Archive 2010 · Travel AF tele zoom--suggestions?

Michael Gordon
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Travel AF tele zoom--suggestions?

I have largely been using my Zuiko 50-250 f5 stopped down on a 5DII for travel for longer focal lengths,as most often used for landscapes usually near hyperfocal distance. I usually carry the CV 180 F4 as a backup if the bokeh is an issue or want longer FL macro with an extension tube or two.

Seems could use a smallish AF choice as well for walking around during travels.
Have been eyeing a Contax N 70-200 as that seems to be the best Contax N in this FL neighborhood, but the cost and wait for conversion are disincentives. I haven't seen enough images from the new Canyon 70-300 L
F4-5.6. The bokeh with specular highlights is not attractive and they gouge you extra for a tripod mount. Still the newest flavor of IS is attractive at those FL's.
Spotted this review with some images but close up target comparisons won't help in my intended applications.

http://dancarrphotography.com/...70-300-f4-5-6-l-is-review-vs-70-200-f4-l-is/
Not too many other choices caught my attention, but I thought it best to ask here.

Perhaps someone has tried both the contax N and the new guy.

Any comments/suggestions appreciated.
Mike

Dec 04, 2010 at 11:32 PM

Z250SA
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Travel AF tele zoom--suggestions?

Getting a converted Contax N lens takes a very dedicated alt lens user, specifically a dedicated Contax on DSLR user. Getting any really new Canon L lens also takes a certain kind of dedication. As these dedications are almost as opposite as they can be finding that person on the net might be a challenge.

Dec 05, 2010 at 04:51 PM

Michael Gordon
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Travel AF tele zoom--suggestions?

This is the only place I could think of where such a person might reside, but the silence proves you are correct. So far from the limted images I could find using the new L lens by sneaking over the the FM Canon forum leaves me underwhelmed. Good microcontrast, but not very much overall improvment over the non L version or the similiar VC Tammy---very small sample size though. I sort of wished Canon hit this one out of the park much as I enjoy using alt lenses. I'll wait for reviews and more images especially given the price premium. There aren't even that many ED elements in the lens. I wonder how the C. 70-200 f4 IS will perform with the new III 1.4TC that should ship fairly soon. I'll keep an eye out here for more Contax N images too. Perhaps Zeiss will make an AF zoom in something other than Sony mount at some point.
Mike

Dec 05, 2010 at 10:01 PM

EB-1
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Travel AF tele zoom--suggestions?

The link is bad.

EBH

Dec 06, 2010 at 01:14 AM

Ian.Dobinson
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Travel AF tele zoom--suggestions?

AF tele zoom for Canon. (other than the faster/bigger/heavier 2.8's)
Best choice would be the 70-200/4 IS. The tamron 70-300 VC looks a great lens for the money, and the 70-300 IS is a good performer and if you can pick one up 2nd hand probably good value. (Tamrons AF and VC are better). If you can do without IS then the non IS 70-200/4 L is a bargain for the IQ.

The new 70-300 L loos a very good performer but is not cheap. and the 70-300 DO makes a very good travel lens , has better AF than the non DO version. But its very expensive for the little or no gain in IQ over the non DO.

Dec 06, 2010 at 04:16 AM

Michael Gordon
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Travel AF tele zoom--suggestions?

EB-1 wrote:
The link is bad.

EBH

How'd that happen? Thanks for pointing that out. Sorry--this should work.

http://tinyurl.com/2cxv7qt

Wish there were comparisons at more distant targets. The FL shrinks with the new L 70-300 at MFD as well though I don't think that is a biggie at least for me.

Dec 06, 2010 at 08:00 AM

mMontag
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Travel AF tele zoom--suggestions?

Michael,

I replace a Canon 70-200/4 IS with the Contax "N" - I was able to purchase a non-converted for a very economic price and the wait when I sent it in was 3.5 months.

I had nothing but good images with the Canon and the IS is a great feature but it is just too big so it never got used - I mostly hike / backpack. I am seeing the Contax to have very close IQ and is small and light enough to not make excuses not to bring it along. The Canon has just a little better IQ at the short end and better build - the Contax a little better at the long end and much smaller / lighter weight.

If you need fast focus and IS - get the Canon 70-200/4 - add a TC 1.4 if you need longer - If you need small and lightweight get the Contax "N". Canon should be releasing the TC Extender 1.4 III soon - might be a comparable option to the 70-300.

There is a frozen waterfall image that I just put in my "uploads" - Contax 70-200 "N" @ 200mm.

Dec 06, 2010 at 03:26 PM

Michael Gordon
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Travel AF tele zoom--suggestions?

Thank you for that great summary of the issues. I noticed the nice shot you posted this AM, but was tied up at work. I don't have much more room in my pack. I'll keep an eye out for a good price on a Contax N and concurrently look for analyses after the TC III's ship.
Mike

Dec 06, 2010 at 10:55 PM


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