canon gear and just sticking with my Fuji and street photography! Ps the 70-200mm f/2.8 is an amazing lens but for me it was just too heavy and expensive to have as a hobby lens. Good luck in making your choice, do let us know what you decide.
@jo13@davejf Belated thanks for the input. Have been busy and trying to let some of the options percolate. @frankhymus has thrown me for a loop :) with mention of a new body.
I will have to try back button focusing which I am not familiar with.
I am thinking I might stick to getting the 300mm telephoto and just use the old sigma 18-250mm I already have for soccer. We only have 1 more yr of soccer before my daughter graduates anyway. I am also going to try the 100mm prime.
Now researching bodies. also.. I need to win the lottery :))
thanks
Lisa
@lisainstpete Lisa, if you are looking at a body change, especially if you are going full frame, it might be best to make that decision first and then pick the lenses for the new body.
There are numerous articles and I dare say youtube videos on the subject, all I can say is that it made an enormous difference to my equine action photography.
@davejf thanks, I already you tubed it and changed it on my camera. I can think of so many times when this would have been helpful.
I think I will stay crop sensor instead of full frame- subject to change after research :)
thx
@johnston1364@frankhymus@jo13@davejf@sarahsthreads HELLO, Thanks again for the input re new lens. At @frankhymus suggestion, I started reviewing bodies and decided to go with the new body. (What girl wouldn't want a new body after awhile). I just got a used Canon 7D mark II and am very excited to check it out. It has a ton of upgrades as Frank mentioned.
New telephoto or zoom lens will have to wait for now.
Lisa
PS Dave, I hope you've changed your mind about leaving the project.
@lisainstpete Oh lovely, I've shot with a 7D at a number of horse events and found it to be very nice to use. Lisa I've decided to post images occasionally but they won't be part of a 365. I might start a new 365 in 2017, thanks for your support
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I haven't used a long prime lens but notice they have a much shallower depth of field then a zoom lens. That may cause you some issues during a match and also as you can't zoom in or out you may suffer at some distances.
If I were you I would go to you're local store and attach them to the body of a camera and feel the weight of each. They will all be sharp if there l series
However generally I personally would think a zoom lens would suit this better even if it's one stop slower.
Or what about the 70-200 with a 2x extender as that will shoot a constant 5.6.
Personally, I wouldn't even consider adding a x2 teleconverter to any lens for fast action. That will double the focal length, for sure, but it will double the f/stop. The widest aperture, f/5.6 - the aperture at which the lens will meter and acquire AF before closing down to whatever aperture you (or the camera if you are shooting "s" or "m") have selected when you press the shutter completely - now becomes f/11.2 for your fastest aperture. Even the f/4 becomes an f/8. You will find your t4i will be extremely unreliable on its AF, and "tracking" AF probably stops working altogether. Tracking mode of the Rebel line is at best elementary, especially your older t4i. Let alone having to shoot at 1/4 the shutter, or four times the ISO, and what will that do to IQ. There is no "free lunch" especially as regards use of teleconverters.
If you are thinking to spend $1,000, would you consider upgrading your camera, say to a 7Dii (used) or maybe the new 80D? Even a 6D full frame, used, if you have full frame "normal" lenses. And keeping your current lens portfolio for some time, especially the f/4 300. The AF system of these cameras will serve you much better for the difficult low light and fast action of soccer. As well as far superior high ISO performance. I think these cameras will AF an f/8 lens on the central focus point at least. While it may be true that for "normal" shots, no motion, lots of light, it is probably the quality (price) of the "lens" rather than of the "camera body" that will dictate image quality, this is not true for sports and motion and low light where both are critical working hand-in-hand. I just don't want you spending $1,000+ on a lens like the 100-400 (even used) and being disappointed because your camera body can't keep up.
All the best.
Maybe rent a couple and see what works best in your situation?
Frank, I think a prime would cause me to lose a lot of shots that are closer up as I am on the sidelines. I have to sleep on this -my brain is fried with all the options.
Sarah, I kind of like the idea of the rental. hmmm
I'm not familiar with Canon but at the risk of causing further frying of your brain, I'd recommend looking to see if there is 55-300 option. I found that on a cropped sensor that 70 was too long when the action got close to me, the 55-300 made a big difference.
Something else that's worth looking at (if you don't already use it) is back button focusing, it makes a huge difference to the final image and is far superior to normal continous focusing. It can take a little getting used to, but once you get used to it you won't go back.
I will have to try back button focusing which I am not familiar with.
I am thinking I might stick to getting the 300mm telephoto and just use the old sigma 18-250mm I already have for soccer. We only have 1 more yr of soccer before my daughter graduates anyway. I am also going to try the 100mm prime.
Now researching bodies. also.. I need to win the lottery :))
thanks
Lisa
As for Back Button Focus, it's most definitely worth checking, here are two canon related links:
https://www.learn.usa.canon.com/resources/articles/2011/backbutton_af_article.htmlp
http://photography.kinja.com/dslr-tip-of-the-week-back-button-focusing-1045526685
There are numerous articles and I dare say youtube videos on the subject, all I can say is that it made an enormous difference to my equine action photography.
Best of luck with the shopping!
I think I will stay crop sensor instead of full frame- subject to change after research :)
thx
New telephoto or zoom lens will have to wait for now.
Lisa
PS Dave, I hope you've changed your mind about leaving the project.