I like it.
Could be the start of a new trend in lenses. I doubt that the concept can be patented so therefore others such as Sigma should soon be offering a similar product.
It's weird, but about a year or two ago, I felt that no L lens (except the 800mm) was really out of my reach, if I pinched and saved. But lately, I'm having a harder time justifying such lens purchases as a part-time professional shooter.
wickerprints wrote:
I wholeheartedly agree. I think it won't be a very popular lens.
70-300 is a hugely popular zoom range, and particularly suitable for sub-full frame sensors, which is 90% of the market. The 'L' is the best lens of this type ever made. The size, weight, and ergonomic advantages of this lens over the 100-400 are significant, and IQ and IS are better. Pricing is in line with the newer lenses (unfortunately). It is high now but will seem more rational in the future.
I think of it as a true 200 - 560 f/4 - f/5.6 zoom lens with a construction that possibly gives better image quality and wider aperture per focal length, and total weight savings on top, compared to a conventional zoom.
retrofocus wrote:
This likely means no 400 mm f5.6 IS soon.
I disagree. I think the 400/5.6L (IS) is for the semi-pro shooter and would probably be priced $2.5k or slightly below. That puts it in the reach of many more shooters than this lens will ever be.
This beast of a zoom is clearly aimed at the pro-shooter given the ridiculous price tag it's going to carry. Only time will tell though.
Nowhere Man wrote:
I disagree. I think the 400/5.6L (IS) is for the semi-pro shooter and would probably be priced $2.5k or slightly below. That puts it in the reach of many more shooters than this lens will ever be.
This beast of a zoom is clearly aimed at the pro-shooter given the ridiculous price tag it's going to carry. Only time will tell though.
It is more likely killing the dreams of a 500/5.6 IS.
No way I could afford this, but I have thought about renting a 500 f/4 for the handful of airshows I go to each year. But it would probably mean taking a second body with the 100-400 on it.
In a couple of years (once they've gotten to the rental places in some quantity), this lens will be a perfect air show rental lens.
garyvot wrote:
70-300 is a hugely popular zoom range, and particularly suitable for sub-full frame sensors, which is 90% of the market. The 'L' is the best lens of this type ever made. The size, weight, and ergonomic advantages of this lens over the 100-400 are significant, and IQ and IS are better. Pricing is in line with the newer lenses (unfortunately). It is high now but will seem more rational in the future.
Agreed. The 70-300L may not seem all that popular now but as sensors become more dense the absolute need for longer glass will become less. Not only that but the 70-300L offers a lot in a relatively smaller more compact package.
alundeb wrote:
I think of it as a true 200 - 560 f/4 - f/5.6 zoom lens with a construction that possibly gives better image quality and wider aperture per focal length, and total weight savings on top, compared to a conventional zoom.
+1. Had that same thought myself. Very innovative idea really.
The comment earlier about how useful this would be on safari is spot-on. Frequently mounting/unmounting TCs in dusty environments is really dicey.
