jamesf99
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 p.1 #14 · EF 70-300 f4.5-5.6 DO IS - Comments | |
This lens generates so much controversy. The first thing I'd say, however, is to take comments from those that only read test charts with a 50lb. bag of salt. Maybe more in some cases I've read.
The second thing I'd say is that I love the lens. So, why do I love it? Because I know what it is, and what it isn't. Some people have ugly kids and they still love them. 
The consumer 70-300? Not a chance. It's cheaply built (comparatively), has a rotating front element (really sucks when using filters), much larger size, and oh yeah, did I say cheaper construction yet? Those that advocate for the consumer over the DO say things like "it's just as good and cheaper". OK, so the IQ is the same, but nothing else is the same and that's important.
I use it as a compact travel lens. Is it the sharpest lens in my bag? Not a chance. I'd never be so foolish as to compare it to a 70-200 though, which seems to be a popular thing for some to do (not accusing anyone here..) Does it work extremely well IMO? Yes. All the trade offs are worth it to me.
Here are some old grab shots (the only one's I can get to right now). No sharpening (as in none. Not in camera, or afterwards), no contrast or color enhancements. The only problem is the the jpeg compression that hits any image in the head will be evident here. Softness can easily be taken care of by adding in camera sharpening (I turn mine off effectively by setting it to the lowest amount) or in PP. contrast enhancement? It's simply not needed any more than any other Canon lens except for the newest in the last year or two. Check my profile, I have a few decent lenses, including many that are not listed....
http://mysite.verizon.net/jffitzgerald/cuba1.jpg
http://mysite.verizon.net/jffitzgerald/cuba2.jpg
this is a specialized lens. Period. If you don't know what you're buying, why you're buying it, and don't have specific requirements then you can save yourself some money.
The merits of this lens include build, size/weight, non rotating front element, Gen 3 IS, and an extremely inconspicuous look that the consumer lens, or any 70-200, can never hope to match.
The demerits of this lens include price (you get what you pay for with this lens compared to the consumer) and that it's not as sharp as the 70-200. Some complain about the bokeh too, but it doesn't bother me. Seriously, if you want great bokeh use a fast lens...
If I needed a 400mm lens, I'd buy the DO over the f/2.8 in a heart beat. I know what the trade offs are and the 400m DO wins by a mile for me (pick one up and use it, then use the f/2.8) . I think you would be best served by trying the 70-300 DO lens, learning to use it (when, where, etc.) and then deciding if it's the right tool for you. I don't use it all the time, but I sure like knowing where it is when I want it...
Remember, and this is often hard to do in a gear forum, lenses contain more than just one aspect or simple measurable characteristics; they also contain those things that can't be measured, like knowing you got the right lens for you and your shooting, in this scenario, at this point.... 
hope it helps....
PS - In this case, I think Canon knows what it's doing regarding pricing. The high price keeps those that don't understand the lens away, effectively sorting the users into groups. Those that don't need the DO features can gravitate to the lower quality consumer version and think they got something special. In truth, they got anything but..
Edited by jamesf99 on Mar 29, 2008 at 06:23 AM GMT (Reason: add PS)
Edited on Mar 29, 2008 at 06:23 AM
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