Woohooo!!! New lens!!!

[roanjohn]

So it finally arrived!!! - my new 70-200 f2.8 L.......not the IS version though :-( Just cannot afford it.

Build quality is similar to my f4 version, so its built like a tank. One note though, this lens is HEAVY!!!! ouch.....


http://www.pbase.com/image/32922441.jpg

Did some "amateurish" side by side between this lens and the f4 version. Interestingly enough, the f4 version shows more contrast even wide open. Pretty impressive for a light lens.

http://www.pbase.com/image/32922424/original.jpg

Don't just anything by this test. I am no expert and I was just doing it for myself.

Ro1

[Olegis]

Congradulation on the lens, just shoot and enjoy it - this one is one great piece of equipment !

[xuxu1]

Congradulation on the lens roanjohn! I´m sure you love it.
So now your ahead of me cause i dont´t have one of those yet. Still saving for the IS version. :) Though the 17-40L will come first. :wink:

BTW. Thanks for the f2.8 / f4 comparison.

Have fun!

Regards
Ed

[Belmondo]

Two things impress me about the pictures:
1. There is very little difference in quality between the two lenses at equal apertures. 100% crops near the edge of the image might be more telling.
2. There is a very good object lesson in depth-of-field (DOF) when you compare the vertical shadow in the f/2.8 image versus the shots taken at f/8.

Congratulations on the new family member.

[2new]

2. There is a very good object lesson in depth-of-field (DOF) when you compare the vertical shadow in the f/2.8 image versus the shots taken at f/8.

Nice point! Thanks for making me take a closer look.

Michael

[timmyquest]

Congrats, i love mine and wouldnt trade it for a supermodel wife (unless her income would allow me to buy more...)

[roanjohn]

Okay, took this baby out shooting today. And I must say I am impressed. Even with the el cheapo Tamron 1.4x tc, this lens can take beautiful tack sharp photos.

There is one downside though :-( This lens is really HEAVY!!! Now I am not a big guy, and carrying this lens all day (especially on a hike, which I love to do) will cause some serious strain in my shoulder and arms. Hopefully with time, I will build up enough strength to carry this thing all day...........

But I am now in a dilema........

I was planning on selling my f4 version when I finally get the f2.8....but now I'm thinking of just keeping my f4 for those days when I don't want to carry a heavy load. But then I'm thinking of maybe just returning the f2.8 and getting the 200 f2.8 prime........or the 135 f2.

I am sooo CONFUSED!!! :cry:

I'll ponder more on this after the weekend.

What do you guys think??

Ro1

[Olegis]

This lens is really HEAVY!!! Now I am not a big guy, and carrying this lens all day (especially on a hike, which I love to do) will cause some serious strain in my shoulder and arms.

That's OK, you'll get used to it. Just do yourself a favour and buy a nice backpack to carry this lens when not in use :)

[roanjohn]

This lens is really HEAVY!!! Now I am not a big guy, and carrying this lens all day (especially on a hike, which I love to do) will cause some serious strain in my shoulder and arms.

That's OK, you'll get used to it. Just do yourself a favour and buy a nice backpack to carry this lens when not in use :)

THanks Olegis.

I will give it a two week trial run.........then make my final decision.

R01

[digitalmono]

Congratulations!
And yes, you'll get used!
You can think about return it, then get the IS version!

[roanjohn]

Congratulations!
And yes, you'll get used!
You can think about return it, then get the IS version!

OOhhh............. :twisted: That sounds like a plan.

Ro1

[drisley]

If you're like me, and know what lens you will mainly need when going out (ie, short, medium, long), then primes are great.
At times I knew I would be using my 70-200F4L, I knew that I would be doing the majority of my shooting at the long end. I too was in the exact same boat as you. I wanted to upgrade to the 70-200F2.8L, maybe even the IS version. I contemplated it for weeks. Finally, I decdided on the 135F2L, and 1.4x extender combo, and I have never regretted the decision once. I'm so happy with this combo. But, unlike most who prefer zooms, I have no problem throwing a fixed length telephoto lens on like the 135F2L and heading out. I like that I can also cary the tiny 1.4X extender if I discover I do need more length. I can then pop it on, and leave it on.
There are of course times when a zoom would be handy, but you have to way the benifits of one versus the other. For me the benefits of the prime far outweighed those of the zoom. That is just my situation.

The only other thing I can say is that if you performed the same tests at the top with the 135F2L wide open, even with the extender, you would be blown away by the results. :wink:
Sorry about bugging you about the 135F2L all the time :lol:
The 70-200F2.8L is still one of the best zooms ever made!

[roanjohn]

The only other thing I can say is that if you performed the same tests at the top with the 135F2L wide open, even with the extender, you would be blown away by the results. :wink:
Sorry about bugging you about the 135F2L all the time :lol:
The 70-200F2.8L is still one of the best zooms ever made!

Drisley - I was actually thinking that.

Because having the 70-200 f4 L seems redundant, I will sell it and purchase the 135 f2. I've read the reviews from Fred Miranda and I must say I am intrigued. I will probably end up keeping the 70-200 f2.8 L for the days when I need a zoom for flexibility.

.............BTW, you and a lot of people are really passionate about this 135 f2 L............In fact, you're so passionate, you registered at FM just to write a review. :shock:

Ro1

[xuxu1]

There is one downside though :-( This lens is really HEAVY!!! Now I am not a big guy, and carrying this lens all day (especially on a hike, which I love to do) will cause some serious strain in my shoulder and arms. Hopefully with time, I will build up enough strength to carry this thing all day...........

But I am now in a dilema........

I am sooo CONFUSED!!! :cry:

What do you guys think??

Ro1

No Problem!
I´m a tall and strong guy. :D
I suggest a trade as i have noticed that you dont´t have a 28-135IS in your sig. and please note that there is a 70-200L 2.8 missing in my sig. :shock:

So what do you think about it? Just sleep over it and let me know!

BTW. I would´nt mind your 70-200L 2.8 lens not having IS!

:lol: :lol: :lol:

Regards
Ed

[roanjohn]

No Problem!
I´m a tall and strong guy. :D
I suggest a trade as i have noticed that you dont´t have a 28-135IS in your sig. and please note that there is a 70-200L 2.8 missing in my sig. :shock:

So what do you think about it? Just sleep over it and let me know!

BTW. I would´nt mind your 70-200L 2.8 lens not having IS!

:lol: :lol: :lol:

Regards
Ed

Lets do it!!! :wink:

Ro1