70-200L - f2.8(Non IS) or f4 - Opinions please

[psk4363]

I cannot (yet) afford the IS version, but I have the opportunity to pick up a second-hand, mint f2.8 or a brand new f4 (having taken Toms advice and sold my film camera!).

Bearing in mind that my main interests are landscape and protraiture, do I pay around 50% extra for the second-hand f2.8 or go for the new f.4 (bearing in mind the extra cost of a tripod ring and odd filter lens size) ?

Cheers,
Barry

[dennykyser]

I went with the 70-200L f4 I have no regrets. I love the lens.

[DaveG]

I cannot (yet) afford the IS version, but I have the opportunity to pick up a second-hand, mint f2.8 or a brand new f4 (having taken Toms advice and sold my film camera!).

Bearing in mind that my main interests are landscape and protraiture, do I pay around 50% extra for the second-hand f2.8 or go for the new f.4 (bearing in mind the extra cost of a tripod ring and odd filter lens size) ?

Cheers,
Barry

I have the 70-200 f2.8 L (non IS) and I love it. You can never get enough speed as far as I'm concerned and it would be an easy decision for me to choose the f2.8 over the f4. Later if you decide that you want to sell the lens, you'll probably get the same money for the non IS 2.8 as you paid for it and you certainly won't from a new f4.

If you do get the f2.8 plan on getting a monopod too. It'll take the weight off of your arms and let you concentrate on the pictures. A monopod is also the poor man's IS, no two ways about it!

[minicooper]

I would always go for the faster lens when it comes to telephoto lenses. At least with f4 (rather than f2.8) wide angle lenses your shutter speed can be much lower as you can hand hold. With a 70-200mm lens, the slowest shutter speed you can realisticly hand hold with is about 160/180 I find, unless you have a monopod. And if you do need to do sport, you need all the light you can get. Have you thought about the 70-200mm f2.8 EX Sigma lens? I have it and it is absolutely fantastic I find.

Tom

[psk4363]

Thanks for the replies so far.

Tom & Dave - I do have a Manfrotto (Bogen in the States) monopod and tripod.

I already own a Tokina 70-200 f2.8 (which I'm selling cos I have fallen in love with Canon's 'L' glass) so I am aware of the weight issue.

Barry

[dennykyser]

Do I need the ring for my 70-200L 4.0, Is there a danger mounting just the camera to the tripod. Was wondering what the reasons for this ring are?

[Belmondo]

The lens mount is certainly strong enough, but you will get decidedly better performance from your tripod if you use the lens ring. It effectively balances the camera and lens on the tripod instead of hanging it all on one side. You'll get much more stable images.

[Belmondo]

BTW, I shouldn't have completely dismissed the question of the strain of the lens on the lens mount. I'm sure the lens mount is quite strong, but I can't speak to the cumulative effect of hanging a big lens like that off the front of your camera time and time again. There are far greater stresses on the mount with the big, long lens hanging off of it is than there is with the camera body hanging off the lens, even with a battery grip installed.

The safest thing to use the tripod ring. If you have trouble finding one, let me know.....I have a brand new extra that I'm willing to sell.

[Conor]

ive been debating this same thing for the past few days.....

Canon 70-200mm f/4 for 579.00 + 113.00 for tripod ring + 37.00 for lens hood


or

Canon 70-200 f/2.8 for a used with tripod ring and hood that come with the lens?

ive seen the used 2.8's goign for around 900 in that case ive been leaning towards the 2.8s unless the dont come with the ring and hood??

im not 100% sure

[CyberDyneSystems]

The f/2.8 comes with ring and hood... new anyways it does.

[dennykyser]

f/4.0 Comes with hood

[scottbergerphoto]

When I first got my 70-200 f/2.8, I took it to Madison Square Garden in New York to take pictures of women's professional basketball games. I noticed immediately how bright the camera viewfinder was, and that I was able to get shutter speeeds fast enough to freeze action with the court lighting, using a monopod. Unfortunately, they stopped me after a few games. The one f stop difference is easily the difference between a good shot and a great shot. Think about the difference between trying to capture action at 1/60 vs 1/125 of a second. I think it's worth the price difference from the f/4.
Scott

[Thomas]

I cannot (yet) afford the IS version ...

Cheers,
Barry

Wait and buy the IS version. Then you will be able to use the lens in all kinds of difficult situations. And besides, you will never feel sorry for not having the IS.
Tips : 1. Quit smoking, 2. Eat less, 3. Buy the lens and feel good, 4. Wait and buy the 1.4 EX and then enjoy the IS feature.

Regards

Thomas

[robekert]

ive been debating this same thing for the past few days.....

Canon 70-200mm f/4 for 579.00 + 113.00 for tripod ring + 37.00 for lens hood

FYI
You can use Canon's Tripod Mount Ring "A"(B) which is black. It is made for the EF 200mm prime lens but will fit the EF 70-200 f/4. Best of all it is only $79.00 at B&H. I had one for mine.
Rob

[Groundworxs]

I have had the 2.8 non IS for about 4 months now amazing lens. I do agree you will get more if you ever decide to resell your lens. as for the filter don't put one on. Leave on the lens hood this will improve your picture quality. If you want filters for it I have 2 new Nikon uv filters. I of course learned of this trick after I purchased the lens and filters.

I would recommend the 2.8 the extra stop is very useful I shoot a local hockey game 2.8 and they turned out great. As for the weight you don't buy a Rolls Royce and complain about the weight. IMHO

Good luck you will love the images from either lens.
Tom D[/img]

[Groundworxs]

sorry i tried to post a pic no luck

[Vegas Poboy]

I have the F/4 and with no regrets. It does come with a hood and yes you will need the tripod ring one day for sure. I use this lense for portraits and general use. Filter size is different from many & so far I've only had the need for the CPl, UV everything else I try to use PS. I felt only once I needed the 2.8 but this is all a hobby for me so I could'nt justiy the extra for the $$$. In time if when your making $$ you can always upgrade. Canon has great trade in value on there lense.

[psk4363]

:)

Decision made - bought a mint 2.8 (just love those 'L' lenses) and will (hopefully) be buying the 28-70L f2.8 off the same seller next week to complement my current two 'L's.

Thanks for all the advice and opinions - very much appreciated.

Barry

[Groundworxs]

congrats you'll love it.
Tom D

[randyk]

I had the 4.0 and only sold it because I got in on the Dell IS deal. I mainly used the 4.0 with a mono and suggest you try without the ring before popping for one. The lens is very light and compact and its questionable in my mind whether one is needed. Maybe thats why Canon doesn't include one.