Canon 200mm f1.8L is awesome !!!!!

[OnlyDigital]

I have just this past week ended a 6 month search for one of these lenses and I can tell you it was worth the wait. Wow. Its sharpness is second to none. I did not purchase it new of course and I am not sure if this is the place for endorsements but there are still many of these still available if anyone is interested in anywhere from 9.6-9.9 condition and going for a low of $2600.00 to $3500.00. :!: It weighs approx. 6lbs. but can be hand held for short periods of time. I am shooting this weekend with a monopod to see how it balances.

[BearSummer]

Hi OnlyDigital,

yep it is an awesome lens. You were lucky to only spend 6 months looking for it, took me over two years, found one after 18 months but it was to battered for the money they wanted. Hand held for short periods, very short periods, a monopod is a must for any length of time.

best regards

BearSummer

[Adam Hicks]

BTW, for those who might be looking for this lens, watch out on eBay. The South Korean Seller gets nothing but good reviews for his honesty, and always seems to have one or two up there, but there is another scammer or two that always looks too good to be true. I looked at one for about $2300US that looked perfect, but the guys started saying he would only take Western Union (although his auction showed PayPal, which is the only reason I bit) and that he was overseas. He said 'send me a Western Union check and you'll have the lens in two days.' He didn't know anything about the lens either once I started probing.

I WILL have one in the next year or so. :)

[CyberDyneSystems]

This lens is truly amazing..

I was shocked at how much of a handfull it ids.. it is the same weight and dimaeter almost exactly as my 500mm f/4.5 Prime.. jsut shorter in length.

But oh wow what a lens.

I wish I shot sports.. as with a 1.4X T-con it is "essentially" :roll: a slightly faster 300mm f/2.8 prime.. just lacking the IS.

[roanjohn]

PROVE IT............wheres the pics???.................

:roll:

Ro1

[BearSummer]

Hi Roanjohn,

We would prove it, but then you would want one and you need to get a camera first. So just to be fair, and not to overstretch your want list, I think we will keep the proof to ourselves.

Best wishes (hoping that santa is good to you)

BearSummer

[Keyser Soze]

Just spotted this baby......

he must be compensating for something!!!

oh to have a spare couple of grand knocking about!!!!

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=30033&item=3850528 722&rd=1#ebayphotohosting

[OnlyDigital]

Hi Adam Hicks. Just to clarify. I actually aquired this lens via an Ebay auction from ChamCamera in Seoul, South Korea. The gentleman's name who runs these auctions is Lee. The lens I bid on was rated to be in 9.9 condition and when I received it it was in perfect condition upon receipt. I cannot say enough about this transaction. He actually shipped me two different filter cases, two genuine canon drop in filters, a brand new Canon all weather new lens neck support strap, and a hand written note with instructions and extra protective adhesives to mount the lens hood with. If any of you have been or are considering 1 of these lenses I give Lee the highest endorsement I could give. Just check his ratings. Do not for 1 second have any fear about bidding for 1 in his auctions. Dave.

[Adam Hicks]

Keyser THAT is the guy who is scamming people. He's listed that same lens with the same auction no telling how many times, and the reserve never gets met so he sends an e-mail to EVERYONE who bids with a fake second chance offer, asking for western union transfers.

Beware of that joker!

Adam

[Jay Todd]

...but back to the lens...you say that it is sharp, but what percentage of your shots are actually sharp? When I tested one, I got about 10% when shooting wide open on a tripod with my 10D. Granted, they looked incredible, but I couldn't justify the 90% missed.

[CyberDyneSystems]

A lot more than 10%... I never even thought of it but I'd say more like all of 'em.

[BearSummer]

Hi Jay,

that surprises me, I got better results than that by handholding the lens. I would say that I lost maybe 5% because the subject/I moved when I was shooting wide open and was using the AF.

best regards

BearSummer

[cmM]

so what is this thread?
"Make the little people envious of the rare jewel that you all own?" Do not, under any circumstance post pictures! I can't afford to sell my car now :P . And Santa still refuses to answer my letters.

j/k fellas. Congrats OnlyDigital.

[Jay Todd]

Might be my 10D. I was getting the same sharpness (or lack thereof) when I tested an 85/1.2 wide open.

[kufel]

Any idea why they stopped making this lens???

[roanjohn]

Any idea why they stopped making this lens???

It was too expensive...............and it probably was not one of thier best sellers............

Or it was probably very difficult to produce.............who knows??!!?? Nikon is coming out with a 200 f2 VR!!! I'm sure Canon will answer back.

............lets just wait.............

Ro1

[PekkaM]

Any idea why they stopped making this lens???

A really expensive, really fast 200mm lens that's too heavy for handheld shooting... Hmm... Beats me ;)

[BearSummer]

Hi Keful,

I seem to remember that Chuck (who works for Canon and posts on another forum) said that the 200 1.8 and the 50 1.0 (and I seem to remember the 85 1.2) were made in bulk and stored in a warehouse somewhere. When the stock was depleted you were only left with what was in dealers hands. Apparently canon also got rid of the dies (the molds) for the lenses so they couldn't make more unless they were remade. And thats not likely as there isnt the demand for them. He also went on to say (last year) that there were no plans to release a fast 200 after the 1.8 sold out. The 50 1.0 ran out first, followed by the 200 1.8 and I dont thing the 85 1.2 is far behind. I'm not to bothered about the 50 as you never see them on the second hand lists, the 200 is fairly rare and the 85 is still available.

Hope that helps

BearSummer

[OnlyDigital]

Wow, this thread has gone in several directions....lol. I'd like to clarify a couple of questions. My original reason for the post was simple: To let all of you great photographers know that some of these are still available from a very reputable source. Second, these will not ever be reproduced by Canon (at least that is their position as of this writing). Two of the main reasons are that Leaded Glass was used in the making and they have moved forward to evolve into a more environmentally friendly company. The second one is they want you to buy the newer 300mm and 400mm Telephoto lenes. This lens is compatible with a 1.4 converter losing only one full f/stop making it anywhere from a 400mm 2.8 and larger depending on the camera crop factor (1.6, 1.3 etc.) . I'm justing learning the potential of this lens but 1 trick I have already picked up is when changing the infinity setting switch (change the AF switch to MF and cycle your shutter button and then switch back to AF) thus getting a faster focus helping to create a sharper image. Almost all of the photographer reviews I have read who own/use this lens have stated that this lens is heavy but it is their favorite. :P