Opinions: Ditch my 24-105 f/4 L for what? + poll

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01-29-2010, 06:08 PM
Jordan

Opinions: Ditch my 24-105 f/4 L for what? + poll

Okay, can someone help me to think here? I bought a 24-105 f/4 L IS USM out of a kit from a local dealer about three months ago for $900. That was a GREAT deal considering it was new. I have used the lens a lot, but I'm starting to realize that the image clarity isn't up to par with what I want in my photography. It's very versatile and makes a great vacation lens, or a great single lens, but I want SHARPNESS and SPEED.... weddings, events, portraits etc... I don't use it for that.

Do you think I should sell it (I have a buyer for $900 so I won't be taking a loss on it at all) and turn around and get an EF 24-70 f/2.8 L, EF-S 17-55 f/2.8 IS USM (what I'm thinking I should do), or just keep the money until something nice comes out (I hear Canon is making a big announcement soon).

My current other lenses are EF 50 f/1.4, EF-S 60 2.8 Macro, EF 70-200 2.8 IS, Tokina 10-17mm fisheye. As you can see, I don't really have an "all-purpose" lens besides the 24-105 f/4 L. Keep in mind I have two cropped bodies (7D and 50D) and though it's always great to plan for the future, don't plan on upgrading to FF soon (MAYBE the 1DMKIV which may as well be FF for this point) Should I keep it or turn around and buy a faster one with less focal length? PLEASE HELP ME MAKE MY DECISION! I'll spend FOREVER deciding and maybe I'm over-looking some great points!

- Jordan

www.freshphotohawaii.com
01-29-2010, 06:19 PM
Sean Setters

Re: Opinions: Ditch my 24-105 f/4 L for what? + poll

I voted for the 17-55 simply because I have it and love it. If I could only have one lens, that would be it. It isn't perfect, but it is certainly the most versatile tool in my bag.
01-29-2010, 06:27 PM
Brendan7

Re: Opinions: Ditch my 24-105 f/4 L for what? + poll

The next big announcement, if I remember correctly, is in very early February. At least wait until then; if nothing groundbreaking is released, get the 17-55. If a 24-70 with IS is announced get that whatever the cost IMHO.

brendan
01-29-2010, 06:27 PM
Jordan

Re: Opinions: Ditch my 24-105 f/4 L for what? + poll

Thanks Sean! Yeah that's what I'm leaning toward. I rented it two days ago (first time I'd ever used it) and I'm taking it back in a couple hours... I didn't get a ton of shots with it, but I can see it's VERY sharp and with the 2.8 AND IS.... it's nice. 2.8 OR IS is good but this has both! :)

The one thing I DON'T like about it is the build quality. It definitely doesn't feel very L-ish... even though I know it is basically L inside. Plus it's about the same price as what I'd sell the other for... so it's like even exchange. I also like how wide 17 is! I haven't used a non-wide-only lens wider than 24 in a long time... since my 18-55 kit lens in fact! :)
01-29-2010, 06:30 PM
Jordan

Re: Opinions: Ditch my 24-105 f/4 L for what? + poll

EXACTLY Dude! I keep saying, an EF 24-70 2.8 L-series with IS would be KILLER! (thought something a little wider would be great) I would almost certainly get that if it was announced, but I'm not expecting it to be. We shall see! Yeah I think if I sell it today I just will pocket the 900 until the announcement and go with the 17-55 if nothing..... sheesh EXACTLY what you said... haha...

I'd still like to get more opinions though! I'm looking for someone who can come with some crazy reason to do something I didn't think of... sometimes it just takes the right perspective to go "Ohhh.... .good idea!" you know?

wow... I think I sound drunk. I promise I'm not! Just tired!
01-29-2010, 07:40 PM
Daniel Browning

Re: Opinions: Ditch my 24-105 f/4 L for what? + poll

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jordan

I have used the lens a lot, but I'm starting to realize that the image clarity isn't up to par with what I want in my photography.

Wow, you have very high standards! That's a good thing, of course. [:D] The 24-105 is pretty sharp. But there are a lot of lenses out there that are even sharper, so you do have some choices.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jordan

Should I keep it or turn around and buy a faster one with less focal length?

Based on what you've said, I think you definitely should.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jordan

I want SHARPNESS and SPEED

The EF-S 17-55 f/2.8 IS is pretty much the only Canon choice that meets these qualifications. the 24-70 f/2.8 is definitely sharper than the 24-105 if you compare them both at f/4, but they both lose out to the 17-55.

If you want to consider some alternatives, I'd recommend the Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 first. I think Sigma has poorer quality control. The Tamron is less than half the price of the 17-55, but the image quality is very close. The worst problem it has is field curvature, which is why the test chart looks poor in the corners at 17mm. (In real life, you wont notice this problem as much because subjects are not usually perfectly flat). I really like this lens and whenever I'm not on full frame this is what I'm using. (I'll probably keep it indefinitely -- unless I can afford to upgrade my backup body to full frame some day.) Unfortunately, the autofocus is loud and annoying and does not have full time manual. There is a newer VC version, but it's not quite as sharp.

In short, I advise the 17-55.
01-29-2010, 07:47 PM
kitaoka

Re: Opinions: Ditch my 24-105 f/4 L for what? + poll

The EF 24-105 f4.0 L IS lens I have is one of my most sharp lenses in my bag. I also have the EF 28-70 f2.8 L which I actually prefer over the 24-70, but it is much less forgiving than the 24-105. Granted it's not as fast as the 28-70, but the focal length, color and sharpness are grand.

But if you don't like the lens, why not RENT something you're considering before buying? I'm always amazed how few people do that. For me it's worth renting a lens that I am seriously considering as a purchase to see if my hopes intersect reality. If you find the lens you rent is better for your needs than the 28-105, it's a no brainer at that point.

Mark
01-29-2010, 08:56 PM
Mark Elberson

Re: Opinions: Ditch my 24-105 f/4 L for what? + poll

You should probably consider buying my gently used Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS [:P]
01-29-2010, 09:33 PM
BuddyO

Re: Opinions: Ditch my 24-105 f/4 L for what? + poll

It surprises me that you don't find this lens sharp. I found it to be very sharp on my XTi, but when I got my 50D I was a bit disappointed, it seemed a bit soft until I used the microfocus adjustment. I found that the combo of my 50D and my 24-105L was front-focusing. After adjusting the camera to a +7 for the lens, I am getting pics just as sharp as with my XTi only with much better resolution, detail, and color.

Does your camera have autofocus micro-adjustment?
01-29-2010, 09:42 PM
clemmb

Re: Opinions: Ditch my 24-105 f/4 L for what? + poll

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daniel Browning

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jordan

I have used the lens a lot, but I'm starting to realize that the image clarity isn't up to par with what I want in my photography.

Wow, you have very high standards!
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Or a bad copy.

I agree another lens may be right for you but I have two of these lenses and find them to be sharp.

Mark
01-31-2010, 11:27 PM
digital808

Re: Opinions: Ditch my 24-105 f/4 L for what? + poll

Wassup Jordan! I too have a dilemma. I need to find another lens to
compliment my 70-200 f2.8 IS. I was leaning towards the EF-S 17-55 f/2.8.. I was looking into the 24-105 f/4. The only down side to the EF-S is that for the price......it's not an "L" lens. Let me know what you decide. If you decide to get the 17-55........let us know how it is!
02-01-2010, 02:27 AM
Keith B

Re: Opinions: Ditch my 24-105 f/4 L for what? + poll

My experience with the 24-105 and 24-70 showed the 24-105 to be slightly sharper in the center but the 24-70 is much sharper in the corners and handles CA way better on the outer portions of the frame.

Crop users will probably say the 24-105 is superior, but FF users will probably prefer the edge to edge sharpness and better controlled CA.
02-04-2010, 05:18 PM
Jordan

Re: Opinions: Ditch my 24-105 f/4 L for what? + poll

WEll digital,

The EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM is practically an L-series lens... it's just not given to title, presumably due to the fact that it's EF-S and there are no EF-S L lenses. It has many of the L parts on the inside. It doesn't feel quite as solid of a build as the L, but other than that and the red ring, it basically is. Optically it's GORGEOUS! I rented it the other day and WOW... I really think I'm getting it. I just sold my EF 24-105 f/4 L IS USM last night and am happy because that will go toward the 17-55. I also have a 70-200 2.8 IS and I think between those two... most everything is covered. I also have a 60mm Macro, the 50 1.4, and two ultra wide angles... a Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 (which will arrive today) and a Tokina 10-17mm fisheye. Between those, and my other lenses... I think I'm covered! :)
02-05-2010, 03:04 AM
digital808

Re: Opinions: Ditch my 24-105 f/4 L for what? + poll

I just got mines! It is "optically" awesome but the "dust" issue is a problem. I notice I have some specs under the front element. Less than a day old. Because of this, I'm gonna return it. I think in the long run.....it will become a problem. I've read too much stories about this. I don't want to take a chance.
02-05-2010, 07:45 AM
Chris White

Re: Opinions: Ditch my 24-105 f/4 L for what? + poll

I hear a lot of "dust" complaints, but I have never had any issue with dust, and it has been my workhorse for over a year. I have both the 17-55 and the 24-70, but if I could only have one, it would unquestionably be the 17-55. it is truly outstanding and where it really shines is in the low light. I cropped the image below from an image I took the Sunday night before Christmas looking at the decorated village with the family. I hand held this shot at 1/25.

[img]/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.26.60/DPP_5F00_0046_2D00_1.JPG0164-u-crop.JPG[/img]

50D, EF-S 17-55mm IS USM, 1/25, f/2.8, ISO 1600, cropped with DPP

I could not have done this with my 24-70 -- I can not hand hold at 1/25 with sharp results, and certainly not with a 24-105, ISO too high with my 50D. this image is truly sharp at original size. You can see from Mrs. Chris the truism that IS does not stop movement.

Chris
02-05-2010, 09:46 AM
Tony Printezis

Re: Opinions: Ditch my 24-105 f/4 L for what? + poll

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jordan

but I'm starting to realize that the image clarity isn't up to par with what I want in my photography.

I'm surprised you don't think the 24-105 is sharp. It's one of my sharpest lenses. Yes, it's not as sharp as my 70-200 f/4 IS, but keep in mind that the 24-105 is a wide-to-tele 4x zoom, whereas the 70-200 is a tele-to-tele 3x zoom. And, yes, it is a bit soft in the long end, but I personally appreciate the extra reach when I don't want to carry the 70-200.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jordan

I keep saying, an EF 24-70 2.8 L-series with IS would be KILLER!

...at probably $2,000 and with 50% more weight than the 24-105. Nah, I'll stick to my 24-105 me thinks. [:D]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jordan

The EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM is practically an L-series lens...

No, it's not. Yes, IQ is supposed to be very good. But build quality seems to be similar to the 10-22, which I've always found to be subpar for $700 (and at $1,000 for the 17-55 I'd expect nothing but outstanding build quality). I recently dropped my 24-105 from a non-trivial height; it just carried on working and hasn't shown any issues since. I'm sure the 17-55 would have ended up in pieces...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris White

I can not hand hold at 1/25 with sharp results, and certainly not with a 24-105,

Chris, I'm not quite sure what you're trying to say here. Why if you can handhold the 24-70 at a certain shutter speed, you cannot do the same with the 24-105? The IS on the latter is wonderful. I've got down to 1/4sec with it on a few occasions and I managed to get great and sharp results. Yes, I had to shoot a few frames to make sure I get at least one good one, but without IS I would have got no good ones.

1/4 sec:

http://www.airliners.net/photo/USA---Air/Lockheed-SR-71A-Blackbird/1574849/L/

1/6 sec:

http://www.airliners.net/photo/US-Airways/Embraer-ERJ-190-100IGW-190AR/1625747/L/

Tony
02-05-2010, 03:48 PM
Chris White

Re: Opinions: Ditch my 24-105 f/4 L for what? + poll

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tony Printezis

Chris, I'm not quite sure what you're trying to say here. Why if you can handhold the 24-70 at a certain shutter speed, you cannot do the same with the 24-105? The IS on the latter is wonderful. I've got down to 1/4sec with it on a few occasions and I managed to get great and sharp results. Yes, I had to shoot a few frames to make sure I get at least one good one, but without IS I would have got no good ones.

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Tony, you do have a point with the 24-105, since I do not have any
experience with it I was making a calculated leap that I would lose some
quality at slower shutter speeds that the IS would not help me with. This photo
is with my 17-55, which is tied with my 70-200 2.8 IS as my favorite lens; my
keeper rate with both is in the range of 99%. Usually images with those two I
choose not to keep are the "carpenter" and not the "tool"
to use the old saying. I find that with my 24-70 my keeper rate declines significantly
after about 1/100, hand held. Shooting my daughter's basketball games, there is
generally enough light to make the 24-70 very usable without IS. Thus, the
reason I have 2.8's vs. the 24-105 IS is that I am frequently trying to keep up
with moving subjects. Moreover, although I am sure I could get great background
with the 24-105 during the games, the players are moving too quickly for the
f/4 given available light.

Jordan's thread start was his desire to get rid of his 24-105, which he did.
Personally, I have not heard anyone displeased with that lens, until Jordan. I,
like so many, was debating between it and the 24-70 before I got the 24-70. His
main choice it seemed to most of us was the 17-55 or the 24-70. I have both of
these, I like both and I use both for different things. If I could only keep
one or had to get one first, it would be the 17-55.

Having said that if Canon indeed comes out with a 24-70 IS I would look to
trade them both towards it. [:D]<span><o:p></o:p>

In other threads, however, others whose opinions I respect have made a case
that Canon has other needs before the excellent and relatively new 24-70 gets a
rework.

Chris
02-05-2010, 04:01 PM
Jordan

Re: Opinions: Ditch my 24-105 f/4 L for what? + poll

Well said Chris!

I want to make clear that I don't dislike the EF 24-105 f/4 L IS USM, but rather that I would prefer to have a $1000 tied up in a lens that I can make some serious money with (i.e. portraits, weddings, other events etc...) and though the pictures from the 24-105 aren't bad... they are not the quality that I would get from the other lenses... especially in relatively low light. Because of that alone, I would prefer to go with a lens that is faster and a little sharper. I would love to have the 24-105 still... it's a great walk-around lens and vacation lens and such, but I just think that it's $1000 that I could put toward something that will make me more money. I did indeed sell that lens and though I'm sad to see it go, I'm happy to look toward the future and probably put that money into an EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM. The build quality of that lens certainly isn't L-build, but the IQ is INSANE. I baby my lenses... I'm not a National Geographic photographer who is laying in my and trekking through deserts... so I figure it's no big deal. Also, the 24-105 is said to have dust issues (as I think someone above commented). I have heard this from several places, and though I haven't experienced it with mine, it is another point for the "sell the lens" side of the debate. Please don't think I don't like that lens though, I do... just figure my money can be put to better use elsewhere!

- Jordan

www.freshphotohawaii.com
02-06-2010, 06:05 PM
Tony Printezis

Re: Opinions: Ditch my 24-105 f/4 L for what? + poll

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris White

I was making a calculated leap that I would lose some
quality at slower shutter speeds that the IS would not help me with.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris White

Shooting my daughter's basketball games, there is
generally enough light to make the 24-70 very usable without IS.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris White

Moreover, although I am sure I could get great background
with the 24-105 during the games, the players are moving too quickly for the
f/4 given available light.

Chris, yes, I actually totally agree with you. If you want to shoot fast moving subjects in low light (as you do), the IS will not help you therefore the f/2.8 lens is the one for you. If you want to shoot stationary subjects in low light (as I do), the IS will definitely be of great help and the f/4 IS lens is the one for you (actually: for me!). This is I think the best way to determine which of the two one really needs.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris White

Having said that if Canon indeed comes out with a 24-70 IS I would look to
trade them both towards it.

Despite what I said earlier, yes, if the price is right I might actually consider it too! I think I'll eventually move to a FF body, so another reason I might consider switching to a potential 24-70 f/2.8 IS would be if the corners on a FF body would be better than with the 24-105.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris White

In other threads, however, others whose opinions I respect have made a case
that Canon has other needs before the excellent and relatively new 24-70 gets a
rework.

I wouldn't be surprised if Canon upgrades the 24-70 soon (and IS would be a non-brainer for it!). The 70-200 f/2.8 IS is not that old and Canon already has a replacement lined up... and the 24-70 is a very popular lens. Personally, there are some other lenses I'd rather see upgraded instead (e.g., 50 1.4 II with a proper USM motor, 17-40 II with better borders on FF, 400 5.6 IS), but a 24-70 replacement with IS would not surprised me at all!

Regards,

Tony
02-06-2010, 07:23 PM
Keith B

Re: Opinions: Ditch my 24-105 f/4 L for what? + poll

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tony Printezis

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris White

Having said that if Canon indeed comes out with a 24-70 IS I would look to
trade them both towards it.

Despite what I said earlier, yes, if the price is right I might actually consider it too! I think I'll eventually move to a FF body, so another reason I might consider switching to a potential 24-70 f/2.8 IS would be if the corners on a FF body would be better than with the 24-105.

The corners on the current 24-70 are already considerably sharper than 24-105 on FF. Much less CA too.
02-07-2010, 01:08 PM
Chris White

Re: Opinions: Ditch my 24-105 f/4 L for what? + poll

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tony Printezis

I wouldn't be surprised if Canon upgrades the 24-70 soon (and IS would be a non-brainer for it!). The 70-200 f/2.8 IS is not that old and Canon already has a replacement lined up... and the 24-70 is a very popular lens. Personally, there are some other lenses I'd rather see upgraded instead (e.g., 50 1.4 II with a proper USM motor, 17-40 II with better borders on FF, 400 5.6 IS), but a 24-70 replacement with IS would not surprised me at all!

Tony, I stand corrected, I thought the 24-70 (2002) was three or four years newer than the 70-200 2.8 IS (2001). I spent so much time comparing the 24-70 vs. the 24-105 (2005) I confused the release dates of the two. It does make sense that new and reworked L's will incorporate IS. But as much as I (and many others) would like the 24-70 IS, I think countering some gaps with Nikon -- like their 200-400 f/4 are more of a priority to Canon than our desires.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tony Printezis

Chris, yes, I actually totally agree with you. If you want to shoot fast moving subjects in low light (as you do), the IS will not help you therefore the f/2.8 lens is the one for you. If you want to shoot stationary subjects in low light (as I do), the IS will definitely be of great help and the f/4 IS lens is the one for you (actually: for me!). This is I think the best way to determine which of the two one really needs.

Well said! In the end no matter how much we all respect each others input before we drop $1000 plus, it really comes down to what we are going to be doing with our gear.

Chris
02-07-2010, 01:28 PM
Brendan7

Re: Opinions: Ditch my 24-105 f/4 L for what? + poll

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris White

Tony, I stand corrected, I thought the 24-70 (2002) was three or four years newer than the 70-200 2.8 IS (2001). I spent so much time comparing the 24-70 vs. the 24-105 (2005) I confused the release dates of the two. It does make sense that new and reworked L's will incorporate IS. But as much as I (and many others) would like the 24-70 IS, I think countering some gaps with Nikon -- like their 200-400 f/4 are more of a priority to Canon than our desires.

I personally would LOVE a 200-400 like nikon's. Canon is lacking a bird lens between the $1700 100-400mm and the $6000 500mm. a $4500 (I'm dreaming) 200-400 would be nice, but there's not a lot of market for that lens. Nikon has sold less than 10,000 of them. Canon could do better copying Nikon's 14-24 2.8, so FF users could have a nice pro wideangle zoom. *phews* getting off topic here...

brendan
02-07-2010, 01:41 PM
djzuk

Re: Opinions: Ditch my 24-105 f/4 L for what? + poll

Quote:

Originally Posted by bburns223

I personally would LOVE a 200-400 like nikon's. Canon is lacking a bird lens between the $1700 100-400mm and the $6000 500mm. a $4500 (I'm dreaming) 200-400 would be nice, but there's not a lot of market for that lens. Nikon has sold less than 10,000 of them. Canon could do better copying Nikon's 14-24 2.8, so FF users could have a nice pro wideangle zoom. *phews* getting off topic here...

brendan

Just wanted to share something I've been dreaming about on B&H's used store:http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/800679747-USE/Canon_C218382_Telephoto_400mm_f_2_8L_II.html

I can't believe it's been on there for so long... "only" $4,000. Or is this lens not as excellent as the current Canon f/2.8 telephoto primes? I would think it's probably still an excellent lens... I would certainly buy it if I had that kind of money to spend. Haha.

Anyways, going off topic indeed.

Derrick
02-07-2010, 01:45 PM
Brendan7

Re: Opinions: Ditch my 24-105 f/4 L for what? + poll

that is awesome, but then again, I don't have $4k to spend [8o|]

Well, the current Canon 400 2.8 sells for over $7500 but it's got new optics, IS, weather sealing, etc. The one on that link is used, but a new, mint copy could sell for ~$5000?

brendan

PS I have currently hijacked this thread [:P]
02-08-2010, 05:45 AM
Tony Printezis

Re: Opinions: Ditch my 24-105 f/4 L for what? + poll

Hi Chris,

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris White

I think countering some gaps with Nikon -- like their 200-400 f/4 are more of a priority to Canon than our desires.

Sure, a Canon 200-400 f/4 would be great... but how many folks will be able to spend $6,000 (what the Nikon costs) on it? I know I wouldn't be able to justify it... which brings up a good point: I've always wondered whether Canon make more money out of selling a few very expensive lenses, or many cheaper lenses. I'd assume it's the latter, given all the EF-S lenses they have recently introduced. But they also introduced the two new TS lenses and I can't see them selling many of those. So, who knows!

Going back to the 200-400 f/4, I'd actually be happy with a 100-300 f/4 IS (like the Sigma) for around $2,000. :-) And I'm with Brandon here: maybe an ultra-wide to go against the Nikon's 14-24 would be a good target for Canon (and this would be the "killer app" for me to move to FF, as I love shooting wide with my 10-22 on my crop bodies). But, the 16-35 II is very new, so I can't see it geting replaced it very soon.

Jordan, sorry for hijacking your thread!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris White

Well said! In the end no matter how much we all respect each others input before we drop $1000 plus, it really comes down to what we are going to be doing with our gear.

Totally. It's disappointing when fans of one lens treat fans of the other lens like idiots ("why wouldn't you want IS?" or "why wouldn't you want f/2.8?"). The answer is "cause I don't need it the way I shoot!".

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris White

Tony, I stand corrected,

And I stand corrected too, Chris. Yes, if you're shooting moving subjects, IS will not help. I had immediately thought you were referring to stationary shooting, given this is how I shoot...

Tony
02-08-2010, 10:22 AM
aj1575

Re: Opinions: Ditch my 24-105 f/4 L for what? + poll

I think you have to make thedecision about the FF-Body first. Will youbuy a Canon FF in the future, or would a 7D enough for you? Keep in mind, that APS-C will get better over the years, even though they won't get as good as future FF, but maybe as good as a current FF. I think I will stick to APS-C. The quality is good enough for most purposes, andit will only get better.

So if you really want to change to FF get a24-70mm f2.8, but I'm not sure if this is the right time sinceit is still missing a IS, wich will come, the question is, if you can wait.

If you will stick to APS-C then I would consider the Canon 17-55mm f2,8 IS. The Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 IS is not that good, the version without IS was nice, but the new with IS is not as good. I personally considering the Sigma 17-70mm f2,8-4 IS. The non IS version was okay, with a few flaws, but it looks like the IS version is also optically improved.
02-08-2010, 10:52 AM
Chris White

Re: Opinions: Ditch my 24-105 f/4 L for what? + poll

Hi Tony,

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tony Printezis

Sure, a Canon 200-400 f/4 would be great... but how many folks will be able to spend $6,000 (what the Nikon costs) on it?

Good point, that price point would probably put it out of my reach, too.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tony Printezis

Going back to the 200-400 f/4, I'd actually be happy with a 100-300 f/4 IS (like the Sigma) for around $2,000. :-)

That is certainly more in my price range and would work well for outside soccer. My 70-200 2.8 IS currently covers it well and since my images with it are so good they crop nicely to help make up the difference in lens reach. I think the quality of them cropped is better than were I using the current 70-300mm lenses currently offered. I think it is also better than the 28-300L because it tries to cover too much and compromise enters the equation.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tony Printezis

And I stand corrected too, Chris. Yes, if you're shooting moving subjects, IS will not help. I had immediately thought you were referring to stationary shooting, given this is how I shoot...

I do know what you mean Tony, we all tend to look through our own prism and make the leap we are all doing the same things. [:)]

Regards,

Chris
02-09-2010, 02:17 AM
Tony Printezis

Re: Opinions: Ditch my 24-105 f/4 L for what? + poll

Chris,

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris White

I think the quality of them cropped is better than were I using the current 70-300mm lenses currently offered.

Oh, absolutely. I have the 70-200 f4 IS (which is very sharp!) and I can crop heavily and still get great results... even with the 1.4x extender.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris White

I think it is also better than the 28-300L
because it tries to cover too much and compromise enters the
equation.

Well, a 28-300 is bound to be a compromise! If you're a photojournalist this would be a great lens, 'cause you won't miss a shot... but it's not exactly a general-purpose walkaround lens given how bloody huge it is!

Tony
02-19-2010, 11:01 AM
Tony Printezis

Re: Opinions: Ditch my 24-105 f/4 L for what? + poll

Hey guys,

FWIW, CR is reporting that Canon might be announcing the 24-70 2.8 IS next week:

http://www.canonrumors.com/2010/02/whats-coming-next-week-cr2/

So, the IS vs. 2.8 discussions might be soon be a thing of the past. ;-)

Tony
02-19-2010, 11:25 AM
Chris White

Re: Opinions: Ditch my 24-105 f/4 L for what? + poll

I realize that it is only a rumor until an offical Canon announcement, but it does peak ones interest...[:D]

Of course, it will kill a lot of threads if it is true.[;)]

Chris
02-26-2010, 05:57 AM
Ozimax

Re: Opinions: Ditch my 24-105 f/4 L for what? + poll

I purchased a 24-105 in similar circumstances to the OP just over a year ago. I too was very unimpressed with the sharpness of the images. I sent it to Canon Australia, they calibrated it and it came back a new lens. 100% better.

It still is soft in the corners on my FF body but that shouldn't be a problem for a crop camera. All in all it's a wonderful pro quality all round lens.

Here's a few examples (unprocessed jpgs) with the 24-105, handheld:

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l1.../Hamilton4.jpg

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l1.../Hamilton3.jpg