Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L USM Telephoto Zoom Lens

[DeadDeal]

Hi... I really need quick responses w/ suggestions and opinions as I plan to make a purchase on this L optic to capture images on my daughter's birthday. I've done a lot of researches and have concluded that this is the lens I will use to practice on portrait shots. Now what I am missing is a dslr camera. I am aware that optic lens is more important than camera, so I do not mind getting an inexpensive camera. Do you guys recommend t1i, xsi, or xs to be used with this Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L USM Telephoto Zoom Lens?

Here's the price I can get for the Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L USM: $577.17 from Dell EPP(no tax in my area). Can anyone find a better deal for that lens? I'd really appreciate it if you guys can help me save as much as I can on this lens. As for the camera, please also indicate the best deal you could find. I'd be really thankful!!!!!!

P.S. Pls do not mention about the t1i's 1080p or 720p as I don't care about movie feature in a camera. If I do, i'd go out and purchase an HD-camcorder.

Please, I need responses as it is getting closed to my daughter's birthday! Thanks a bunch!!

[sjstokes]

Hi... I really need quick responses w/ suggestions and opinions as I plan to make a purchase on this L optic to capture images on my daughter's birthday. I've done a lot of researches and have concluded that this is the lens I will use to practice on portrait shots. Now what I am missing is a dslr camera. I am aware that optic lens is more important than camera, so I do not mind getting an inexpensive camera. Do you guys recommend t1i, xsi, or xs to be used with this Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L USM Telephoto Zoom Lens?

Here's the price I can get for the Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L USM: $577.17 from Dell EPP(no tax in my area). Can anyone find a better deal for that lens? I'd really appreciate it if you guys can help me save as much as I can on this lens. As for the camera, please also indicate the best deal you could find. I'd be really thankful!!!!!!

P.S. Pls do not mention about the t1i's 1080p or 720p as I don't care about movie feature in a camera. If I do, i'd go out and purchase an HD-camcorder.

Please, I need responses as it is getting closed to my daughter's birthday! Thanks a bunch!!

www.dpreview.com has some good articles, and better forums. Lots of people with tons of camera experience. You might even do some additional research there on your lens choice; get some advice/input for what you primarily want that lens for, etc.

I have the 70-200 2.8IS...portrait shots however I usually use the 24-70L. 70-200 is a great range for outside shots, big rooms, etc.

[DeadDeal]

what's really tough when reading reviews everywhere is there are always two sides. It is tough to listen to both sides. For example, I was going through dpreview.com and saw a thread on the 70-200mm L F4. People started to debate on the need of the IS or not. Both sides have their strong points and argument. Save more w/ non IS. Yes, I would like to, but after reading, " I purchased the non IS version, and sometimes along the way, I just wished I had spent it on the IS version"-- this causes me to be in a dilemma. Yes money is an issue to me, but if spending the extra $400-500 for better image quality, I might actually have to. I am just afraid that whichever route I take, I will end up regretting. I must take a route though. I also hear that the IS version is made with better optical in the 70-200mm series, even superior to the expensive 70-200mm F2.8. Is that really true? Also, If I make my move to the 70-200mm L F4 IS, the price is pretty near the 70-200mm L F2.8 non IS. Which is the better choice? Also, I believe I will use the xsi as my body for now and until I fully understand the use of that body, shall I proceed to my next body purchase. Once again, my main focus here is portrait photography. Please feel free to offer any suggestion or critics. Thanks!

[GoodOmens]

As a indoor portrait lens this will be too long. If your pictures are outside you should be fine.

The 2.8 vs 4 debate is really what you planning on taking pictures of. The 2.8 is really geared towards someone taking high action photos in low light (IE indoors or outside at night). However if you plan on just taking pictures outside during normal daylight then the 4L will be just fine.

I've personally have the 24-105 L and love it. If this will be your only lens I would suggest this instead. I paid $830 for mine used.

Deal wise that's not a bad price. The only way you'll get a better price is used at a price around $450ish.

[DeadDeal]

As a indoor portrait lens this will be too long. If your pictures are outside you should be fine.

The 2.8 vs 4 debate is really what you planning on taking pictures of. The 2.8 is really geared towards someone taking high action photos in low light (IE indoors or outside at night). However if you plan on just taking pictures outside during normal daylight then the 4L will be just fine.

I've personally have the 24-105 L and love it. If this will be your only lens I would suggest this instead. I paid $830 for mine used.

Deal wise that's not a bad price. The only way you'll get a better price is used at a price around $450ish.

One question, if I have a better flash along with the 70-200mm L F4, would this combination be better off than spending a 70-200mm L F2.8? Btw, will a 70-200mm L F2.8 be even better with a flash? As for the 24-105 L you mentioned, this particular model has IS in it. However, my concern is since it has an aperature of F/4, then it will require a flash indoor when the light ismoderate or low? What about L lens with 2.8 or lower? Sufficient to use without a flash?

[GoodOmens]

With proper flash techniques you should be fine. Don't use the one included with the camera - you need a external to bounce the light properly to avoid harsh shadows.

The all around best indoor portrait lens would be a 24-70 2.8L if you find the reach is not enough then look into complimenting it with a 70-200

My advice would be to go to your local camera store and loan the above lenses and decide for yourself which is worth keeping.

[bombvoyage]

IS version can never go wrong... Will help you in the long run to avoid blurred or not so clear picture...
Get the top of the line, there's a reason why they're top of the line product...

[DeadDeal]

24-70 2.8L has no IS, does that mean I should normally use it with a tripod?

[sjstokes]

24-70 2.8L has no IS, does that mean I should normally use it with a tripod?

Really depends on your shooting conditions and abilities. I almost never use my tripod with mine. When using the flash, 2.8 to 5.6 shots are never a problem at 100ISO. Without the flash, I must say this lens was a learning experience for me. My first shots were not so great. Not only was a learning a new lens, but I was still quite new to photography at the time (let alone SLR photography).

The only reason I mentioned th 24-70, is I find it is a more useful focal length for "general use" pictures. For instance: inside the house, I more often need wider-angle (24-50is range), than anything in the 70-200 range. That said, I do use the 70-200 inside.

I could be completely off-base; 70-200 might be just what you need, for whatever types of photography you would most often like to do.

I also really like to shoot in 2.8.

Again, you might make some posts in the dpreview forums. I have not posted there in a while, but in the past have gotten very good advice/info that way.