EF 200f1.8L

[xmen1977]

hmmm,
any idea how's the performance of this lens?

btw, would u pay US$3k+ for a 2ndhand?
???

[traveler]

I'd say "are you kidding" but I guess you're not. This is one of the most amazing high performance lenses in the WORLD. It is ultra fast, sharp as a razor blade an built like a Rolls Royce. What more could you ask for? Well a price that isn't close to the cost of a new low end Toyota new. But you can't have it all. You pay for this kind of performance, but believe me, this is ONE lens that delivers in spades. The other lens that is amazing like this is the 300mm 2.8L IS, but not quite as much so. To hold one would be to love one. Wish I could afford it. Oh well, maybe some day........

[gsrossano]

A great lens. One of the best of the Canon telephotos, though not the best in absolute sharpness. The sharpest of them all is the 400/2.8. Truely a wonder. Next is the 300/2.8, then the 200/1.8. For most people the 400 and 300 are too long when used with the D30/60 or 1D - except for certain specific applications (nature photog or sports) which is what they were designed for. The 200 is a great choice with the D30/60 and 1D for indoor sports. The 200/1.8 starts to get a little soft in the corners at 1.8 but is still sharper than most other lenses and the speed is a major help for indoor activities where flash is not allowed/possible. The 200/1.8 also doesn't hold up as well as the 300 or 400 with the 1.4X extender, and gets noticably softer with the 2X extender. If you plan to use one with an extender and don't need the extra spped you will be better off with the 300 which costs about the same price. If you will be shooting indoors without the converter the very minor loss is sharpness is not significant and the 200 is the way to go. Despite its price, these top of the line lenses hold their value. If you take good care of it you will be able to sell it down the road for most of what you pay for it (about 75%), so even if you give it only occassional use it will be worth it in the long run.

[gsrossano]

Whoops, I didn't answer your question. $3000 is a fair price if the lens in in nearly new condition.
Meaning...
Glass clean and defect free. No dirt, fungus, etc between the elements. Drop in filter and filter holder clean and defect free, in perfect condition. Focus operation in perferct condition. Bayonette mount NOT chewed up or severely dinged (minor wear ok, but no brass showing). Interior finish clean and not scratched, flaking etc. Electrical contacts shopwing only minor wear, if any. Lens hood not warped or bent with only minor wear on clamps and lens barrell. Only minor wear on tripod socket. Only minor cosmetic marks on the barrell or switches.

When you can find them, Canon reconditioned lenses in new condition run $3000. So if you pay that much or more, the lens better be just about perfect. Beat up lenses in operating condition should run about $2000 to $2400, depending on how beat up they are.

[xmen1977]

gsrossano wrote:
A great lens. One of the best of the Canon telephotos, though not the best in absolute sharpness. The sharpest of them all is the 400/2.8.

hi there
thks for the useful info
sounds like a pro to me

do u happen to use a 200f1.8 too?

200 range is still considered quite versatile cos when u need a 300mm, just add a 1.4x and u got it

the one i saw was indeed in a very gd condition
it even has a clear plastic wrap over it

[gsrossano]

Yes. And the 300/2.8 and 400/2.8.

[citrus]

Please check your email - I have a 200/1.8L to offer and actually look to trade against a 1D (refurb or 2nd hand)+cash (max. 1000 US$, depending on condition).

Thanks

[50/1.4]

I don't have the money for those fast telephotos, but if you guys think they are sharper than the 100/2.8 Macro, I'm impressed!

[xmen1977]

citrus wrote:
Please check your email - I have a 200/1.8L to offer and actually look to trade against a 1D (refurb or 2nd hand)+cash (max. 1000 US$, depending on condition).

Thanks


u sent me a mail?
so what's ur selling price?

[droosan]

gsrossano wrote:
... though not the best in absolute sharpness ...


Photodo said it is optically the highest scoring lens they have ever tested. That is incredible for a f/1.8. And yes, it's even sharper stopped down a bit.

http://www.photodo.com/nav/prodindex.html

[D60DIETER]

Go and look at www.bhphotovideo.com. They sell it for 3499.-US$ new. Looking at the actual Dollar course, I wouldn t buy a 2nd Hand one for 3K+.

[gsrossano]

droosan wrote:
gsrossano wrote:
... though not the best in absolute sharpness ...


Photodo said it is optically the highest scoring lens they have ever tested. That is incredible for a f/1.8. And yes, it's even sharper stopped down a bit.

http://www.photodo.com/nav/prodindex.html



"Optically the highest scoring" does not mean the sharpest. Other factors go into the scoring. In sharpness alone, the 400/2.8 and the 300/2.8 both beat the 200/1.8. You can also compare the MTF curves on the photodo site and the Canon site for all three lenses to see this. And yes, the performance of the 200/1.8 is remarkable for a lens of that speed.

[Yeti Man]

D60Dieter wrote:
Go and look at www.bhphotovideo.com. They sell it for 3499.-US$ new. Looking at the actual Dollar course, I wouldn t buy a 2nd Hand one for 3K+.


And they have the grey market version for $3300. No reason to risk a used one for a $300 savings if you ask me.

Mid 2K$ for a nice one maybe, but not $3k