70-200

[rick j]

I am looking at buying a new lens soon the 70-200 seems the one to buy , but whats the difference betwen the f 2.8 and the f4.0 and I see there is also a IS model as well what this?

many thanks rick

[heycow]

There are a couple differences:

-f/2.8 will let in more light and will allow you to focus faster. It is one stop faster wide open than the f/4.0 version
-Both f/2.8 versions are bigger and heavier than the f/4.0 versions (still easily hand-holdable).
-IS is Image Stabilization and will compensate for CAMERA shake. It will NOT help if your subject is moving. It's awesome. Get it if you can afford it. :-)
-The f/4.0 versions use 67mm filters, the f/2.8 versions use 77mm filters.

If you don't think you need f/2.8, you can save some significant money buying the f/4.0 version. If you will be shooting static subjects in lower light, the f/4.0IS version is an outstanding lens. If you have the money, get the f/2.8IS and you'll never look back.

[rick j]

thanks for thatdont think i can go to a f2.8 IS it is going to used for mainly dog shows and indoor events

[dave kadolph]

If you are doing indoor events you will likely need the f2.8. At f4.0 you probably will not have enough shutter speed to freeze action in all but the best lit sites.

And yes-- IS is great if you can afford the price of admission

[Rubberhead]

The IS on the F/2.8 is a 3-stop IS, while the IS on the F/4 is a 4-stop IS. If the subject isnt moving, these two lenes are basically equal. For fast moving subjects, the F/2.8 IS is always going to be one-stop faster. The trade-off is, of course, size and weight.

[ItsMike]

Not to but in...( I am looking to get either the 2.8 or the 4 myself) I herd that the 4 is shaprer than the 2.8, Is this correct? Keep in mind that I rented the 4 and used it outdoors only and was very happy with it.. But If I were to buy one I would like the lower f for indoors.. Any thoughts?

[dave kadolph]

We have both and each gets used for different reasons.

As a general rule a lens gets sharper as you stop it down.

The 2.8 will handle a teleconverter and still autofocus.

The 4.0 is much lighter when you need to cover ground quickly such as when we cover cross country or track meets.

[Michael1116]

The IS on the F/2.8 is a 3-stop IS, while the IS on the F/4 is a 4-stop IS. If the subject isnt moving, these two lenes are basically equal. For fast moving subjects, the F/2.8 IS is always going to be one-stop faster. The trade-off is, of course, size and weight.


....And price!!

[Rubberhead]

....And price!!

Good point but price doesn't seem to matter to this crowd.

[SoccerRef]

Good point but price doesn't seem to matter to this crowd.

WELL... It's not that it doesn't matter, it's just one of those things we choose not to talk about.

It's kind of like smoking, or any other habit, price isn't a factor until one sits down and actually calculates what they spend on their habit, they do a double take. In the case of photography we do 2.8 take.

[rick j]

looks like I will hold off for a while and go with the 2.8 , thanks everone