A couple of shots from SF Fleet Week Parade of Ships last Saturday.

I shot both in the highest res JPEG possible - should've done in RAW, both at 1/2000 shutter speed, with ISO 400.

I used Tamron 28-300mm F/3.5-F/6.3, the older generation, w/o the vibration compensation (equivalent of Canon Image Stabilization). Both were shot at 300mm (equivalent of 485mm on 35mm camera), and both have image degradation if I blow them up to 100% size.

I was wondering what's the next step up as far as lenses go? I'd love to have an L lens like a 70-200mm F/2.8, that would be perfect, but it is so expensive. Even a used one still goes for $700+ apiece.

Anybody use an L lens and how satisfied are you with an L lens? Is there a step in btw the L lens and entry-level Canon lens? Some friends recommend IS lens with USM for faster focus, but my Tamron is actually quite fast.

Will a tripod help even for a slow-moving subjects like these?


USS Carl Vinson - emerging from the fog


SH-60 Sea Hawk patrolling the Bay Area ahead of the ships

 

The need for IS in a given situation can be argued til the end of the world. But honestly there's little need for it. If you're shooting in light low enough that ISO 400 isn't giving you a quick enough shutter speed even at F 2.8, it's time to bring out the tripod. The dependance people put themselves into on an electronic device to hopefully make things better is something I find sort of funny. Why buy the MkII 70-200 w/ IS when the original w/o IS is just as good and costs around $800 less. No IS, bummer I have a tripod! But before I rant too far off course. Yes, L lenses are worth the price. If you want a 70-200mm cheap opt for an F4 version w/o IS (why that lens has IS amazes me anyway). Also, a tripod is the third most important thing required to produce a quality image. #2 - a camera, #1 - creativity.

Highly recommend checking here as they have a lot of great used gear at good prices.
http://www.keh.com/Camera/format-35m...de=CE&bco=480&

 

Hey, i like these!. Good composition, wouldhav liked to see more of the bridge in 1, but nice idea. You'd be amazed at how much better a 70-200/2.8 with a 1.4x teleconverter attached would compare with that tamron. Bodies will continue to evolve, but good lenseslike L's, they will get only fractionally better. I will keep my L lenses probably forever. Invest in lenses first, always. Thats advice you will always get from long time photographers. IS is nice, but not necessary, as 270weatherby stated, a monopod can give u that 2-3 stops u gain with IS.dont forget sigma for 70-200 option, very close to canon image quality.

Keep up the good work!