FS5: 70-200 len choices

[snapdragon]

Why are you considering a 70-200 f/4 instead of the 2.8? Is it just cost savings or does the weight play into it, too? The Canon 70-200 f/2.8 L IS II is kind of a staple in the s35 sensor cam world and an excellent performer. It's not cheap, but it IS a great lens optically, built like a tank and not a purchase that you would regret.

Weight and size are the main factors. Most of my work is live events - run and gun. I've used the Canon 70-200 2.8 on a shoot before, and it's huge.. I often use a monopod and I'd worry about the strain the lens would put on the lens mount.

For outdoor use, f4 is fine. f2.8 is nice to have but I'd prefer the weight saving.

 

[BarryLichtner]

Does that Tamron lens focus and zoom in normal direction like canon lenses? I much dislike the sigma 24-105 for it's placement of the zoom and focus rings. An otherwise total winner over it's canon counterpart to me.

I just checked, and it is "backwards" (or opposite Canon). I have such a mix of lenses that zoom opposite directions of each other that it's just something I take note of when I attach a lens. I know it's annoying to some people though.

 

[thirdyearff]

I picked up the "newer" Sony 70 - 200mm f2.8 about a month ago. I'm mainly using it w/ my Fs7 but so far a like it. I usually run it manual so I haven't done much in any of the auto settings...however, I did try the auto focus it seem to roll focus a bit smoother and it didn't hunt nearly as much as the 28-135 kit lens. I shot this the first couple days I had it, but with an FS700/7q slog2...pretty much straight out of the camera with a LUT applied.

It seems pretty sturdy, but that means nothing until I get it "out in the elements " so I can't comment on the toughness of the build...but that will come soon enough when I start shooting another wildlife doc in May.