PShizzy Offline Upload & Sell: Off
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dslee,
what part of phoenix? PM me.
Also, my take on it, and knowing the Arizona sunlight all too well? In order of what I'd do if budget was a concern
300 4. Amazing lens. Cheap(ish). Short for soccer, but can take a TC better than the 70-200. Although to be honest, I've had a few 1.4x TC's and I pretty much hated them all (yet another reason I like my Nikon gear more). Also, for me, I like shooting offensive, so I tend to stay halfway between the corner kick area and the goal, which sides depending on who's on offense, and which side of the field has the better scorers.
400 5.6. If you use that TC on a 300 all the time, then the 400 makes a lot more sense, but then the 300 is a very versatile lens and you can use it for more than just sports (headshots, portraits, etc. Yes its tight but I've used a 400mm for a family shot before... long story). The 400 is sharp and light and cheap(ish).
120-300. My biggest problem with this lens is that when I used it, and from what others have told me, the focus isn't as spot on as Canons own primes. Also, it's not really a 300mm, more like a 275mm or so. That means a lot when it comes to soccer. It's not as heavy as a big boy 2.8, but it's also not as light as the prior two.
70-300 IS L. I've heard great things. You can shoot at 5.6 in Arizona daylight. Actually, you could shoot at 22. And drop an ND on there. And leave the cap on. And you'll still overexpose. So what don't I like about it? Nikon makes a similar model for 1,000 dollars less. Yes, its not all metal, but seriously, I think it's highway robbery. For that kinda money, I'd get a nikon 70-300 and a D7000, save a few bucks, and have a camera to spare.
But, it's a zoom, and the range is nice, it's light. Still, 1,000 dollars to get an all metal body? Really?
So now we're gonna get pricey, but I'll explain why it's worth it.
300 2.8. This is a great lens. All of the pros of the 300 4, but with an extra stop. Take a TC pretty well. The negatives are cost, and weight. Well, I don't mind the weight, but some people do. And I'll be honest... I'm a Nikon guy now, but I still own, and love my Canon 300 2.8 IS. Love love love it. It will be buried with me. Or if it kicks before I do, viking funeral.
Maybe find more to do with it than just shoot soccer. Again, headshots... it's great at that. Especially with a full frame camera. It's PERFECT for basketball. Maybe you can get your kids to play that? Yes, just so you can justify the lens.
Really, hate to say it, but the 300 2.8 is the last almost reasonable, but still unreasonable choice. From here on in, it's organ donor territory. Don't bother reading the rest of this. Even I'm not sure what I'm saying.
500 4. I never owned one but it's a great focal length for soccer, and light as a 300, but more reach than a 400. Daylight only you say? You hope. But nowadays we're coddled with ISO 6400 and up. Hell, I shot at f/4 over Greenway and I was popping 25,600 and still getting dark in the end zones. I'm pretty sure the corners of hs football fields are actual black holes. Kids run in, never come out. Maybe the scientists working on the LHC project should investigate. BTW its 4am here, so ya, that explains half of this post.
400 2.8. Heavy, but sharp and 2.8. It needs no explanation. Except to your wife. And kids, who may not get a few birthday gifts for a few years. But maybe get some nice shots of them, print em out, make that the gift, and hope for the best? Ya, I tried. Bottom line: badass lens.
200-400 4. I have the Nikon one. If the Canon one is anything like it, you'll swear it's like cheating. I always hated having to switch from a 400 to a 70-200 on a play that came close. With this? wrack that puppy down to 200 and laugh at your peers who do the big lens on a mono dance as they switch over. Laugh quietly, they're working, and this is serious. And ya, this is a pricey lens, plus f4.
600 4. Really the hands down #1 choice for soccer. It's a big ass field. This is what you need. You may want to find a local campground that will take you in as well, since this is also the priciest lens Canon has (well maybe except that 800 5.6, but that's another conversation), and you will be homeless after you get this and your family finds out.
Anyhow, good luck, and geez, soccer around here in daylight? As great as it sounds for the light, it's also been 115 and muggy all week. I get mad just walking outside.
Max
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