Canon 75-300

[Sydney Portraits]

Hi all, my name is Tom. I’m a professional photographer based in Sydney. I’ve had a Canon EF75-300 for years now. I don’t use it much for stills but I find I do increasingly for video. However, I notice sharpness (or lack of it) can be a problem – even in the f8-11 range – and with any kind of wind or movement camera shake can be disastrous.
The lens doesn’t have image stabilizer. Has anyone used the image stabilizer version for video? Does it make a big difference?
The other option is the L range 70-300. I’m hesitant because of the bulk and weight. Can anyone comment on this lens vs the EF version?

[miketoll]

I had the 75-300 years ago, it was soft as you know. I gave it to my daughter who has only a casual interest in photography. I now have the 70-300L which is a superb lens. It is heavy because it is built like a tank but it is in a completely different league to my old lens, razor sharp, fast focusing (on a 7D) and with an excellent IS. I never shoot video so can't comment on that but of course optical will translate across to video.

[Sydney Portraits]

Thanks for that, Mike. Yes, I think I'm going to have to bite the bullet with the 70-300L. It does look like a great lens. Looks like it will also mean a bigger kit bag.