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View Full Version : Couple of Questions ??


Tyz1on
06-18-2008, 07:37 PM
Couple of quick questions for all you camera buffs.

1. What kind of lens cleaning solution do you recommend? I noticed that some claim to leave an anti-static coating behind. Do I need to leave a coating on my lens??

2. With the EF 70-200mm f/4.0L IS USM and the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM, is the lower 2.8 f stop worth the extra 625.00?

Also do you feel the IS feature is a must for a telephoto lens?

Thank you

Ty

P1X4R
06-18-2008, 07:50 PM
i haven't had to clean the actual front lens element since i immediately use a clear UV filter on it as soon as i get it. it's a personal thing and there are positives/negatives for using filters.

as for f/4 vs f/2.8 on the 70-200mm..

1) physical size (f/2.8 is much heavier than f/4 lens)
2) price (obvious)
3) aperture (f/4 vs f/2.8) "lens performance". f/2.8 will have a big advantage over the f/4 in low light settings.
4) IS (image stabilization) i personally think it's a nice advantage when handholding shots (esp with the heavier f/2.8) but if you're shooting mostly with a tripod then it wouldn't matter much. the longer telephoto lens distance then the more important it is to keep steady (esp at 300mm/400mm+).

Tyz1on
06-18-2008, 09:08 PM
Thanks Ed. What do you use to clean the filters if it gets a fingerprint or something that needs more that a dry cloth?

I think in my case that most of the pics I would take with a telephoto zoom would be daylight shots of wildlife and scenery shots, so would the f/4 be sufficient for me? Also, most of them would be handheld or at best with a monopod so I think the IS is the way to go.

Speaking of 400mm, have you had any experience with the EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS. I love the 400mm aspect and being able reach out with it, but the 3lb weight has got to get heavy if your handholding for a long period of time.

P1X4R
06-18-2008, 09:15 PM
i used a cleaning solution (can't recall the brand) once that was meant for projectors with a special use once cloth.

i think you'll be fine at f/4 in outdoor lighting.

i saw some great shots with the 100-400 at the POTN archive thread but decided to stick with primes. i'm really loving my 300mm f/4 IS! it's surprisingly very lightweight. my 70-200 f/2.8L is a lot heavier in comparison!

Tyz1on
06-18-2008, 09:48 PM
It's funnny you mention primes. I've read two articles today praising the prime lens. One of the authors said it kind of simply, something like 'if you only have to make a lens with one focal point you can make it really good' He really praised the Canon 50mm f/1.8 saying it is the cheapest lens you can buy in the entire Canon AF lens arsenal. And if you don’t have one, you’re missing out.

Thanks again for your input Ed. It's really helping this newbie out

hazmatt
06-19-2008, 09:46 AM
this is the kit i use to clean my lenses. works pretty well.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/343088-REG/Giottos_CL1001_Lens_Cleaning_Kit_with.html (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/343088-REG/Giottos_CL1001_Lens_Cleaning_Kit_with.html)

Zurbaran1
06-19-2008, 09:53 AM
i haven't had to clean the actual front lens element since i immediately use a clear UV filter on it as soon as i get it. it's a personal thing and there are positives/negatives for using filters...

Ed, I'm thinking about getting some filters to protect my lenses. Of course I hate the idea of putting something in front of that awesome glass but it does make sense to protect them. My point, do you go all out and get the really good filters? It makes sense because you don't want to put anything less in front of a $1k woth of glass. I'm thinking about the 67mm and 77mm Hoya UV Pro 1 DMC lenses but they are not cheap at around $70 and $90. Thoughts?

hazmatt
06-19-2008, 11:16 AM
B+W makes good filters. Heliopan makes some nice stuff as well (esp. circular polarizer). Check B&H for prices.

P1X4R
06-19-2008, 01:10 PM
what matt says. B+W are highly regarded as well as Hoya. my personal limit on high quality filters is no more than $125. i've only been buying the cheapy canon ones that cost anywhere between $35-$55.

Tyz1on
06-19-2008, 06:59 PM
this is the kit i use to clean my lenses. works pretty well.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/343088-REG/Giottos_CL1001_Lens_Cleaning_Kit_with.html (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/343088-REG/Giottos_CL1001_Lens_Cleaning_Kit_with.html)

Thanks Matt. Much appreciated.

Ty

insomniac
06-21-2008, 01:27 PM
I buy all my filters from eBay. The are usually less than 1/2 the cost of the stores in my area. It seems like retailer have extremely high mark ups on filters.