Indecisive decision on next glass purchase

[Brendan7]

PVN 2392, the 70-200mm f/4 with IS is much more expensive b/c it has the new, 3rd gen, 4 stop IS. This in my opinion is worth the difference in price. However, you said you had a budget of $500. The 70-200 f/4l non IS is already past that. If you have the money, get the IS version. Many say it's even better optically than the 70-200mm f/2.8.





You will definitely be satisfied by the 70-200mm f/4l usm. It is canon's 2nd best value lens (after 85mm 1.8).


If you think you have the financial means to buy the 70-200 f/4l usm WITH is, think about the 24-105 also. If this is too much $, by all means go with the 70-200 f/4l usm. The L means a lot; it is far better built. Why get anything else? Heck, it's even white! [H]

[djzuk]

I also agree with the 70-200 f/4L option. Amazing lens. My dad owns this one too. Most of his keeper shots are taken with this lens. It's a joy to use. I highly recommend it over the 55-250.


Concerning the IS version, I'd say wait on that and just get the 70-200 f/4L non-IS for now. Then you can figure out if you really need IS or f/2.8 (the 70-200 f/2.8L non-IS is in the same price range as the 70-200 f/4L IS). If you need one of the two, you can easily sell your 70-200 f/4L non-IS for about what you paid for it.


If you have the money to spend on the 70-200 f/4L IS, I'd rather get the non-IS version along with the Tamron 17-50 f/2.8.


If you don't have the money to spend that much, you'll have to decide between the 17-50 and 70-200. I assume you probably have the 18-55 kit lens? In that case, you may want to get the telephoto first.


Hope this helps.


Derrick





Edit - Though if you have the money to spend on the 70-200 f/4L IS, another good option would be to get that and the 50 f/1.8 for just 100 more. You could also add the 50 f/1.8 to a non-IS 70-200 f/4L purchase like bburns223 suggested.

[PVN2392]

You know, I'm actually considering those 2 purchases. However, the 50mm f/1.8 will be first w/ the battery grip. Then hopefully I'll be able to get the 70-200mm f/4L USM by the June of next year.

[Daniel Browning]

I second the Tamron 17-50 advice. You may also consider the 15-85 if it's in your budget.