smalinowski

Yes, there have been instances in which I was too close to the subject. Namely, shooting small birds at the feeder from a window inside my house. Since this was a semi-controlled setup, I repositioned the feeder a little farther away (and set the focusing distance switch to 3.5 m - infinity). Otherwise, I'm usually at least 10-20 yards away most other types of subjects (birds, ducks, seagulls, etc) when using my 400 L.

As recommended above, the Canon EF 28-105 f/3.5-4.5 II is a great option to consider. For its price, it is a very decent lens (and very lightweight). Its zoom range makes it quite versatile.

 

To be honest, though, the Canon EF 50 f/1.8 is probably the better choice for "properly" learning photography. It has been said that it is better to learn composition by zooming with your feet.

I have been exclusively using Sandisk (several Ultra IIs and an Extreme III) for several years now. I have never had a problem with them. I don't mind paying a little extra for a brand with proven reliability...especially not when my data is at stake.

I have owned version II for about 7 years, and have used it A LOT. I recently upgraded to the 24-105 L IS f/4. My personal side-by-side tests told me that the 28-105 II (although not as good as the L) was a great value for the price! When weight is a factor, this lens can't be beat (in this zoom range). It likes to be stopped down a little for maximum sharpness. Also, some vignetting at 28 mm.<div></div>

I considered purchasing the 100-400 IS but decided against it because of reports about it sucking in a lot of dust (due to the push-pull zoom mechanics). Can any owners comment on their experience?

By the time the subject is 75 yards away, isn't the lens' focusing ring automatically set to infinity? I'm not sure what the focusing range for the 300/2.8 is, before everthing beyond becomes infinity.

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I bought the 70-200/2.8 IS new. I never really thought about it before, but the zoom ring is a little tight...but I consider this a good thing and I have never found it to be problematic in any way. As the previous poster recommended, try to get your hands on another one for comparison (just to make sure the seller's lens is not defective). I think you will LOVE this lens! I use mine a lot.

I too recall reading about higher-end EOS cameras and auto-focusing potential with f/2.8 L lenses...but, I currently use an Elan IIe with my 70-200 f/2.8 L IS and it works wonderfully! Picture quality is excellent (much better than my non-L lenses), and the I.S. is amazing. I hope to upgrade to the EOS 3 someday, but for now I am very satisfied. Bottom line...don't worry about not having a "big gun". I think you will be VERY happy with this lens for the types of photography you mentioned.<div></div>

My parents live in Port St. Lucie...I like to shoot at Jensen Beach (about 15 minutes southeast of Port St. Lucie) just off of road A1A. Jensen Beach is a public beach with plenty of parking and accessibility. There are several entrances...you may have to try different ones for different shots and landscapes. Plenty of sand dunes, birds, plants, fiddler crabs, etc. Also, on the way to Jensen Beach, there are some places on the Causeway bridge that goes over the intercoastal that make for interesting shots (boat ramps, fishing piers, pelicans). Going early in the morning (in mid-March) there won't be many other people there at all. Let me know how it works out, and/or if you discover any other good places!