Telephoto Lens Choice

Most of the time when looking at a telephoto lens option, one must choose between an f/2.8 lens and an f/4 lens. All f/2.8 lenses will be much more expensive than an f/4 lens. Since the lens has to open up wider, there are more elements or more expensive glass inside the lens which accounts for the staggering price difference.

Here are five reasons why going with the cheaper f/4 lens might be the better option.

1. Low Cost

Let’s get the elephant out of the room. It’s the obvious choice to some because of its low cost. Not to say that these lenses are cheap in any way because most of the time they aren’t. But comparing the price between an f/2.8 vs f/4 is usually at least $400 or more. Which could be a make or break-the-bank situation for you.

2. F-Stop

Everyone thinks that they need the f/2.8 simply because it opens up more and therefore you’ll have shallower depth of field. In most portrait cases, at a zoomed length of 70-200mm, your background will be much farther away from your subject. This compression will already give you a lot of separation that you can achieve at an f/4. An f/4 will most likely also give you a sharper image because a lens is sharper when it’s a stop or two below its widest setting.

Take a look at some of these pictures that were shot on our 70-210 f/4 lens.

One area where an f/2.8 would be ideal is if you’re doing any type of low-light photography. That could be night shooting, concerts, or anything else that you wouldn’t have access to ample light.

3. Lightweight

This lens option will be much lighter than an f/2.8 lens. It makes it easy to travel with. Easy to carry around with you.

4. Landscape Photography

A 70-210mm lens is a great landscape telephoto to have. This focal length is great if you want to create layers in your photos. This type of perspective is great since most landscapes are wide angles.

The compression here is what we like.

You most likely will have ample light to work with when shooting landscapes so an aperture of f/4 is fine.

5. Excellent Starter Lens

If you’re just starting to build out your lens kit, the f/4 70-210 will be great to add. All of the benefits boil down to a great entry cost point and enough features to get anyone up and running.