I'm torn between this lens and the IS version. I'll be shooting gymnastics and using it as a 'do-all' lens without a tripod with a 7d mark ii. Do you think blur will an issue and I'll regret not saving up for the IS version?
466905
For me it was price, the IS was a little over my reach. You know you have a great camera you can push that ISO comfortable past 1600 . I recently did a wedding with only a spot light and no flash at 1600 at 5.6 or 2.8 between 15th 125 sec hand held it came out fantastic. Hand held is a trick to learn. I would think you will need to be above 125 second and higher with a depth of field f8 f16 and you said no tripod and I assuming no flash hand held. I think the IS would be worth the stretch if you can. For me it is beach pic on a tripod with weddings and party's One other thing I dont know what speed your camera sync for flash my Canon 60D sync at 250 or less but you can hyper sync flash above 250 but then you pick up a hard grain. If you intend to use flash the flash freeze the movement above 250 in hyper for no flash diffidently if you have the bucks I will assume the IS is as good or better in ether case you will have a top of the line lens good luck
8521
K. Bennett,Thanks very much for your info about these two cameras. I started with the model 30, had them for a year, sold them and got two 40D's, then last March I sold those and bought two 7D's. I had thought about getting a 5D, but a friend who just bought it said there are a lot of problems with the focusing, he said he gets around 20% out of focus, a number I find unacceptable. He advised me to skip the 5D and go to the Mark IV, and I was not sure if the better and sharper images, especially at high ISOs would be worth the extra $3000 a Mark IV would cost. What I might do is rent a Mark IV body for a weekend and see how I like it.Thanks for taking the time to post your comments. K. Bennett,Thanks very much for your info about these two cameras. I started with the model 30, had them for a year, sold them and got two 40D's, then last March I sold those and bought two 7D's. I had thought about getting a 5D, but a friend who just bought it said there are a lot of problems with the focusing, he said he gets around 20% out of focus, a number I find unacceptable. He advised me to skip the 5D and go to the Mark IV, and I was not sure if the better and sharper images, especially at high ISOs would be worth the extra $3000 a Mark IV would cost. What I might do is rent... » Read More K. Bennett,Thanks very much for your info about these two cameras. I started with the model 30, had them for a year, sold them and got two 40D's, then last March I sold those and bought two 7D's. I had thought about getting a 5D, but a friend who just bought it said there are a lot of problems with the focusing, he said he gets around 20% out of focus, a number I find unacceptable. He advised me to skip the 5D and go to the Mark IV, and I was not sure if the better and sharper images, especially at high ISOs would be worth the extra $3000 a Mark IV would cost. What I might do is rent a Mark IV body for a weekend and see how I like it.Thanks for taking the time to post your comments. « Show Less
1981823
I love my combo of this lens and my OM-D E-M5. I have no problems. Focus is plenty fast for me. That lens-body combo takes my highest quality pics.
1414086
I have used mine for astrophotography but it is on the slow end if what is possible. For occasional use it is fine, but if this will be its main use you may well get frustrated. How well does your camera handle noise at high ISO? I don't think 1/3 stop should make enough difference for you to change your mind if this is the lens you prefer. It is very light and the IQ on full frame is fantastic. I have since bought a 24 - 70 f2.8 and despite the longer focal length I use this at night for the extra speed. So for dedicated astrophotography lens consider something faster. For occasional use it will do the job. I have used mine for astrophotography but it is on the slow end if what is possible. For occasional use it is fine, but if this will be its main use you may well get frustrated. How well does your camera handle noise at high ISO? I don't think 1/3 stop should make enough difference for you to change your mind if this is the lens you prefer. It is very light and the IQ on full frame is fantastic. I have since bought a 24 - 70 f2.8 and despite the longer focal length I use this at night for the extra speed. So for dedicated astrophotography lens consider something faster. For occasional use... » Read More I have used mine for astrophotography but it is on the slow end if what is possible. For occasional use it is fine, but if this will be its main use you may well get frustrated. How well does your camera handle noise at high ISO? I don't think 1/3 stop should make enough difference for you to change your mind if this is the lens you prefer. It is very light and the IQ on full frame is fantastic. I have since bought a 24 - 70 f2.8 and despite the longer focal length I use this at night for the extra speed. So for dedicated astrophotography lens consider something faster. For occasional use it will do the job. « Show Less
1647403
Sound like you have a nice kit, but does sound like and upgrade is in order For your t3 this would make a great but quit long portrait lens, and a good lens for some sports. Keep in mind though it is not a zoom. One person here mentions the 70-200 f2.5 zoom which is a great lens for what you should consider. I would put it on a full frame body or the 7d. One more thing I would not trade, as I said you have a nice kit. In yur shoes I would spring for the 7d body and this lens for starters. Keep your curent kit for backup. The 50mm f1.4 would be something I would want to great portrait lens for t3 and 7d. Sound like you have a nice kit, but does sound like and upgrade is in order For your t3 this would make a great but quit long portrait lens, and a good lens for some sports. Keep in mind though it is not a zoom. One person here mentions the 70-200 f2.5 zoom which is a great lens for what you should consider. I would put it on a full frame body or the 7d. One more thing I would not trade, as I said you have a nice kit. In yur shoes I would spring for the 7d body and this lens for starters. Keep your curent kit for backup. The 50mm f1.4 would be something I would want to great portrait lens... » Read More Sound like you have a nice kit, but does sound like and upgrade is in order For your t3 this would make a great but quit long portrait lens, and a good lens for some sports. Keep in mind though it is not a zoom. One person here mentions the 70-200 f2.5 zoom which is a great lens for what you should consider. I would put it on a full frame body or the 7d. One more thing I would not trade, as I said you have a nice kit. In yur shoes I would spring for the 7d body and this lens for starters. Keep your curent kit for backup. The 50mm f1.4 would be something I would want to great portrait lens for t3 and 7d. « Show Less
357723
I spent many months comparing 28-300 and this 24-120 before I settle with this. I was looking for a walk around lenses for travel and family picture because I don't want my f2.8 lenses to take all the fun out of the trip as they are heavy and big. To my surprise, this 24-120 replaced my 24-70 f2.8 except for shooting sports as the AF is not as snappy as the 24-70 f2.8 and I need to shoot more frames to cherry pick the ones that are in focus. Other than sports, my copy of 24-120 f4 has taken over the job of 24-70 f2.8. I used it at weddings and senior pictures...... I am very happy with it. I got it in "brand new white box" for about half the price and that's even a greater deal. I spent many months comparing 28-300 and this 24-120 before I settle with this. I was looking for a walk around lenses for travel and family picture because I don't want my f2.8 lenses to take all the fun out of the trip as they are heavy and big. To my surprise, this 24-120 replaced my 24-70 f2.8 except for shooting sports as the AF is not as snappy as the 24-70 f2.8 and I need to shoot more frames to cherry pick the ones that are in focus. Other than sports, my copy of 24-120 f4 has taken over the job of 24-70 f2.8. I used it at weddings and senior pictures...... I am very happy with it.... » Read More I spent many months comparing 28-300 and this 24-120 before I settle with this. I was looking for a walk around lenses for travel and family picture because I don't want my f2.8 lenses to take all the fun out of the trip as they are heavy and big. To my surprise, this 24-120 replaced my 24-70 f2.8 except for shooting sports as the AF is not as snappy as the 24-70 f2.8 and I need to shoot more frames to cherry pick the ones that are in focus. Other than sports, my copy of 24-120 f4 has taken over the job of 24-70 f2.8. I used it at weddings and senior pictures...... I am very happy with it. I got it in "brand new white box" for about half the price and that's even a greater deal. « Show Less
759247
Even better. The 1.4 is rock solid compared to the flimsy 1.8, and slightly faster. Ten times as expensive, but may be worth it. If you're still thinking of adding a new zoom to your arsenal, look at the 24-105L, as well. It's pretty much a coin toss, as far as IQ, with the 24-70L, but it adds IS. So, it's one stop slower, but it gains about 3 stops due to the IS, so it's actually better for low-light than the "faster" lens. And longer, too.
194936
I am an amateur photographer and do not plan on going to an FX sensor. I plan on shooting from both a monopod and free hand. I do enjoy having the best but only when it makes sense. I have not had much luck shooting my son's hockey games with my current lense and need the 2.8 to get the low light, high speed shots. A friend has the VI and she is able to get some great shots. That was the lens I was orignally looking at until this one came out. Can you point me to a site that has the comparison shots. In light of ths information, what would you go with. Thanks again for your response.
1044998
I just went through the same decision process, in fact I literally bought the D60+ lens kit and returned it (package unopened) for the D80 (body only) + the fabulous 18-200 VR lens. Why? 1) I wanted the additional metering controls vs. the D60 and in fact used all of them on my recent trip to the Hoh rain forest. 2) Keeping to my budget, I opted to spend the money on the 18-200mm VR, and yes, I used its FULL RANGE without having to change lenses. A great way to go when outdoors and taking advantage of opportunities as they present themselves (e.g. deer twins walking right towards us while on the trail!). 3) Quickly realizing the super-zoom wasn't going to get me a FAST lens, I was able to pick up the 50mm f/1.4 right before my travels (which would NOT have AF working with the D40 or D60). If I had the $$$ I might have opted for a D300 and picked up the D40/60 for a lightweight second body, but as the only Digital SLR that I'll be using for the next couple of years, and the small price difference, I am extremely happy with my purchase.
2104147
This is a perfect question for me to respond to. I just sold my 70-200 non IS and purchased the IS II, First no matter what, you will love the Non IS, the glass is incredible and the quality will make you want to use this lens all of the time. If you control the low light situations ans shoot with a tripod, you are good for a long time. Then you start using it in more action situations, and you want a low ISO, and it is a handheld situation, then you will see the need for the IS. Don't get me wrong, the NON IS is wonderful, i just quickly out grew it (in 8 months) because this lens moved up to my "go to" lens in so many more situations than I planned for and I found that the IS is the answer. Now I can get action shots in lower light with a beautiful short depth of field with this as a handheld even at 200MM.
1542166
I love the camera it was a good step up from the older Rebel. I shoot allot of action sports photography and it works great when I shoot in a gym that is poorly lit and you can't use a flash during the game. I use a 70-200 f2.8 lens and I get good Basketball photos. I want to upgrade to the 1D mark4 as soon as I can afford it!!
884490
The T3i is a great camera but a lens really makes all the difference. I use this macro often on a crop frame 7D similar to your T3i and had the opportunity to use it on full frame cameras too. It's fast, quiet, and the IS is fairly new (1 year old) and defiantly worth having especially on a higher focal length of 100mm. I would say this is one of my more popular lenses I enjoy.
166892
Thanks for the info on a potential new Canon with autofocus, DigitalHecht. I'll hold off as well to see what comes available. No rush, although I intend to purchase my first SLR in the next few months. The video autofocus is a must for me.
155322
I had an EPL2, the II kit lens and the wide angle lens, which twisted on for the right fit. My suggestion is to buy the II because the wide angle is that good, inexpensive and sure is useful. What to do the I lens? either keep it, give it away or sell it.
124500
Jamie, I had the same question. Truth be told I don't have the Canon version. I am interning this summer with one of the nation's best commercial photographers and I asked him. He told me that the Canon lens is built a little better but he has both and he uses both. He told me I wouldn't be disappointed in this lens and I haven't been.
192785
I have the 7D and I never leave home without it! I'm super-happy with this lens. No issues for me except the lens cap!
1746182
I don't have experience with those other lenses but I can tell you it is an amazing lens and worth every penny. I use it to shoot weddings and also do a lot of artistic shooting with it of flowers and stuff like that. The background blur is incredible.