The "Fifteen-Pound Show-Down" Photo Gallery by lightrules at pbase.com

The "Fifteen-Pound Show-Down"

Sep 1 2006 -- This test will focus primarily on the center sharpness of the following lenses:

Canon 70-200 f4 L USM [$585]
Canon 70-200 f2.8 L IS USM [$1600]
Canon 100-400 f4.5-5.6 L IS USM [$1400]
Canon 300 f4 L IS USM [$1150]
Sigma 100-300 f4 EX DG HSM [$900]

For all the test findings, a Canon 20D was used, mounted to a Manfrotto ballhead, carbon fiber tripod, using MLU, wired shutter release, and the best selected out of 5 centerpoint AFs per lens/aperture. Be sure to view at "original" size.

As for the lenses, these are 5 optically-superlative units. Each one offers its own "perks" over the others, but choosing one over another is not so much a choice of sharpness or color but rather of utility and usage. The f4 zooms were particularly impressive to me in all aspects (e.g., build, AF speed, optics). See my comments at each image for more.

01	02	03	04
05	06	07	Test1-Scene
Test1	Test2-Scene	Test2	Test3
Test4	Test5	Test6	Test7
Test8	Test9	Test10 [Newest - Dec 10 2007]

post a comment

lightrules		11-Apr-2008 14:55
AF issues are always hard to nail down. I can't tell you what to expect with the 1D and 100-300EX. But it's a solid lens that will give comparable IQ to the 70-200 f4. Take care.

thefilmaker		11-Apr-2008 06:35
All right Thanks... But what about the focusing issues with the 1 series bodies? Have you heard of it? The 300 F4 Is looks a bit soft in your tests. The EX looks a lot sharper! I had already looked into the 100-400 and the 400 F5.6, but they're too costly... So you're telling me that the optics of the EX is similar to the 70-200 F4?? Cause that's what i really wanna know! Thanks again for your help!

lightrules		11-Apr-2008 03:56
The 7-2 f4 is truly a great lens. You will miss the small size of it. But if you mostly will shoot at 300mm, I recommend the Sigma 100-300 F4 or the Canon 300 F4 IS. If you are mostly going to shoot at 400mm, take a hard look at the Canon 100-400 IS or 400 F5.6. Also, Sigma is soon releasing their new 120-400 OS HSM and 150-500 OS HSM lenses, so you might want to check into those too. But as a general rule, try to get the lens that gives you the "native" (i.e., without TC) focal length you will shoot at most of the time. Best wishes.

thefilmaker		11-Apr-2008 03:37
Hey, it's me again! I own a 70-200 F4 for a year and a half now and I simply love the image quality of it. But i'm now thinking of getting something longer like the 400mm F5.6 or the Sigma 100-300mm EX. I'm planning of selling the 70-200 F4 and replacing it by the EX cause I just can't afford the 400mm without a little founding! ;-). Am I making a mistake? How does de EX compare to the L ? Your tests are impressives but... overall? Weight is not a problem for me. I also read that it could have some focusing issues with de 1 series bodies. I have a Mark II N. Have you heard of it? I'm just wondering! Thanks again!

Shasta		29-Sep-2007 01:48
Just picked up a used Sigma 100-300 F4 EX IF HSM . Thanks for the comparison, it was really a big help, I know I'll love this lens. Waiting it for it to arrive

lightrules		29-May-2007 15:50
Mike, you and your wife are going to really enjoy the 7-2f4. Congrats and enjoy tracking the package!

Mike Dawson		29-May-2007 15:29
Thanks Jojo. I just ordered the 70-200. The weight of the Siggy was the deciding factor as my wife uses the camera some too. Thanks for you help.

lightrules		29-May-2007 14:56
Mike, assuming a normal/good copy of both, they are close optically. As you probably know, the 1-3EX is one of Sigma's very best, and for good reason. The 7-2f4 is fantastic as well, so what I'd say is throw the IQ debate out the window and decide on other things like weight (the EX is MUCH heavier and you would be better off using a monopod for extended periods of use) and whether you need 300mm most of the time. If you plan to use a 1.4x a lot with the 7-2, get the Sigma. If you only periodically will use a TC with the 7-2, then get the Canon as its much smaller/lighter. Don't forget with the EX you have 300mm f4 and with a TC you get 420mm f5.6 (with AF). You can't get this with the 7-2f4. And of course, if you want the intimidation factor, then get the Sigma ;-) They are truly both impressive lenses and again, think primarily of the weight/size and mm issues. Let me know which you end up with.

In2Photos		29-May-2007 12:50
JoJo, I am contemplating upgrading my EF 70-210 and had planned on getting the 70-200 f/4 but then remembered the Sigma 100-300. I think the extra 100mm at the long end is worth more than the 30mm at the short end. What is your take on IQ, weight comp., value, AF speed, etc between the 2?

lightrules		14-May-2007 22:10
Well, I'm partial to the IS version, especially at this focal length. But what I'd do is sell the 7-3IS on my own (craigslist, eBay), get more money for it than trading it in at $375, and buy the 7-2f2.8IS online like at Buydig.com for $1669 (free S&H, free 77mm UV), and if you do it on May 17th (or after), you get another instant $100 off from Canon rebates. Now that's the way to go!

Guest		14-May-2007 17:30
Hey LR... I have a scenario purchase for you... I have the 7-3 IS USM... I'm in the process of purchasing the 7-2 2.8L non-IS... At my local Samy's Camera store, it's no tax week on Canon lenses... So I was offered these two scenarios: Scenario 1: Buy the 7-2 2.8L non-IS for $1195 Scenario 2: Trade in the 7-3 IS USM ($375) and get the 7-2 2.8L IS for $1324 ($1699 - $375) Would you entertain trading in the 7-3 to get the 7-2 2.8L IS or buy the non-IS 2.8L version and have the 7-3 as a backup lens for extra reach? I posted this in the POTN forum and got several comments. I would really appreciate what you would say if you were given this scenario. Thanks a bunch! Sincerely, airbutchie =)

Guest		14-May-2007 17:16
Thanks LR... I appreciate the feedback.. Sincerely, airbutchie =)

lightrules		14-May-2007 14:41
Butchie, the differences in IQ between the f2.8 non-IS and f2.8 IS are not the primary issue; it comes down to whether you want/need IS or not. That is the only thing that really matters (and if you want weathersealing, the IS has it). IMO the IS is the way to go if possible. Take care.

Guest		14-May-2007 07:31
I'm curious to know what your stance is, overall, between the 70-200 f/2.8 USM and it's big bro with "IS"? Besides the "IS", is there any real difference, optic wise? Thanks for any input... Sincerely, airbutchie =)

buller		07-Apr-2007 11:05
For wildlife I understand you recommend this lens based on your test - but I don�t think your test is quite corresponding to what most people are experiencing as I�ve got the impression that there are a lot of copy variants out there. I think your copy is a lot better than the average. How many copies have tried of this lens?

BGarb		18-Jan-2007 08:25
I am looking into either getting the 70-300 usm IS or the 70-200 F4 USM L. Do you think the IS is really important on the 70-200? or should i go with the no L series lens, i have looked at many reviews and just cant decide. i plan on shooting surfing and wildlife so do you think the IS is really important?

lightrules		22-Dec-2006 07:46
Best wishes to you, Steve. Feel free to drop by anytime. Enjoy the light.

Guest		22-Dec-2006 07:27
Thanks for your time in testing these lens. I'm actually looking to buy one of the canons you tested, so this was very helpful. Steve

lightrules		17-Dec-2006 06:34
Kehoe, for wildlife I'd recommend the Canon 1-4IS. For car races, depending on your lighting conditions, I'd recommend either a 7-2 f2.8 lens (Canon or Sigma) or the Sigma 1-3EX. All things being equal, I'd always rather have IS than not to have IS, but not all shooting conditions are helped with IS; it's just nice to have when you need it (e.g., static subjects in lower light). IS really doesn't do much for action or sports, unless you are doing some special panning shots, then IS can help. And as for the 1-4IS versus the 1-3EX + 1.4x, I'd say they are close, depending on copy-to-copy variation. It's hard to go wrong with any of these lenses though; they are all excellent.

Kehoe		16-Dec-2006 21:29
Hi, Im stuck in between the the I00-400 and the 100-300 and the 70-200 2.8 (mabey IS). My question is do you find the IS to be important when shooting? My plans are to shoot wildlife, and car races, so im not entirely sure how important IS is. Do you perfer to shoot with the canon lens due to IS? and IS the 100-400 IS sharpenss very close to the 100-300 with a 1.4x in your opinon?

mickey		08-Oct-2006 02:21
Great tests! I actually had to sell my 70-200/4 a few months ago. Enjoyed taking pics with that lens, but because of the small aperture those times were few and far between. Now I'm saving up for the 2.8 version, but the f4 IS looks mighty interesting as well :)

lightrules		18-Sep-2006 15:18
Yes, the 1-3EX is a VERY impressive glass. I actually (really) wanted the 300f4IS to work out for me, even to replace the 1-4IS, but it looks like the 1-4IS and 1-3EX will remain with me. But the all-around performance of the Sigma 1-3EX impressed me like few lenses have. Enjoy your gem and take great pictures with it.

DECHUSA		18-Sep-2006 05:36
Thanks for your tests. I have the Sigma 100-300, and absolutely love it, but would have never guessed that it would compare with the 300 L Prime, unless I had seen it with my own eyes. Now I have. Wow!

lightrules		14-Sep-2006 18:14
Hi Pedro, yes the 7-2f4 is really superb. It's the best value "L" out there. If "f4" is fast enough for you, you will absolutely enjoy the lens tremendously.

Guest		14-Sep-2006 14:30
Thanks, for one more great test, Jojo. It seems that my future lens still performs well (70-200/4). I'm saving my Euros for it. BTW: there are few comments about this great test, that's odd ... Kind regards Pedro

lightrules		04-Sep-2006 22:31
Thanks Chris. Best to you and your site as well.

Chris for Sigma Romandie		04-Sep-2006 19:48
Still a super test... Very interesting, Thanks !!!

lightrules		01-Sep-2006 14:03
Yes Pedro, I will be testing some of them with the Kenko Pro 1.4x, so stay tuned...

Guest		01-Sep-2006 10:00
Hi Jojo This will be a great test! I'm looking forward ... I hope that the cheaper lens (probably the next one to add to my bag) performs well with this serious competition. I would be great if you have the time to test them also with your 1,4 TC. Keep on the Great Work. Kind regards Pedro Oporto/Portugal

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