70-200 4.0 IS Best of Non-2.8 Bunch?

[Cory]

I already have the 85 1.8 and 200 2.8 for indoors and they are, you know... In stewing over a 70-200 4.0, 70-300L and 100-400II (for outdoors) is it safe to say that the image quality of the 70-200 4.0 IS is a notch "better" than the longer zooms? If so, would it make sense to go with the 70-200 4.0 IS for the pure image quality and then pair that when funds allow with maybe a Sigma 150-600 for when really needing the longer reach outdoors?
Thanks.

 

[Marsu42]

I already have the 85 1.8 and 200 2.8 for indoors and they are, you know... In stewing over a 70-200 4.0, 70-300L and 100-400II (for outdoors) is it safe to say that the image quality of the 70-200 4.0 IS is a notch "better" than the longer zooms?

Look at tdp's lens comparson for pure sharpness (I didn't have closer look at the new 100-400L). But I did compare the 70-200/4 vs. the 70-300L, and the iq is a wash for ~20mp sensors and more depends on the lens copy you happen to get.

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=104&Camera=453&FLI=4&API=0&LensComp=738&Sample=0&SampleComp=1&CameraComp=453&FLIComp=0&APIComp=0

The differences are elsewhere: The 70-200L lenses are internal zooms (= constant aperture, but longer pack size) and the 200-300 (and esp. 200-400) range does make a difference for wildlife. Both lenses aren't really designed for tc use as you end up with f8, get the 70-200/2.8 or a prime for that.

Personally, I bought the 70-300L which is a great lens and has great price/iq/range/bulk combination while I find the 70-200/4 strangely long and thin and thus a bit awkward.

 

[Mt Spokane Photography]

Its a very good lens, supurb. You will be very happy with it.

 

[monkey44]

Personally, I believe the 70-200 F4 IS is the sharpest lens I own ... second 100-400 V2, although my 100-400 v.1 is very sharp also, especially when not pushed out at 400. Not to mean it isn't sharp at 400, it is very sharp, but it starts to show the range at 400 -- minimally.

I'd be hard pressed to say the 70-200 f4 is REALLY REALLY sharper compared to the 100-400 V.2 -- and under certain situations would be difficult to choose between them as long as choice was at comparable lengths ... 200m - 4000m, the V.2 wins it hands down ;D

Having said that, I'd say the sharpest shots in my catalog are 70-200 f4 shots -- but the applications differ, so very difficult to say. Depending on the range, you can't go wrong with either one.

I've never shot with the Sigma, but it would have to really kick butt to stay with the 100-400 v.2 ... no doubt.