Is it worth getting a 70-300IS for travel?

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Nozzleforward
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p.1 #1 · Is it worth getting a 70-300IS for travel?

I saw today that Adorama has a deal on the Canon 70-300 IS (non-L and not the poorly rated 75-300 IS model) for $299 for refurbished models. Got me thinking, one of these might pair well with my 40mm 2.8 and 5D for travel and such. Anyone using one of these lenses, and if so, how has it worked out for you for general use / trips to the zoo, etc?

I figure for the price, it could be well worth it, and I see the reviews are pretty good.

Thoughts?

Aug 17, 2012 at 12:55 AM

dwweiche
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p.1 #2 · Is it worth getting a 70-300IS for travel?

That's a really good price to get to 300mm on a FF-compatible lens regarded as optically good and with IS (albeit one of the earliest IS versions).

Aug 17, 2012 at 04:35 AM

jeraldcook
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p.1 #3 · Is it worth getting a 70-300IS for travel?

I've had one in the past and I'd definitely spend $300 on that lens again if I needed that focal range and that's all my budget would allow.

Aug 17, 2012 at 04:48 AM

carnac
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p.1 #4 · Is it worth getting a 70-300IS for travel?

I have one - great lens. I like the IQ of my 70-200F4L better, but the extra reach and IS make me reach for the 70-300 IS more often. $299 is a great price. The IS works well and is the two mode type that allows panning.

Jim

Aug 17, 2012 at 05:22 AM

Ian.Dobinson
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p.1 #5 · Is it worth getting a 70-300IS for travel?

I had one of them and yes it's a decent lens. But the new Tamron looks better.
I saw a thread a little while back that the price of the Tamron was low . May be worth a llok

Edit:

Just looked :
Rebate available on the Tamron. Takes the cost down to $349

Aug 17, 2012 at 07:01 AM

Nozzleforward
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p.1 #6 · Is it worth getting a 70-300IS for travel?

I've looked at the Tamron, been comparing the Tamron 70-300VC to the Canon 70-300IS all morning, reviews seem to just about be a wash. I briefly owned a Tamron 70-300, but I never actually used it before trading for something else. I do remember it being a pretty decent looking / feeling lens though. B&H has a used Tamron 70-300 right now for $299 in near perfect condition... With these two lenses rating so closely together and being the same price, I guess I should just flip a coin

Aug 17, 2012 at 02:42 PM

GC5
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p.1 #7 · Is it worth getting a 70-300IS for travel?

Tamron is better in some ways (its VC is much better than the older IS system on the canon) but iq us very close and, critically for a travel lens, the Tamron is much larger.

Aug 17, 2012 at 03:38 PM

jaybrams
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p.1 #8 · Is it worth getting a 70-300IS for travel?

I used my 700-300 for years for birds prior to getting my 400/5.6. I've toyed with trading both in and getting a 100-400, but won't do it because a) I love the sharpness of the 400, and b) the 70-300 is very sharp for a zoom, the size is perfect for vacations, and the IS on that lens is very good, in my opinion. I happen to think that lens at that price is a steal. It is perfect for your stated purpose. I don't know the Tamron lens so I can't comment on it. But, I don't think you'll go wrong with the 70-300.

Aug 17, 2012 at 05:48 PM

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