Canon EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM or Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS?

5 years 1 month ago #635112 by eera5607
Hello everyone. I need a recommendation. I want to buy a telephoto lens and I don't know a lot about photography. I am looking at these 2 options:

Canon EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM:
  • Fixed lens.
  • Fast (f/2.8).
  • Effective 320mm on my APS-C (Rebel T6).
  • No image stabilization.
  • About $700.
Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS:
  • Zoomable (I will probably use it at 200mm 80% of the time)
  • Max 200mm effective.
  • f/5.6 at 200 mm.
  • Image stabilization.
  • About $700.
Use I would probably use it 80% of the time at 200mm taking pictures of animals (including birds) at wide apertures for fast shutter speeds (with enough light to use low ISOs in most cases). Apart from that, I would probably take some portraits with good light, some sports photos in medium light conditions and some animals in low light conditions (very uncommon). What I want to know is what is better for my case? The image stabilization or wide aperture? I don't think of fixed focal range as an important disadvantage but I'm not sure. What do you think?
I want to also say that the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM or similar is probably the best fit for my needs but it is too expensive. I'm thinking of something between $600 and $800. The same for Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L is II USM.


,
5 years 1 month ago #635290 by garyrhook
It's not a 320mm equivalent lens, it has the view angle of a 320mm lens. It's still the magnification of a 200mm lens.

200mm won't get you very far, especially for small animals. You need 500mm or more for wildlife, typically.

Outdoors, there's usually a lot of light. The fast lens won't buy you that much, except for bokeh.

If you don't know a lot about photography, suggest you learn first with a simple setup. buy the 18-200 as a good, general purpose lens and use it. Once you've gained skills, experience and perspective you'll be able to make more informed decisions. And sell that lens and buy another.

Not what you wanted to hear, I know.


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