Question for users of the 70-200 2.8

[Darryl]

Most of the users of the this forum that have the 70-200 2.8 lens seem to really love it. I currently have a 28-105 Canon lens and was thinking of getting a new lens. My questions are:

1.) Is anyone using the 70-200 lens in studio? If so how has it been. It seems to me that it might be a bit too powerful for studio use. So anyone that uses it in studio I would appreciate your comments.

2.) If I did get that lens, I would probably purchase it online. What is a good online price for the lens, both with and without the IS feature.

3.) Finally, are there "grey market" lenses? I avoid the "grey market" cameras. Just wondering if lenses were the same, and should I even be concerned if a lens is grey market.

Thanks in advance for any information you provide.

-Darryl

[citrus]

There is gray market lenses also.....

Recently I was offered a 70-200 L - USM IS lens for 1850 US$. But currently do not know what is the retail price - should nevertheless be around there......

Anyway - grey market is not really a problem as long as you can safeguard a warranty to come with it and checked it thouroughly........

[seanspeng]

check out www.bhvideo.com
and
www.deltainternational.com

They have a price around $1660, which is the best deal for new IS version.

[toycollector]

I got a nearly new 70-200 2.8/L (non-IS) on eBay for $950. Came with original box, softcase, manual, etc....Can't tell it had ever been used, tripod mount collar had never been used.

New, they run about $1100

[ssrioon]

To answer to the "Grey Market" issue, I have ordered many "imported" or "grey market" products in the past. I've got to tell you that for many times I was not satisfied with the products and had to return them.

One more thing. When it comes to the warranty, you might want to reconsider purchasing the "grey market" products. I recently bought a Canon lens, USA one. After three months, it has some problem with the autofocus unit. I had to send it to the Canon Service Center. It took only about a week for the lens to get back to my hands. I've heard it takes a lot longer for "grey market" products.