[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
> I do a lot of candids at weddings and social events. I also cover a lot of
> equestrian events and use FD 35-105 3.5, 70-210 4.0 and 300 4.0L. I plan to
> sell most of my FD gear and have indicated this on the FD list.
>
> I plan to buy another EOS 3.
>
> I am really tempted to buy 100 - 400L but before I do so I wondered if there
> might be a better choice given the uses I will be putting it to. The FD 300
> 4.0L images really sparkle.
>
The FD 400 f/4L is probably comparable in image quality with the EOS 300 f/4L
lenses (IS and the older non IS)?! This sets a pretty high standard for a
zoom lens to match.
Before I continue, I'll admit I don't own a 100-400L lens and have never used
one. My opinion about this lens is based on second hand information, so please
take it with a BIG grain of salt. You're probably getting some responses from
owners/users of the lens, who should know it better than I.
First, I think the 100-400 range would be quite useful for equestrian
events. Subject distance is constantly changing and more than once I have
been caught with the 200m prime attached when I would have needed a 135 or
even 100mm lens. It's of course possible to live with that, those events
are quite predictable, be it dressage or show jumping, so one can move
yourself in advance to the appropriate position. But still, this restricts
oneself quite a bit, not being able to get pictures of the same horse
at different, interesting points. With a zoom, live gets a bit easier,
although moving around is still a good idea. The 100-400 should work
with a monopod, but I have no idea how bad or helpful the push/pull
construction of the zoom might be in this respect. I'm almost sure
I'd prefer a two ring design (I usually use the 80-200 f/2.8L for such
events, the 200 prime when I'm lazy, but that's a big restriction).
> So my question is: Best choice or is there a better (but not much more
> expensive) way?
>
For equestrian, probably not much. The 70-200 f/2.8L + TCs is an option.
But I'd prefer the 100-400 range in ONE lens. Image quality should be
good enough, although not quite on par with the long tele prime lenses.
Thomas Bantel
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