Got 350 XT Today, Need Long Lens

I've been looking for a black Canon 350XT for a couple of weeks, and finally
found one that had been on hold at a local camera store. Whoever had
committed to purchase it, didn't show on the appointed day (yesterday) so
when I dropped into the store today, they tried to call her, couldn't get
her, and the camera is mine, all mine!

Anyway, I'm debating over the purchase of a long lens. I've boiled it down
to two: The Canon 75-300 w/ IS or the Canon 70-200 L 4.0.

The reviews I have found indicate that the L series lens is a tremendous
performer, but with the airshow photography I like to do, it may eventually
require a 1.4x converter, which makes the overall price something like $575
for the L lens and another $250 for a teleconverter... Net $825, versus $425
or so for the 75-300 w/IS.

One advantage of the 75-300 is that it would simplify my lens collection..
No need for the 1.4x converter, so I'd only need a total of 2 pieces of
glass. On the downside, I played with this lens today and it felt cheap,
which is a real negative for me.

One thing I'd like to do is get my hands on the 70-200, so I could see how
it feels in my hands... Unfortunately, I can't find one in the Atlanta
area...

Thoughts on working through this decision? I've looked at the reviews on
Amazon and a couple of other places, but can't seem to find many sites where
both lenses are reviewed.

Thanks in advance,

KB

"Kyle Boatright" <kboatright1 RemoveThis @comcast.net> wrote in message
news:Heqdne-cLsnL0NLfRVn-jg@comcast.com...
 > I've been looking for a black Canon 350XT for a couple of weeks, and
 > finally found one that had been on hold at a local camera store. Whoever
 > had committed to purchase it, didn't show on the appointed day (yesterday)
 > so when I dropped into the store today, they tried to call her, couldn't
 > get her, and the camera is mine, all mine!
 >
 > Anyway, I'm debating over the purchase of a long lens. I've boiled it
 > down to two: The Canon 75-300 w/ IS or the Canon 70-200 L 4.0.
 >
 > The reviews I have found indicate that the L series lens is a tremendous
 > performer, but with the airshow photography I like to do, it may
 > eventually require a 1.4x converter, which makes the overall price
 > something like $575 for the L lens and another $250 for a teleconverter...
 > Net $825, versus $425 or so for the 75-300 w/IS.
 >
 > One advantage of the 75-300 is that it would simplify my lens collection..
 > No need for the 1.4x converter, so I'd only need a total of 2 pieces of
 > glass. On the downside, I played with this lens today and it felt cheap,
 > which is a real negative for me.
 >
 > One thing I'd like to do is get my hands on the 70-200, so I could see how
 > it feels in my hands... Unfortunately, I can't find one in the Atlanta
 > area...
 >
 > Thoughts on working through this decision?

Congrats on the 350 Kyle. I've been thinking about buying one as well but I
find it a bit small compared to my 300D. I think I may hold out for the
20D.

Anyway, on the lenses. I bought two lenses. The first on was the EF
28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM . The second was the EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS
USM. I've found that these two lenses along with the 18-55 that came with
the camera cover just about everything I want to do. Admittedly the lenses
are pricey but IMHO the results have been worth the cost.

Between the two you listed I'd be tempted to go with the L lens but the IS
is very nice especially when shooting in lower light at max zoom.

--

Rob<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->