70-200mm f/2.8L v f/4

[Scimmia]

How much of a difference does the 70-200mm f/2.8L lense make compared to the 70-200mm f/4L?

[symes]

From my research it depends completely on if you need it for low light or not...if you want it for indoor activity an aperature of 4.0 is difficult to use...especially if you are thinking of ice hockey or weddings of anythin that has movement and is indoor...unless you have a studio..

That is why my 2.8 is on the way...

Cheers,

[tim]

Have a read of this review (http://www.slo-foto.net/reviews-56.html). If you have a 20D/350D the high iso noise isn't bad so F4 should be usable, but noise reduction software would be helpful. If you want a narrow DOF F2.8 would be helpful, as it's more difficult to get a narrow DOF at longer distances. Play with this (http://www.dofmaster/com) to get a feel for what I mean.

[pcasciola]

Everything else being the same, you will get double the shutter speed from the f/2.8 model as well as shallower DOF when you need it. The 2.8L is also available with image stabilization.

[picture-this]

The 2.8 is usable in acward indoor lighting situations but it's not great, your already using high iso so the F4 would not work for that kinda situatiion. The weathers nicer outside anyways.

[PhotosGuy]

I suspect that the 2.8 might focus faster/more accuratly in low light.

[mr.photoguy]

Do you understand the difference between a f2.8 Lense, and a F4 lense?
If you research it a bit, on this site. You will find the difference.
I did the same before I purchased my 70-200 f4.

There are posts on here that will tell you everything.
They are both great lenses in their respective areas.

[mdr]

If size/weight is of concern to you, and you can live with the f4, go for the f4. It's a bargain at less than half the price of the f2.8 version.

[DaveG]

How much of a difference does the 70-200mm f/2.8L lense make compared to the 70-200mm f/4L?

It makes quite a bit of dfference to me. The first is obvious: I get one more stop of shutterspeed or one lower stop of ISO. Both lend themseleves to better images.

I also use this lens for a lot of commercial work and with the Canon Wireless TTL system. I routinely use the lens at 2.8 when I'm photographing someone speaking at a podium. Although the 420 flash is capable of a lot more power I choose f2.8 so my recycle times are almost instant. At f4 (at the same ISO) the flash requires 100% more power, resulting in slower recycling times and missed shots.

That 2.8 aperture is also useful for blowing out backgrounds. You can do this in Photoshop but it's simpler to do in-camera. I've also read any number of times that the faster the lens the easier it autofocuses, although I have no specific experience of that.

[KenE]

Unless you need the extra stop and/or, get the f/4 lens. It is quite stunning, and noticably weighs less. But for ultimate flexibility, get one of the 2.8 variants. Options are always the way to go if you can afford it.

True, at f/2.8 I could have wiped more of the flowers behind this, but it was fine for me (just fooling around). I've shot some incredible frames with this lens (to me, and realize my last lens was attached to a G1).

http://130.94.161.162/Images/People/Bonn/5351-dogwood-blossom.jpg

[JBillings]

I love my 70-200 f/2.8L IS lens. I use it weekly to shoot indoors at night...5th grade girls basketball. It's excellent! I'm typically shooting at 1/200 sec at F/3.2 and get great shots. It focuses fast, as long as my big hands don't turn off the AF.

[cyanaura]

You're typically shooting at 1/200 sec at F/3.2 and get great shots? Could you give me more information on your other settings? How do you achieve a focus on a moving subject? Are you in manual? Shooting RAW? ISO? Mode 1 or Mode 2? White balance? Focus/Distancing range? I have a terrible time getting consistent shots with this lens. My shots are either too blurry or too dark. I end up toying with my settings so much that frustration is my most common result. The Globetrotters were here last week, for example, and I didn't get a single great shot... Help!!! Anyone else have similar problems??

I'd also appreciate info on the AI Servo mode...

[schmoelzel]

I have owned both and while the F4 is spectacular, my F2.8 (non-IS) is sharper, bokeh is smoother as well. Not to mention the extra stops of light which makes it useable in low light situations. I really do not mind the weight......some people might and they should stick to the F4......both are incredible lenses!!