david7 Posted March 25, 1999 Share Posted March 25, 1999 My shooting of sports and weddings have reinforced my love for my Canon 70-200 2.8, and my dislike of my Sigma 28-70 2.8 (too slow autofocus). I am at a point where I am having to debate between a 1.4 TC for the longer sports this summer (rugby and some rodeos) and a 35-135 (or simular range) for weddings and other sports (ie continued bball). <p> I looked at Canon's lens, but am disapointed to find that it is not a 2.8 lens. There are a lot of times where I need as much speed as I can get. Others where the shallow DOF is what I need. Therefore, I cannot seem to think of any reason to NOT get a fast lens. I saw Tamron has one that is a 2.8, but do not know anything about it. My experience with the Sigma len's slow autofocus has me concerned about other 3rd party setups. Or maybe the 70-200 is just faster than most. <p> Comments and suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pixseal Posted March 25, 1999 Share Posted March 25, 1999 You won't find a sharper lens than the Canon EF28-70/2.8L. Yes, I know its not a xx-135 zoom, but you <I>do</I> have 70-xx already covered. And the EF28-70/2.8L is at least as fast focusing as the EF70-200/2.8L! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sean_hester Posted March 25, 1999 Share Posted March 25, 1999 the 70-200 is one of the faster focusing lenses on the planet. it's hard to use that a banchmark because not many lenses live up. <p> 28-70 is about the biggest range you can go with a 2.8 lens and still have good quality. 3 to 1 is the rule of thumb. so if you wanted a 135 2.8 lens the wide wnd would have to be about 50. 28-105 (4 to 1) and 28-135 (5 to 1) are just too much range. that's the same reason why the 70-200 is only 70-200 instead of 70-300 like the smaller aperture lenses are. <p> if you NEED f2.8 you'll have to get the 28-70. <p> P.S. canon makes the 28-135 IS lens. the IS will help you with handholding, but not as much with fast moving sports. it may interest you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dave_mitchell5 Posted March 26, 1999 Share Posted March 26, 1999 I have to agree with the first answer, get the Canon 28-70mm 2.8L it is tack sharp and the autofocus speed is as quick as the 70-200mm 2.8L. Any third party lens will focus slower than a Canon USM lens, with the possible exception of the new Sigma HSM lenses. You do have coverage at 135 with the 70-200 2.8L and if you attach a 1.4x you will have a zoom range of 98-280mm, still covering 135 and giving range to 280. The 28-135mm IS is also a good choice. Third party lenses may not function with Canon's future bodies, ie: Tokina's 28- 70mm 2.6-2.8 did not function with an ELAN IIE, shutter would lock up. Tokina will fix this problem with a new chip but after warranty it will cost you. Canon lenses will work with future bodies without problem. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david7 Posted March 28, 1999 Author Share Posted March 28, 1999 Thanks for the answers. Your thoughts are greatly appreciated. The reason why I wanted the 35 to >70 was so that I did not have to change lenses in the middle of the shoot. Esp when the players are running at me. :) <p> I really appreciate the answers on Canon's 28-70. I will work towards getting this lens. Perhaps experiment with a 1.4TC on it for just a little longer reach when needed with the wider side. <p> Thanks again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sean_hester Posted March 28, 1999 Share Posted March 28, 1999 the canon 1.4x tc won't work on the 28-70L. (it will on the 70-200L) so you'd have to get a 3rd party tc. (yuch) and adding a tc will also put you slower then f2.8. <p> the way pro sports photographers handle this is with a 2nd body. (1 lens on each) if you can afford the 28-70L and the 70-200L you should be able to get a 2nd body. having a 2nd body is good in case one has trouble too. it doesn't have to be the same body you use for your "regular" body. a cheaper (lighter) one is usually a good way to go. i use an old elan as a backup for my eos-5. it's really handy for: <p> 1. having two lenses mounted at the same time. 2. having two different films loaded. 3. having a cheap, light body for taking to places where i'm afraid to take my "expensive" camera. 4. as a backup. <p> think about it... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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