Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L USM IS

[RMc]

I've been struggling with the decision of which lens to purchase for my new 20D. I've been reading quietly about several other people doing the same, so there was no need in me asking all ya'lls opinions, they were readily available.

My choices were between the Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS and the Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS. I guess I decided on the 70-200 because I can get the 1.4x or 2.0x extender to get out to 400 later. I don't have any experience with these so I would like some comments about them. I have seen reviews that say some people may not like the results from the 2.0x. I wonder why...

Anyway, I just hit the "Place Order" button a few minutes ago. Just wanted to tell somebody.

Randy

[FlipsidE]

What do you intend to use these lenses for?

Edit: If you can live with f/4, then I would have suggested the 70-200 f/4 L. It's $1000 cheaper than the 70-200 f/2.8 L IS, and if you are only going to be taking outdoor action shots, I think the f/4 would be plenty. With a 1.4x TC, that would put you at like 98-280 f/5.6, but it would have been at around $900 versus $1400 for the 100-400 L or $1650 for the 70-200 f/2.8 L IS. Just my $0.02.

FlipsidE

[Persian-Rice]

You could have always gone half way and get the non IS version. $400 for IS is a bit much is you ask me, unless it is a "must have" for your genre of photography.

The 2x will turn the image all mushy, well I'm exaggerating a bit, but it is noticeable. If you are looking for versatility, the 2.8 with 1.4x is a much more economical option.

BTW, as FlipsidE said, what are you shooting? If it is primarily outdoors for example, you just spent about $1000 more then you needed to.

[RMc]

As both replies suggest, I could have saved money by going with different lenses. I think I would have eventually found myself short of speed. Who knows? I really don't have a specific topic that I shoot, but if I found myself in the dark woods and Sasquatch happen to walk by, I wouldn't want to be armed with an f/4 lens.:rolleyes:

I don't want to suggest money wasn't a concern, pressing that order button stung just a little bit. I just happen to finish my taxes this weekend and I didn't get slapped as bad as I thought I would.:D

One big huge mistake I made last Saturday was I walked in my local camera shop and they had the 70-200mm f/2.8L IS in stock. I had my 20D. The guy told me if I put that lens on my camera and tried it out I wouldn't be able to leave it there when I left. He should have bet I couldn't resist saving $400 buying it thru B&H;) .

Randy

[yallcome]

RMc --

Been struggling with this same decision and have some so close to clicking "order." Please let us know how you find this lens once you get it.

Thanks

m2

[HKFEVER]

Always go with the best you can afford, don't settle for less. Form time to time, you may end up with some shoot that you have to dail up the ISO just because the len only have f/4.

[spoolin_photography]

i am looking at this lens as well, as i need something realy sharp with a realy quick focus
I mainly need it for dragracing with poor lighting

[Deckyon]

Don't let anyone talk you out of the 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS lens. It is the lens I use the most and I love it. I tried the non-IS for about half an hour and I took it back. the f/2.8 is too heavy for handheld without the IS. I use mine in combination with a monopod and a loose ball head. The monopod takes the weight, and with the ball head free to move, I rely on IS to help get the sharp photos. I am always walking around with my 1D Mark II and 70-200mm and the monopod. That is a hard to beat combination.
handheld in low light - http://www.sturmphoto.com/displayimage.php?pos=-182

I am a big guy, and carrying around the 1D MkII, 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS and monopod is not a big deal. I have had it straight for 12 hours at a stretch from time to time. Yes, that includes dayhikes.

As to the Extenders - here are a few shots from my book with the 70-200mm and the 2x tele (400mm @ f/5.6) The teles will allow you go get the extra reach and get the shots you would otherwise miss. Not every single image can be tack-sharp. Below are images that have been cropped or resized for the internet. Some resolution was lost in the process.
handheld (not full zoom) - http://www.sturmphoto.com/displayimage.php?pos=-181
50% crop - handheld - http://www.sturmphoto.com/displayimage.php?pos=-175 (http://www.sturmphoto.com/displayimage.php?pos=-175)
Handheld (full zoom) - http://www.sturmphoto.com/displayimage.php?pos=-176 (http://www.sturmphoto.com/displayimage.php?pos=-176)
W/ Monopod - http://www.sturmphoto.com/displayimage.php?pos=-177

Notice the key word here is HandHeld. Yes, a tripod would have been choice, but the time needed when walking about in a marsh-like area and woods would have made me miss the shots...

You will be very happy with your lens choice. It is an awesome lens. Do not let people who settled for a slower or non IS lens scare you off. If you had the money, and it was the lens you wanted, you made a perfect choice.

Enjoy your new lens when it arrives!

[HKFEVER]

I second DECKYON's suggestion. Go for the best you can afford (2.8L IS).

[RMc]

Don't let anyone talk you out of the 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS lens.
You will be very happy with your lens choice. It is an awesome lens. Do not let people who settled for a slower or non IS lens scare you off. If you had the money, and it was the lens you wanted, you made a perfect choice.

Enjoy your new lens when it arrives!

Thanks Brad and HKFEVER. Your comments have made me feel good about my choice. B&H didn't like the idea I don't have a home phone, so I had to send them a copy of a utility bill. That's OK, it was for security reasons. They told me today I should have it Thursday evening. I am going to try it out in an arena Sunday where I am going to see a horse show. A buddy of mine's kids do barrel racing. I hope to get some images that he can be proud of.

Randy

[RJSorensen]

RMc you done good. I use a 1.4 TC on my 100-400 and it works just fine. Perhaps better than fine . . . I love the detail I am getting. I shoot barrel racing from time to time and look forward to a new season. I will be watching for your shots.

[HKFEVER]

Thanks Brad and HKFEVER.
Randy

You will love this lens. It is a little heavy, but I have it with me all the time plus the 1.4XII.

4 days trip up in the high alt. mountain camping for sun set (egg yolk) and sun rise (light changing).

[Deckyon]

I carry mine as well, all the time. If it is not on the camera, it is near the camera. I also have the 1.4x tele, and I use it as much as the 2x when just out shooting. I just happened to not have as much time to switch teles when I went to Reelfoot Lake (the photos I linked to.)

As to too heavy? Nah, you get used to it, or grow stronger. My right arm is like Popeye's and my left a twig... ;-)