would a canon 70-200mm be a good lens for taking pictures of wildlife? any suggestions?

Answer 1

There are 4 different versions of that lens, all having very good quality and speed. You won't find many lenses that are better then the 70-200 series.

The problem you'll run into it reach. 200mm isn't very much zoom for a wildlife lens.If you're fairly close to your subject then yes, that lens would be great, but if your shooting something far away it won't be so good.

Usually you will want a minimum of 300mm and up to 600mm for a good wildlife lens.

Answer 2

IMO a 300mm fixed focal length lens would be better suited for wildlife. Get the fastest one Canon offers that you can afford and the Canon 1.4x or 2x telextender. Using the lens on a tripod would be optimal but even a monopod will help.

Try this test to actually see the difference between 200mm and 300mm. Visit your local camera store and ask if you can try the 300mm outside. Take one photo with your 200mm and from the same spot one with the 300mm. Compare side by side. You'll be surprised at how much larger the one taken with the 300mm is.