75-300 usm II vs. 100-300 usm

greenspun.com : LUSENET : Camera Equipment : One Thread

Hi, I have an EOS 50e (elan IIe) with 28-105 usm and 380ex flash (battery pack BP-50). I would like to add to these a telephoto and currently deciding a purchase between a 75-300 f4.0-5.6 USM Series II for $170 (introduced year 1995) or a 100-300 f4.5-5.6 USM for $210 (introduced year 1990). I wonder why the 100-300 is more expensive when it is an older model lens and the 75-300 covers a little more range than the 100-300, also both are practically the same speed. Can anybody justify the difference in price and/or performance. By the way my budget is limited to these price range only and Im no pro so please dont convince me to buy the model with Image Stabilizer although I know their better but it does not justify to me the cost which is double. Thanks in advance to those who can help me decide. JOHN. (Manila, Philippines)

-- JOHN T. TANGGA (johntangga@skyinet.net), December 18, 1998

Answers

Bob Atkins has a write up about the various Canon XX-300 zooms on his nature photography page on photo.net. The 100-300 has an actual ring USM, and a non-rotating front element, and is a little sharper at 300mm. You can check his artical for more details. Personally, if you have the money, I think the 75-300 IS is the best bet, considering how slow these zooms are.

-- Brad (reloader@webtv.net), December 19, 1998.

Moderation questions? read the FAQ