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Author Topic: 70-200mm f/4l and other questions  (Read 192 times)

Offline solid bob

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70-200mm f/4l and other questions
« on: February 21, 2012, 09:54:24 PM »
I have about 1K to spend on accessories and such. I have found both:
Canon 70-200mm f/4L - $500
Rokinon 35mm f/1.4 - $400

I am hesitant on pulling the trigger and need some convincing. I wanna make sure my kit is nice and round without any major holes.

My kit currently:
Camera: t3i
Lenses
-18-55mm Kit lens
-Nifty50
-Sigma 70-300mm (returning to B&H, only shoots wide open)

Accessories:
-ND filter
-Polarizer filter
-270 EX remote flash
-Okay tripod
-Lowepro Vertex 100 camera backpack
-40gb of SD memory
-Random cables and dust brush

Thanks for the feedback and opinions.
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Offline pineconetreehouse

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Re: 70-200mm f/4l and other questions
« Reply #1 on: February 21, 2012, 10:14:21 PM »
Well, your kit lens covers the 35mm portion.  So I personally wouldn't go there, just yet. 
I just picked up a Tamron 70-300mm lens for about the same price as the 70-200.  I love it, and it recieved some rewards too.  Very nice lens.  And since you're returning your 70-300.  I notcie you don't have anything wider than the 18mm on the kit lens.  Have you considered a fisheye or wide angle like the 10-22mm range?  Or maybe a macro lens?
Also, if you are into being a bit more artistic with your photos, go with a lens baby (tilt shift), I love mine.
Also on the artistic side, have you ever considered IR photography?  Its really fun and a good set of IR filters will cost you$50-100.
I'd look at a good tripod.  I have one of those cheaper Walmart quality ones, and I can tell you a tripod is in my near future, very near future. 
How much do you use your flash?  Enough to warrant upgrading your flash?   Or maybe adding a ring flash to your kit?
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Offline Hybrid AWD

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Re: 70-200mm f/4l and other questions
« Reply #2 on: February 22, 2012, 06:11:20 AM »
I like the comments above and I think I would follow suit.

Why not buy something along the lines of a Tokina 11-16mm Ultra Wide Angle? Talk about a top choice of lenses to have. I love it and I bet a lot of people can agree when I say it's such a fun lens to shoot with.

On the other end of the spectrum, the 70-200mm F/4 L is a great lens (ask me how I know ;)). The only reason I have mine up for sale is because I am dying to buy the 70-200 2.8 IS II. I shoot a lot of sports in a lot of weird lighting settings so the F/2.8 is a nice advantage.

The 70-200mm F/4 has been fun to shoot with, definitely a nice little upgrade from my 70-210 F/4. I can't really give you very man "cons" about the lens because it's an all around awesome lens as well.

My only suggestion would be to make sure you buy it with the tripod collar. It will be really handy especially if you buy a monopod in the future.

The link below is 3 shots I took with the 70-200 all at different focal lengths. Trust me, you won't be disappointed lol.

http://www.t2iforum.com/share-your-photos/squirrels-ducks-birds-oh-my/

And if you are serious about buying a 70-200mm, send me a PM as mine is up for sale.
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Offline solid bob

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Re: 70-200mm f/4l and other questions
« Reply #3 on: February 22, 2012, 10:35:01 AM »
Thanks for the replies guys.

I am wanting the Rokinon 35mm for the speed and its wider than the 50mm. I wanna mainly shoot video with it, both narrative fiction and videography.

The 70-200 f/4L I'm basically sold on. I want a really nice lens to shoot sports, wildlife and maybe portraits. I saw your shots earlier this week at the aquarium and I knew I needed that lens.

I havent thought about the tokina or looked at it...I think it might be a little out of my price range. After thinking about it, that lens would really come in hand for videography, I would be able to use that lens constantly handheld.
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Offline pineconetreehouse

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Re: 70-200mm f/4l and other questions
« Reply #4 on: February 22, 2012, 06:22:00 PM »
Question, for the sports action, are you looking to shoot sports in the evening?  Low light, possibly even lights? 
If so, I'd look at some faster zoom lenses.  I have an f/4 zoom lens, and when I was shooting my nephews soccer game during the fall, the light was killing me.  Granted, I could bump up the ISO, but it was still frustrating at times. 
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barryjphoto

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Re: 70-200mm f/4l and other questions
« Reply #5 on: February 22, 2012, 07:01:19 PM »
I say yes to the 70-200 f/4L but sell the kit and get a faster/sharper walkaround. Or perhaps a couple sharp Canon primes such as the 35 f/2 and a 20something. $500 for the L? Must be used. You can get a refurb from Canon for 587.00
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Offline 1074

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Re: 70-200mm f/4l and other questions
« Reply #6 on: February 22, 2012, 08:34:13 PM »
Got something against used lenses, BJ? Two of my favorite lenses ever came to me used... Try not to discriminate.  ;)
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Offline solid bob

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Re: 70-200mm f/4l and other questions
« Reply #7 on: February 22, 2012, 10:47:56 PM »
Used is fine, I spoke to the guy selling it and he's trying to convince his wife he needs the IS version so he can sell this one.
I actually have changed my mind on the 35mm and will be getting the 8mm fisheye.

What do you suggest as an upgraded walk around? Somewhere from $200-400.
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barryjphoto

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Re: 70-200mm f/4l and other questions
« Reply #8 on: February 23, 2012, 04:39:34 AM »
Did I type what you implied? No I just asked.I do however LIKE a good warranty. Who wouldn't? It was just a great price, 500. So it's ok to get all School Marm on me if you type a winking face?
« Last Edit: February 23, 2012, 04:41:16 AM by barryjphoto »
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