TerraNik Posted October 19, 2009 Share Posted October 19, 2009 (edited) I currently have (read: stole from OH) a Canon 18-200mm IS 3.5-5.6 lens and took it for a red hot spin at the Flyball Nationals this weekend. I have to say I wasn't overly impressed with the sharpness of the photos (I think I'm spoiled by my 50mm! ). I'm keen on doing more dog sport photography for a bit of fun so started looking at other lenses... Is it worth the upgrade to something like the 70-200mm f2.8 or the 100-400? Or would there be minimal difference in the sharpness and general quality of the shot? I should add though, I wasn't using a tripod but I also wasn't using the full zoom either and I have a pretty steady hand. Most shots were around 120-150mm. Edited October 19, 2009 by TerraNik Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kja Posted October 19, 2009 Share Posted October 19, 2009 If you have the money, yes. Both of those lenses (well all three: the IS or the nonIS of the 70-200) are in a totally different league than the 18-200. Also consider the 70-200 f4 ... it's an awesomely sharp lens and if you don't need the extra light capabilities it's a great choice: cheaper & lighter, too. Before you rush out and plonk down the cash, you might want to keep practicing your technique. Part of this may be increasing your shutter speed - even if it was pretty high already - to give you a bit of an edge. Or adding a monopod or some other support. Practice practice practice. Oh and if you were shooting towards the wide end of your options, stop down. Trying to shoot high speed action at a wide aperture is often an exercise in frustration as the DOF is so narrow that you have to shoot a zillion frames to nail the focus exactly where you want it. Start stopped down some more and as you improve start practicing with wider apertures if you like. Both of the lenses you are considering take a little time to master, especially the 100-400 handheld. Technique no matter which of the three you are using will be super important for getting the best from the lens. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TerraNik Posted October 20, 2009 Author Share Posted October 20, 2009 Cool thanks!! I am definitely thinking of getting a monopod! It was the first time I had done any sort of high speed shooting (other than my dogs running around) so I definitely need to practice! Thanks for the advice! I will add one of these lenses to my 'wish list'! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Tess32 Posted October 20, 2009 Share Posted October 20, 2009 I would go 70-200 over 100-400. I love my 100-400 but it can be a bitch to use sometimes and is not as sharp (IMO of course) as the 70-200. Even though I did choose the 100-400 over it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TerraNik Posted October 20, 2009 Author Share Posted October 20, 2009 (edited) I was quite happy with only having 200mm on the weekend... I don't know that I would need more than that!! It sounds like the 400 would be quite heavy too!! Edited October 20, 2009 by TerraNik Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Tess32 Posted October 20, 2009 Share Posted October 20, 2009 I was quite happy with only having 200mm on the weekend... I don't know that I would need more than that!! It sounds like the 400 would be quite heavy too!! It is lighter than the 70-200 2.8 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TerraNik Posted October 20, 2009 Author Share Posted October 20, 2009 I was quite happy with only having 200mm on the weekend... I don't know that I would need more than that!! It sounds like the 400 would be quite heavy too!! It is lighter than the 70-200 2.8 Oh... :D Note to self: go to the gym. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kja Posted October 20, 2009 Share Posted October 20, 2009 LOL you know, I find the "weight" of my 100-400L (3lbs) more than my 70-200L 2.8 IS (3.2 lbs without tripod collar & 3.5 lbs with tripod collar). It's just the overall size/distribution of weight I think. Both definitely give the ol' arms a workout! Oh, and if you're after speed shooting? Wait for Christmas coz Canon Santa has just announced the 1DIV body <happy dance> SWEET!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TerraNik Posted October 20, 2009 Author Share Posted October 20, 2009 I think I'm going to need to win the lottery.... Or rob a bank! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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