i rarely write reviews, but since this is a fairly new product, i felt compelled to help my fellow photographers, as they have helped me in the past with my purchasing decisions.
after reading many reviews on this lens i decided to take the plunge. even with its recent "discount", it is still a rather serious investment for all of us who are not professional photographers. i have recently gotten back into photography and i've built my canon bag from the ground up. i chose canon over the competitors because i was looking for the best quality, with the best selection at the best price. i personally consider canon "l" lenses to be a great value, for they will hopefully provide a lifetime of enjoyment and memories. that being said, buy this lens. do not pass go or collect $200. buy it, i don't think you'll be disappointed.
first of all, this could be the best canon l lens that i own....period. i know that it's only been out a short time, but in this case i believe that the new technology is far superior to the old (ever lugged around the 100-400 f4 is for a few hours? and yes, i am the guy that truly hates the push/pull system) the same cannot be said about the new 1.4 or 2.0 extenders. $500 a piece, really? i am very satisfied with the old ones, since i paid about $500...for both of them! and so, i digress...
this lens is incredibly sharp throughout the entire range. i have done my own amateur tests on a variety of subjects and i find it to be one of the few "complete" lenses out there. i also own the 70-200 l f4 is and it is definitely on par in quality and having the extra 100mm on the long end makes a huge difference. btw, i am a spontaneous street photographer from nyc. i want to carry as little as possible and want to be able to catch a shot in a moments notice. even at f4 with the is, i am able to get the shots that i want 95% of the time. i have shot in all types of light during the day and even shot the super moon (tonight 3-19-11) and i am now realizing the true beauty of this lens. yes, i could go for all the 2.8 zooms, but then again, i only have one kidney to sacrifice, right?!
so why buy this lens when i already own the 70-200 ? well, it's not a necessity, but rather an attractive option. if you are comfortable with the 70/200 f whatever and have a few extenders, then you are already in business. what i dislike most about the 70-200 (and the 100-400 for that matter) is that it is somewhat cumbersome to carry. it always looks and feels goofy if you are carrying it freestyle through the city. with the extenders, i might as well be carrying an 800 mm f 5.6 l, because it it feels odd on my side or in any bag that i carry it in. it feels weird, long and thin and not really part of the body or an extension of me. the 70-300 is just the opposite. it is built like a tank (a small and more practical one). it feels great in my hands and the balance/weight ratio feels very natural to me. on the body it feels like many of the larger 77mm l lenses, but it actually takes 67mm filters. so just swap the uv and the polarizers from the 70-200 f4 and save a few $$$.
the major con for most is that yes, the zoom and the focus rings could be reversed. yes, i'm sure you've heard this before, but here is when it counts. if you're in a moving vehicle, the bean bag is your best friend. if you try to lean this on the bean bag, then this will impair you from using the zoom. why would canon do this? because when your going freestyle (like me 95% of the time) it will feel like money in your hands. with your hand further down and under the barrel it feels more natural, more stable and more comfortable; especially if you are out for a few hours.
con #2, no freakin' tripod ring?! yes, you will be going freestyle most of the time, but for $1500, we all deserve a tripod ring and a kiss on the cheek, right?! c'mon canon, pony up and make it right...
con #3, canon 1.4 and 2.0 extender WILL NOT WORK ON THIS LENS. do not be fooled by what you hear. if you want to add range, consider the kenko pro 300 extenders. they are made with hoya glass and should do the trick. yes, it is an additional cost, but hopefully this will not dissuade you from making this purchase.
summary:
taking all that i have written into consideration, i do not think that you will be disappointed with this lens. i think it is a fine addition any bag and i think those who are considering a 70-200 f whatever should definitely consider this lens too. i am not a pro by any means, but just a guy who thought it was time to lend a hand to others who have helped me a long the way. always remember to be good to one another and to let the other guy get the shot too. take care, be well and capture the moments with those that you love.
fye, after many months of research and careful consideration, the following is what i currently have in my bag. again, i built it from the ground up by considering the best quality at the best value. i hope it will somehow assist you with your future purchases:
bodies: rebel xti and rebel t2i, both with battery grips (saving up for the 7d, now)
lens zoom: canon 18-135mm (versatile travel lens that came with the t2i kit) tokina 11-16mm 2.8, canon 17-40mm f4 l, canon 24-105mm f4 l is (my primary lens), canon 70-200mm f4 l is, canon 70-300 mm f4 l is (obviously)
extenders: canon 1.4 and 2.0 (generation 2), kenko pro 300x 2.0 (just for the new 70-300)
prime: canon 28mm 1.8, canon 50 mm 1.4 and 1.8, canon 60mm 2.8 (macro), canon 85mm 1.8 (all for low light, since my zooms are mostly f4 and higher)
fyi, i only use hoya hd filters on all of my lenses. why? just ask someone who has ever dropped an l lens. i believe that they are the best value in terms of "l" lens quality, durability and value. furthermore, they don't leave fingerprints. how cool is that?
if you know of better options or have any suggestions, please let me know. any help or advice is always welcome and greatly appreciated. danke schon!
cheers, m