70-200mm f/4L IS = 1.4X TC II or 100-400mm?

FWIW, my travel kit is a 5D, 24-105 f/4L, 70-200 f/4L and 50 f/1.4. Rarely have I felt the need for more reach. I don't travel

with the 1.4 extender, but have used it with great results. good luck

almost sounds like my travel kit ...5D, 24-105mm and 135mm f/2L. I rarely use the 135mm when I travel but like to have it with me. I dont' have any other primes but probably should for low light interiors etc..... waiting to see what Canon does with your 50mm.

 

Probably will just go with the 70-200mm f/4L IS unless I get a good deal on the 1-4L....

"Probably will just go with the 70-200mm f/4L IS unless I get a good deal on the 1-4L...."

 

Live.com offers 30%CB (but max is $200 this time) for the pruchase on the Bay again. So you can get either one for

$200 less. I got mine new US 1-4L for <$1100 ($300 max) a few months ago. It stays on 5D more than the Kit lens.

I'm still up in the air still between the two. As I said I"m not really into stalking thru the wilds to photograph wolves, etc., or do BIF so I don't really know how much more advantageous the longer lens would be. I suppose if I really need one for a specific event I could always rent. And as one post pointed out the 70-200mm is half the weight and size of the 1-4L and makes a great travel general purpose lens. Well I guess I'm gearing towards the 70-200mm.....

I often find that I have to use equipment before I actually know what works for me. Forget the obsessive ruminations. In your case you might want to buy used. If it doesn't work you can sell it without losing your shirt.

 

If I am in tourist mode I wouldn't want to pack my 100-400L unless I knew for sure that I would need its reach. For almost everything else I do - landscapes, wildlife, florals - I use the 100-400L a lot and usually grab it rather than the 70-200 f/4L. It's very flexible and gives me good image quality. I can get by 95% of the time with the 24-105L and the 100-400L. I use the 5D and 40D. For vacations and when traveling light I like the Nikon D300 and the 18-200 lens. Looks as if Canon is coming out with a 18-200, so that might be an option.

"I basically want a great carry package for vacations and general photography. I am a general 'tourista" photographer and will use the lens in conjunction with my 5D + 24-105mm. "

 

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I suggest you abandon the idea of the 100-400 or the 70-200L because of the weight and attention you would attract with such lenses. I think you would be much more happier with a 70-300 IS combined with your existing 24-105mm you currently own.

I agree that the 70-200mm f4L IS is a fantastic lens. But, as you have pointed out, on a 1.6x crop camera body your maximum focal range is 112mm. This effectively takes you out of the street portrait/people photography category that you indirectly indicated you would like to have. By your own words, you are not "into chasing animals...". Most persons desiring a walk-around lens like to capture wide angle, portrait, and general scenery such as structures. Because of this, you might consider buying the 17-55mm EF-S f2.8 IS USM lens. It is considered by many pros to be one of the finest lenses made. On a 1.6x FOVC camera it gives you a respectable 27.2mm wide angle and a great 88mm long focal end that covers the people portrait range perfectly. It is also light and has the added feature of IS. To many, this lens is L quality in all but the name! Later, when you have the money saved, you can add the 70-200mm f4 IS USM to your arsenal and have just about everything you could want as a "general purpose" photographer. Good luck!

Steve... I'm shooting with a 5D.