Which new lens for track and baseball?

[neuroanatomist]

Would the 75-300 offer the better IQ over the 70-200 version 2 with 1.4 converter? Or is it too close to say.

Phrased like that, no. But that's because the 75-300mm zoom lens is a $150 cheap consumer zoom (there are a few flavors of that lens, none very good). There are also 3 flavors of 70-300mm zooms - one L-series (the one we've been discussing) as well as a non-L and a Diffractive Optics version.


The 70-300mm L @ 300mm is a little sharper than the 70-200mm II @ 280mm with the MkII extender. Honestly, in real-world use I don't think you would see any difference. The 70-200+1.4x is also a stop faster at f/4 vs. f/5.6. In terms of size, the 70-200mm + 1.4x is almost as long as the extended 100-400mm, whereas the 70-300mm L extended is shorter than the bare 70-200mm II. The other consideration is convenience - you mentioned having a use for both the 70mm and 300mm ends of the focal range, and with 70-200mm you have either that or a 98-280mm, with the need to perform three mounting operations (remove lens from body, mount extender to lens, mount extender to body or the reverse) to change between them.


The 70-300mm L is a compromise lens, but it's a very good compromise lens if you don't mind the slow/variable aperture. If you keep your existing 70-200mm f/2.8L IS along with that lens, you'll have the fast aperture when you need it.

[HDNitehawk]

Would the 75-300 offer the better IQ over the 70-200 version 2 with 1.4 converter? Or is it too close to say.

The 75-300mm is going to win in this contest at 300mm. It will loose at anything under 200mm. Check it out.


http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=738&Camera=453&Sample=0&am p;FLI=4&API=1&LensComp=687&CameraComp= 453&SampleComp=0&FLIComp=6&APIComp=0


Here is somthing you might be thinking about as well. The 70-200mm II is a big and heavy lens, heavier than the others you are thinking about. The 70-300mm is much more compact and portable.


Personally having shot the kids softball and baseball games with a 70-200mm, 100-400mm and the 300mm F2.8L I found the 300mm range to be best. (not comparing IQ of the lenses just length)

[MrT]

Thanks for the great ideas neuroantomist.

[MrT]

I looked at the comparison that you suggested and it was helpful to see the close comparison.


Like you, I will be shooting the kids baseball games. So knowing that 300mm works well for baseball and your ideas on the weight and size are all helpful.


Thanks HDNitehawk