[Klaus]

Outstanding build quality but I expected a little more optically:

[url="http://www.opticallimits.com/canon_eos_ff/570-canon70300f456islff"]http://www.opticallimits.com/canon_eos_ff/570-canon70300f456islff[/url]

[Klaus]

[quote name='Klaus' timestamp='1292684276' post='5083']

Outstanding build quality but I expected a little more optically:

[url="http://www.opticallimits.com/canon_eos_ff/570-canon70300f456islff"]http://www.photozone...n70300f456islff[/url]

[/quote]



FWIW, assuming that the weather conditions are fine I will try to take some sample images tomorrow.

[popo]

From your results, it seems a little better than the 70-300 non-L which is as hoped. The rest of the incremental value I guess is in the build quality. Is an APS-C test in the pipeline too? Or can we just extrapolate from here there will be a similar level of improvement over the non-L?



But in general, I don't get the comparison with the 70-200 models that 70-300 lenses attract at times. At equivalent focal length/aperture it isn't far off, but of course if you're buying a 70-300 over a 70-200, it's that 200-300mm region you're getting. You'd have to pay more for a 1.4x extender to get the '200 to 280mm, and in the process you lost the wider angle end of zoom plus what is the impact on performance?



Side note: I was stalking the swans in the park today with 100-400L on one body. At times I wish I swapped the 100-400L for the 70-300 DO I also have for light travel, as I needed to zoom out that little bit more and run out of space to go back!

[Rainer]

Hi Klaus,



quite interesting read .... thanks for reviewing this lens.



Q1: will you test on crop as well?



Q2: Given you had the need for more than 200mm (thereby excluding

the armada of 70-200's) would you go for this one or for the 100-400

regarding the actual high price of the new 70-300L ?



Rainer

[Brightcolours]

I don't know if I imagine it, but the contrast in that bokeh shot indeed is quite impressive! A reason for me to consider this lens in future. What a great bokeh behavior, also considering the highlights. Seems to be a pretty special 70-300 (albeit for a price).

[Klaus]

Q1: Yes, a crop test will follow. In fact I'm just analyzing the results. Looks good so far.

Q2: Difficult. The 100-400L is probably worse and the IS has just a 2 stop potential. If 300mm are enough then I'd lean towards the 70-300L.

[quote name='Rainer' timestamp='1292690732' post='5087']

Hi Klaus,



quite interesting read .... thanks for reviewing this lens.



Q1: will you test on crop as well?



Q2: Given you had the need for more than 200mm (thereby excluding

the armada of 70-200's) would you go for this one or for the 100-400

regarding the actual high price of the new 70-300L ?



Rainer

[/quote]

[HarryLally]

[quote name='Klaus' timestamp='1292684276' post='5083']

Outstanding build quality but I expected a little more optically:

[url="http://www.opticallimits.com/canon_eos_ff/570-canon70300f456islff"]http://www.opticallimits.com/canon_eos_ff/570-canon70300f456islff[/url]

[/quote]



Thanks for that very thorough and frank review. With all the rave (subjective) reports around on the net, I had begun to contemplate selling my 70-200f4L IS and 300f4L IS to get this new zoom, though I've been very happy with the IQ of those two fine lenses on the 5DII. After reading this review, I think I'll stick with them. Also, I particularly like the size and low weight of the 70-200 and the shallow DoF of the 300 at f4 is something to behold.



BTW, I notice you didn't 'loan' the lens from one of your 'readers'. Are you now able to borrow lenses from a dealer or Canon distributor?



Michael

[Klaus]

[quote name='HarryLally' timestamp='1292699159' post='5090']

Thanks for that very thorough and frank review. With all the rave (subjective) reports around on the net, I had begun to contemplate selling my 70-200f4L IS and 300f4L IS to get this new zoom, though I've been very happy with the IQ of those two fine lenses on the 5DII. After reading this review, I think I'll stick with them. Also, I particularly like the size and low weight of the 70-200 and the shallow DoF of the 300 at f4 is something to behold.



BTW, I notice you didn't 'loan' the lens from one of your 'readers'. Are you now able to borrow lenses from a dealer or Canon distributor?



Michael

[/quote]



This one came brand new from a rental service.

[Klaus]

FWIW, it'll get a 4* rating (HR) in the APS-C scope.

[Guest]

Hey Klaus, do you have any idea how this lens compares to a 70-200 f/4 L IS with a 1.4x extender?