70~200 Canon f/2.8 IS L USM

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Comments

  • RLJSlickRLJSlick Registered Users Posts: 13 Big grins
    edited September 27, 2008
    Nice pictures, how far back were you standing to take them?
  • ShimaShima Registered Users Posts: 2,547 Major grins
    edited September 27, 2008
    RLJSlick wrote:
    Nice pictures, how far back were you standing to take them?

    For the two side shots I was at the side of the church against the wall... for the one looking from behind the bride and groom I was at the back of the church, but the church wasn't super long or anything. No flash usage for any of those either obviously :)
  • David_S85David_S85 Administrators Posts: 13,245 moderator
    edited October 22, 2008
    3 of the 4 Canon 70-200 lenses are now promotionally priced with instant rebates through January 17, 2009. The 2.8 L IS is $125 off, and has me very interested. The weight has me concerned, but I've walked around for hours with my 400 5.6 attached (a few ounces shy of the 2.8 L IS). But the F/4 L IS also looks promising and is of later design.

    I won't be shooting sports with it, but do enough low-light shooting outdoors to seriously consider the 2.8 over the 4. Will be occasionally adding a 1.4 TC.

    2.8 L IS pros:
    • Should be faster focusing in lower light (depending on body used)
    • Takes 77 mm filters (mine are all 77)
    • Resale has been traditionally good, if I would ever need to sell it.
    • With a 1.4x TC, focusing accuracy and speed should still be decent
    • One more stop of creative DOF and bokeh

    2.8 L IS cons:
    • Higher buy-in
    • Heavier by about 2x
    • 2 to 2.5 stop IS advantage vs. 3 to 3.5 stop for the f/4 version

    4.0 pros:
    • Lots lighter for carrying around.
    • Lower buy-in cost

    4.0 cons:
    • Filter size is 67mm
    • No tripod foot
    • Plastic

    Anyone with experience using both of these models here? I'd like some input to help make a decent decision.
    My Smugmug
    "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take" - Wayne Gretzky
  • Antonio CorreiaAntonio Correia Registered Users Posts: 6,241 Major grins
    edited October 22, 2008
    David

    I do like to have a great aperture all the time but with new bodies, which can use hight ISO with sucess, I wonder if such an expensive lens is a must for an amateur.
    On the other hand the 77 mm diameter may be an advantage in some occasions when we have other lenses with this diameter like you and myself.

    Only one more thought: the weight of the lens is the result of more sophisticated and better glass and this is important when we are demanding about our pictures...

    The other day someone told me Nikon has now a better lens within this range.ne_nau.gif Doesn't matter does it ?

    Get it ! mwink.gifthumb
    All the best ! ... António Correia - Facebook
  • Manfr3dManfr3d Registered Users Posts: 2,008 Major grins
    edited October 22, 2008
    David_S85 wrote:
    3 of the 4 Canon 70-200 lenses are now promotionally priced with instant rebates through January 17, 2009. The 2.8 L IS is $125 off, and has me very interested. The weight has me concerned, but I've walked around for hours with my 400 5.6 attached (a few ounces shy of the 2.8 L IS). But the F/4 L IS also looks promising and is of later design.

    I won't be shooting sports with it, but do enough low-light shooting outdoors to seriously consider the 2.8 over the 4. Will be occasionally adding a 1.4 TC.

    2.8 L IS pros:
    • Should be faster focusing in lower light (depending on body used)
    • Takes 77 mm filters (mine are all 77)
    • Resale has been traditionally good, if I would ever need to sell it.
    • With a 1.4x TC, focusing accuracy and speed should still be decent
    • One more stop of creative DOF and bokeh

    2.8 L IS cons:
    • Higher buy-in
    • Heavier by about 2x
    • 2 to 2.5 stop IS advantage vs. 3 to 3.5 stop for the f/4 version

    4.0 pros:
    • Lots lighter for carrying around.
    • Lower buy-in cost

    4.0 cons:
    • Filter size is 67mm
    • No tripod foot

    Anyone with experience using both of these models here? I'd like some input to help make a decent decision.

    I own the 70-200/2.8 L non-IS and have used the 70-200mm/4.0 L IS before.
    The 2.8 is a very fine lens and I love it's bokeh at f2.8 but it is simply too
    heavy and an attention catcher everywhere I go. If I was shooting more
    sports or events I might decide to keep the 2.8 lens but since I am not I
    am trading it right now against the much lighter 4.0 IS. I plan to use it
    on the 5D II.
    “To consult the rules of composition before making a picture is a little like consulting the law of gravitation before going for a walk.”
    ― Edward Weston
  • David_S85David_S85 Administrators Posts: 13,245 moderator
    edited October 22, 2008
    Manfr3d wrote:
    I own the 70-200/2.8 L non-IS and have used the 70-200mm/4.0 L IS before.
    The 2.8 is a very fine lens and I love it's bokeh at f2.8 but it is simply too
    heavy and an attention catcher everywhere I go. If I was shooting more
    sports or events I might decide to keep the 2.8 lens but since I am not I
    am trading it right now against the much lighter 4.0 IS. I plan to use it
    on the 5D II.

    That's where mine would be headed too, but also useful for my 1.6 crop bodies for the reach.
    My Smugmug
    "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take" - Wayne Gretzky
  • tjstridertjstrider Registered Users Posts: 172 Major grins
    edited October 22, 2008
    I had both the 4 and the 2.8LIS models

    You will not be wrong with the 2.8L IS it is amazing! U cannot beat it. If you have the money then go for it. If you need to skimp on money then go for the cheaper...

    Either way know that money for something that should last 10 years is not a big differentiator...

    1550/10 = 155
    1000/10 = 100

    Not huge differentiation

    The weights isn't a big deal btw... occasionally if i am shooting for an 8 hours day it gets heavy but the benefits outweigh the problems... weight shouldn't be an issue or else buy a powershot!

    David_S85 wrote:
    3 of the 4 Canon 70-200 lenses are now promotionally priced with instant rebates through January 17, 2009. The 2.8 L IS is $125 off, and has me very interested. The weight has me concerned, but I've walked around for hours with my 400 5.6 attached (a few ounces shy of the 2.8 L IS). But the F/4 L IS also looks promising and is of later design.

    I won't be shooting sports with it, but do enough low-light shooting outdoors to seriously consider the 2.8 over the 4. Will be occasionally adding a 1.4 TC.

    2.8 L IS pros:
    • Should be faster focusing in lower light (depending on body used)
    • Takes 77 mm filters (mine are all 77)
    • Resale has been traditionally good, if I would ever need to sell it.
    • With a 1.4x TC, focusing accuracy and speed should still be decent
    • One more stop of creative DOF and bokeh

    2.8 L IS cons:
    • Higher buy-in
    • Heavier by about 2x
    • 2 to 2.5 stop IS advantage vs. 3 to 3.5 stop for the f/4 version

    4.0 pros:
    • Lots lighter for carrying around.
    • Lower buy-in cost

    4.0 cons:
    • Filter size is 67mm
    • No tripod foot

    Anyone with experience using both of these models here? I'd like some input to help make a decent decision.
    5D2 + 50D | Canon EF-s 10-22mm F/3.5-4.5 USM | 70-200mm f/2.8L | 50mm 1.8, 580EXII
    http://stridephoto.carbonmade.com
  • Manfr3dManfr3d Registered Users Posts: 2,008 Major grins
    edited October 22, 2008
    David_S85 wrote:
    That's where mine would be headed too, but also useful for my 1.6 crop bodies for the reach.

    The 5D II seems to be really good at high ISO's. If you don't need the
    background blurring capability of an f2.8 lens there is your next strong
    point for the 4.0 IS. The 4.0 IS version also performs extremely good
    wide open on the 1Ds III, beating the other three 70-200 L zooms -
    especially in the corners. The difference is already visible on the 16MP 1Ds II:

    http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=404&Camera=9&Sample=0&FLI=0&API=0&LensComp=103&CameraComp=9&SampleComp=0&FLIComp=0&APIComp=2
    “To consult the rules of composition before making a picture is a little like consulting the law of gravitation before going for a walk.”
    ― Edward Weston
  • David_S85David_S85 Administrators Posts: 13,245 moderator
    edited October 23, 2008
    Looks as if the 4 bests the 2.8 in every focal length and aperture by a small margin in the resolution tests. And very little if any visible CA from the 4. Thanks for that comparison.

    I will try a friend's 2.8 L IS out soon to give it a whirl, and to figure out if the additional weight is trouble. I weigh only 135lbs., so a 3½ pound lens is a bit much to carry on the cam.

    I just discovered that the tripod foot that is $150 and optional on the f/4 might just be the same exact foot that I already own for my 400 5.6. clap.gif

    OTOH, I also just read that the case of the f/4 is plastic. Hmmmm. I don't know what to think about that.
    My Smugmug
    "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take" - Wayne Gretzky
  • PhotoskipperPhotoskipper Registered Users Posts: 453 Major grins
    edited October 23, 2008
    David_S85 wrote:
    Looks as if the 4 bests the 2.8 in every focal length and aperture by a small margin in the resolution tests. And very little if any visible CA from the 4. Thanks for that comparison.

    I will try a friend's 2.8 L IS out soon to give it a whirl, and to figure out if the additional weight is trouble. I weigh only 135lbs., so a 3½ pound lens is a bit much to carry on the cam.

    I just discovered that the tripod foot that is $150 and optional on the f/4 might just be the same exact foot that I already own for my 400 5.6. clap.gif

    OTOH, I also just read that the case of the f/4 is plastic. Hmmmm. I don't know what to think about that.

    I am just marginally heavier than you - 155 lbs only. It seems not a major problem for me to carry the F2.8 with 5D body. Many times I mounted the 2x behind the F2.8 for bird shooting and walked for about 4 - 5 hours.

    The tripod foot is very useful and I can use it to hook on the belt so the weight will be taken off from the shoulder.

    F4 is lighter and smaller but can use 1.4X TC only (2X become F8 may be too slow)

    I don't think the F4 is plastic, the feeling is very similar to F2.8.
    Photoskipper
    flickr.com/photos/photoskipper/
  • PindyPindy Registered Users Posts: 1,089 Major grins
    edited October 24, 2008
    As promised.

    401102670_YLtdU-L.jpg

    401107665_UEMU7-L.jpg
  • RobinivichRobinivich Registered Users Posts: 438 Major grins
    edited October 24, 2008
    David_S85 wrote:
    OTOH, I also just read that the case of the f/4 is plastic. Hmmmm. I don't know what to think about that.
    Where did you hear this? Every time I've heard the f4s described its "same superb build quality as the 2.8 version." Maybe they're talking about the carrying case canon includes in the box?

    Sometimes painted over magnesium can feel strange to the touch, since it doesn't conduct heat quite as instantly as bare stainless steel, for instance.
  • David_S85David_S85 Administrators Posts: 13,245 moderator
    edited October 24, 2008
    Robinivich wrote:
    Where did you hear this? Every time I've heard the f4s described its "same superb build quality as the 2.8 version." Maybe they're talking about the carrying case canon includes in the box?

    Sometimes painted over magnesium can feel strange to the touch, since it doesn't conduct heat quite as instantly as bare stainless steel, for instance.

    It was in a B&H customer review of the 4. So that doesn't mean it is a synthetic casing.
    My Smugmug
    "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take" - Wayne Gretzky
  • Antonio CorreiaAntonio Correia Registered Users Posts: 6,241 Major grins
    edited October 24, 2008
    One of my Square cropped portraits project.
    449293524_7t2bd-L-7.jpg


    All the best ! ... António Correia - Facebook
  • Antonio CorreiaAntonio Correia Registered Users Posts: 6,241 Major grins
    edited October 24, 2008
    Pindy, good morning.

    Nice photo the 1.st one.
    But the 2.ed is - not only nice - but very tender. Look at the concentration of that fellow !:D iloveyou.gif
    All the best ! ... António Correia - Facebook
  • ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 24,132 moderator
    edited October 24, 2008
    Robinivich wrote:
    Where did you hear this? ...
    David_S85 wrote:
    It was in a B&H customer review of the 4. So that doesn't mean it is a synthetic casing.

    Unfortunately Ken Rockwell says it is plastic. I bet the poster is quoting his assessment.

    I have both the EF 70-200mm, f4L IS USM and the EF 70-200mm, f2.8L USM and they appear to be identical in build quality (except that the f4 IS is weather sealed). I would bet that there is some plastic in both. I do not read any incidence of difference in repair history between any of the EF 70-200mm "L" lenses.

    I use the 70-200mm, f4L IS USM in my travel kit so it goes everywhere. Even though I have only had it since the frst of the year (2008) I have great confidence in it and I give it no special consideration.
    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
  • ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 24,132 moderator
    edited October 24, 2008
    ... But the 2.ed is - not only nice - but very tender. Look at the concentration of that fellow !:D iloveyou.gif

    I saw that too, a special connection and bond that any parent would love to preserve forever, and the photo handles that task nicely. thumb.gif
    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
  • David_S85David_S85 Administrators Posts: 13,245 moderator
    edited October 24, 2008
    So I now have a 2.8 L IS attached. Yes, it is as heavy as I had feared for walking around for a few hours, whch is exactly what I first did with the thing. What I hadn't considered was the girth of the 2.8 vs. the 4. I'm small, so it is difficult to grasp around the lens casing to carry it without my hand having spasms in short order. The 4 shouldn't cause that.

    IS off. 1/13 f/2.8 ISO100
    401723178_Brahm-O.jpg

    IS on. 1/13 f/2.8 ISO100
    401723182_8SicQ-O.jpg
    My Smugmug
    "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take" - Wayne Gretzky
  • PindyPindy Registered Users Posts: 1,089 Major grins
    edited October 25, 2008
    Thanks guys for the comments.

    I traded my f/4 IS for the f/2.8 IS and I certainly miss the size and weight of the f/4 no doubt. I am really pleased with the performance at f/2.8 though and hoping that satisfaction persists.
  • PhotoskipperPhotoskipper Registered Users Posts: 453 Major grins
    edited October 25, 2008
    u2501.jpgThis is what I like the F2.8 with IS.

    30 meters away from the second storey, no flash, just the stage light, handheld.
    Photoskipper
    flickr.com/photos/photoskipper/
  • PindyPindy Registered Users Posts: 1,089 Major grins
    edited October 25, 2008
    Is that from some sort of Hong Kong-based Tomb Raider re-enactment? rolleyes1.gif
  • Antonio CorreiaAntonio Correia Registered Users Posts: 6,241 Major grins
    edited October 25, 2008
    Photoskipper, good morning :D

    Is it my monitor or the face is not sharp but her front knee is ? ...headscratch.gif
    All the best ! ... António Correia - Facebook
  • PhotoskipperPhotoskipper Registered Users Posts: 453 Major grins
    edited October 25, 2008
    Pindy wrote:
    Is that from some sort of Hong Kong-based Tomb Raider re-enactment? rolleyes1.gif

    It is in Singapore. Xbox hired Alison Carrol, an experienced competitive gymnast from UK to the stage.
    Unfortunately, I was late to the show and no chance get closer. Went upstairs and using the 200 to shoot.
    Photoskipper
    flickr.com/photos/photoskipper/
  • PhotoskipperPhotoskipper Registered Users Posts: 453 Major grins
    edited October 25, 2008
    Photoskipper, good morning :D

    Is it my monitor or the face is not sharp but her front knee is ? ...headscratch.gif

    It was low light and far. Grin allow only 100K files. so downsized and saved in low res.

    If you want the sharp, nice professional version, that is available, but with $$$$$$$ :ivar
    Photoskipper
    flickr.com/photos/photoskipper/
  • Antonio CorreiaAntonio Correia Registered Users Posts: 6,241 Major grins
    edited October 25, 2008
    It was low light and far. Grin allow only 100K files. so downsized and saved in low res. If you want the sharp, nice professional version, that is available, but with $$$$$$$ :ivar

    bowdown.gifDthumb.gif
    All the best ! ... António Correia - Facebook
  • Antonio CorreiaAntonio Correia Registered Users Posts: 6,241 Major grins
    edited November 6, 2008
    Yesterday, the 5.th November 2008, I made a stroll in Lisbon and shot these pictures.
    Canon 20D + 70-200 f/2,8 IS L USM + overcast day

    The EXIF says the photos were shot in 2000. Not true. The camera just came from Canon Portugal with a new curtain and I didn't verify the date.ne_nau.gif
    410819064_Qc3Jg-M.jpg From my project Square cropped portraits
    410816579_8EPoq-L.jpg410836274_iNMif-L.jpgAbout one hour before lunch time. Sagres is a Portuguese beer.
    410829605_evzjN-M-1.jpg Some reflexions ...
    All the best ! ... António Correia - Facebook
  • NeilLNeilL Registered Users Posts: 4,201 Major grins
    edited November 6, 2008
    410829605_evzjN-M-1.jpg Some reflexions ...

    Hi Antonio! This last looks like "instant Gaudi" !! clap.gif
    "Snow. Ice. Slow!" "Half-winter. Half-moon. Half-asleep!"

    http://www.behance.net/brosepix
  • Antonio CorreiaAntonio Correia Registered Users Posts: 6,241 Major grins
    edited November 6, 2008
    :D Yes Neil. It does a bit. :D
    bowdown.gifDthumb.gif
    All the best ! ... António Correia - Facebook
  • Antonio CorreiaAntonio Correia Registered Users Posts: 6,241 Major grins
    edited November 7, 2008
    With the 20D. clap.gif
    411900790_EDeC8-L-1.jpg411555967_WrYxn-L.jpg411900243_L6EnS-L-1.jpg
    All the best ! ... António Correia - Facebook
  • Antonio CorreiaAntonio Correia Registered Users Posts: 6,241 Major grins
    edited November 7, 2008
    And this one from my Work Project
    411901227_oz9Br-L.jpg
    All the best ! ... António Correia - Facebook
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