70-300 IS USM or 100-400L IS USM?

[nwafan20]

Hey guys,

I'm getting ready to purchase my camera and lens now, I have decided on the Canon Digital Rebel XTi, but now I have a dilemma, I can get the cheaper 70-300 IS USM or save up for the 100-400L IS USM, it will be a good while longer until I can afford the L lens but I don't want to purchase the 70-300 and then go back and buy the 100-400L, what do you guy's think?

[PhilDernerJr]

Well, congrats on getting hte XTi, first!

I'll always push the 100-400 at THE spotter's lens, but I can't say I have enough experience with the other one to make a fair judgement.

But, I know that so very often, I need the reach of the 400mm. If I'm at Howard Beach, I can't use anything less, and the same goes for many spots. You will need the distance that 400 gives you a lot more than you'll need the shorter end of the 70-300.

[nwafan20]

Yeah, that is what I was thinking myself, that extra 100mm would be great.

[mirrodie]

depends on where you are spotting too. In NY, the 400 goes a long way.

But I love the quality of the 70-200 but its just not feasible for most spotting.

[nwafan20]

Yeah, I guess I will have to wait a bit and save for the 100-400.


Question, when it says that the XTi has a 1.6x lens crop conversion factor, does that mean it mutiplies the zoom by 1.6 or devides it by 1.6?

[SCOTYDEMCO]

NWA, I have both the 70-300 IS USM and the 100-400L IS. I have read and heard alot of negative about the 70-300mm. I love it. It was my first zoom, and the glass was great. The extra 100mm is a plus when it comes to spotting, airshows, etc, plus L glass is L glass thats why its more expensive. They are both great lenses, I would say to save a bit and wait till you can get the 100-400L, however you would be happy with the 70-300 as well I believe. Let me know what you think about the XTI?

[T-Bird76]

There are rumors flying about that Canon is about to redo the 100-400 so who knows, The only thing I can think that they'll do is put on the new IS the 70-300 has.

[Matt Molnar]

There are rumors flying about that Canon is about to redo the 100-400 so who knows, The only thing I can think that they'll do is put on the new IS the 70-300 has.

Canon began offering a $40 rebate on the 100-400 last week. Rebates usually precede updated models.