Canon 70-200mm

Ali · 24-08-2008, 13:54

I'm vaguely thinking of either of these as my next lens choice.

Canon 70-200mm f2.8L IS
Canon 70-200mm f4L IS

I think my preference would be for the f2.8 but it's almost double the weight of the f4. I'm after your opinions, experiences and comparisons if possible please. Ta muchly

Whipspeed · 24-08-2008, 13:59

I've got the f2.8 non IS, I started with the f4 IS, but sold it, as it wasn't fast enough for me in certain situations ie the velodrome.
I decided against the IS on the 2.8 as I was told by a pro at the track that using it slowed down the focus too much. I tried the f4 with IS on and off and for sports, it stayed off. Yes the f2.8 is fairly heavy, but I can manage it without any problems.

Dave Canon · 24-08-2008, 23:33

You are right it is a difficult choice which you need to think carefully about. I have the Canon 70-200mm f2.8L IS and it is a superb lens. I also had in mind that I might by the 1.4x multipler one day. This reduces the f2.8 to effectively f4 but that would be fine and the auto-focus would still work well.

Using the 1.4x multiplier with the f4 version is effectively f5.6 which is getting a bit slow and it may not auto focus.

Having said that the f2.8 weighs 1.5Kg and is heavy to hold on the camera (OK with tripod) and heavy to carry round. I regard carrying this heavy lens around just one of my many sacrifices for photography.

Consider what type of pictures you will take. For most I take, the f4 would probably do the job though the fast focusing on the f2.8 is nice. If you are doing low light photography, as Whipspeed mentions, then there is no contest, the f2.8 is important.

Dave

***Dave*** · 26-08-2008, 10:19

Well I have the F4 L version & think it's the bargain of the century

I think you need to decide how important the extra stop is for you, in terms of speed & narrowing DOF. I think if you buy the F4 at the right price, you can try it for a while & sell on for minimal loss if you decide you want the f/2.8.

Re IS I have a pretty steady hand, so felt I didn't need it at the focal range. I do have it on the 100-400 though

***Steve*** · 26-08-2008, 10:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave Canon

Using the 1.4x multiplier with the f4 version is effectively f5.6 which is getting a bit slow and it may not auto focus.

Dave

I know you said 'may not' but I would just like to jump in here and say that in over 4 years of use I have NEVER once had any auto focus issues using the F4 version with a 1.4x teleconverter. The AF will work as designed, being restricted only by the available light and contrast of the subject in exactly the same way it would be with the f2.8 and 1.4x converter.

woffa151 · 26-08-2008, 11:47

There are hundreds of pages written about these lenses so I won't repeat what you've almost certainly read. Except to say, I have the 2.8 IS and I love it to bits - but don't really use it that much. Reason - I do a lot of travelling and walkabout photography. Despite what enthusiastic owners say, this lens does get heavy towards the end of the day (actually, about morning tea) and attracts a lot of unwanted attention. That said, it is a fabulous street lens and ideal for low light situations - especially art galleries/churches where you can't use a flash and can't get near something because of the crowds.
It's generally too small for birding/wildlife unless you've got the pixels to crop away.
(that should start a flood of beautiful wildlife shots taken with one).

**Markulous** · 26-08-2008, 12:23

I know someone who's thinking along the lines of a 70-200mm so I've been looking at the comments owners have made (what I call "real world reviews"!). A couple have said the f/4 is better than the f/2.8 which, when coupled with a comment that with higher ISO cameras the extra stop is less attractive, makes me want to recommend the f/4 - never mind saving on all that weight!

Ali · 28-08-2008, 00:26

Wellllll. The 2.8L IS arrived today. Still not entirely sure how I came to the decision, but a long overdue bonus and a generous OH might have had something to do with it...

It is heavy but I guess it's something that you get used to or I'll be starting some serious weight training

It'll be getting a workout with the 40D at Firle at the weekend.

P-E · 28-08-2008, 07:52

Congrats Ali

it is a lovely piece of glass.

M1ke A · 28-08-2008, 13:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ali

It'll be getting a workout at Firle at the weekend.

We went past there last night on the way to the Hungry Monk

Good choice on the f2.8. Even my missus has got used to it when presented with a camera on the "can you just do some shots" basis

**Angela** · 28-08-2008, 13:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by M1ke A

We went past there last night on the way to the Hungry Monk

Good choice on the f2.8. Even my missus has got used to it when presented with a camera on the "can you just do some shots" basis

Are you going to come over at the weekend Mike? If so, just look for the Greyhound Gap stall and that's where you'll find Ali and I.

M1ke A · 28-08-2008, 14:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by Angela

Are you going to come over at the weekend Mike? If so, just look for the Greyhound Gap stall and that's where you'll find Ali and I.

I have a 10K race to cover on Sun but we could do with some more rocket fuel aka cider, which we get from Middle Farm, just along the A27 . Might very well pop in