Which Canon tele-zoom?

[koputai]

OK, so I've now sold my 70-200m f/4L IS :( to put the money towards something a bit longer, specifically for a trip to Galapagos coming up at Easter. (Yes, very lucky me!)

I've narrowed the choice down to two lenses:
1. EF 70 - 300mm F/4-5.6 L IS (the white one)
2. EF 100 - 400mm F/4.5-5.6 L IS (the dust pump)

The 70-300 is lighter, the 100-400 has more reach.
The 70-300 is smaller, the 100-400 has more reach.
The 70-300 has MUCH better IS (which I love), the 100-400 has more reach.
The 70-300 has better autofocus, the 100-400 has more reach.

I've given scores to each lens across a number of criteria, the 70-300 scores 8.6 and the 100-400 scores 7.6

The 70-300 is the obvious choice. I just wonder whether I would regret not having that extra bit of reach.

I know a few guys here have the 100-400, and it's a fab lens. Does anyone have the 70-300 L?

Cheers,
Jason.

[Atlantis69]

Any chance you are insterested in getting a 70-200 2.8 + 2x Extender?

I was speaking to a Canon engineer recently, and they mentioned that the new 70-200 II range coupled with the new III extenders produce better quality images than the 100-400. Just throwing another option into the mix for you.

[koputai]

Nope, it's down to the two listed. I already had a 70-200 plus 1.4x extender. I don't want to be swapping extenders in and out.

Cheers,
Jason.

[Octane]

You've got 1.6x reach on your 7D.

The 70-300 then acts as a 112-480 lens, which is plenty ample for wildlife.

:)

H

[AndyK]

I've owned one for some 5 years and the "dust pump" thing is a complete myth.

[leon]

If you really want something for wild life shooting consider the Canon 400mm F/5.6L, it fast, light and crystal clear, a truly great lens, and it is quite cheap into the bargain, just ask Chris (Hotspur) he loves his and gets some awesome pics.

Leon

[koputai]

Thanks Leon, but it has to be a zoom.

Cheers,
Jason.

[Dennis]

Hi Jason

Can’t comment on the 2 lenses but is “minimum close focus” an important requirement? If so, which lens has the closer focusing?

Cheers

Dennis

[spearo]

Hi
Tough decision...all Canon lenses are nice (I want them all...)

I own the 100-400L IS USM.

No issue with IS or focus.

I used a 300 (Tamron) for a while but felt i needed that extra bit of reach especially for BIF/wildlife.

I wish I could afford a fast 500.

frank

[koputai]

Good point Dennis, close focus could well be an important point.
The 70-300 is 1.20m, the 100-400 is 1.80m. They have the same magnification at those distances.

I must say I'm pretty set on the 70-300L.

Cheers,
Jason.

[Octane]

Do it. :)

Then, tell us how nice it is so I can get gearlust. :P

H