Regarding the longevity of the 70-200 2.8L IS...

[Wildewinds]

Okay, so, even though I'm a newbie, I'm considering the 70-200 2.8L IS. I really don't have a problem with the cost just as long as I can convince myself that it will be something I'll be using for years and years. My grandpappy always said, "Buy the best and you'll never be disappointed." (well, not really, but I heard that somewhere)

However, I'm not sure about two things. First of all, how long will it take Canon to come out with a newer better version? I know lenses aren't like cameras where they upgrade them every year, but just how long is their upgrade cycle?

Secondly, what do you guys think the chances are for the interface format to change? I believe the last change for Canon was done in the 80's? Is it time for another one? Will that ever happen?

[BlueTit]

Having just bought 70-200 2.8 IS and a few other "L" lens, I hope that there lifespan with match mine, at least.

I can't help you regarding it's longevity or a change of interface, but I will be monitoring this thread carefully in case anyone else can. Hopefully not though ;-)

[Longwatcher]

Well as to the mount change, Until Canon hits the physics limits (or about 2.8um in pixel size) on a Full Frame camera, I would not worry about a lens mount format change. They have at least 6 years at the earliest to expect that occurrance. Probably a lot longer.

As to the lens itself, IS or autofocus are most likely to go first (if you don't drop it).
Given that it currently has the best IS system of any Canon lens, it is probably currently way down on the list to upgrade. They really need to upgrade the 100-400 first.

I am not so good at predicting lenses, but I think (other then EF-s lenses) they need to do the 100-400 next, then a couple of primes (to handle higher resolutions of 1Ds series) (maybe try the 50/1.0 again), then upgrade the 16-35 and then they might go for the 70-200/2.8L IS at that point, although I lean for a 70-200/4 IS first.

Most importantly though, remember that there are people still using FD mount lenses on their EOS cameras.

Just my opinion,

[FlyingPete]

I highly doubt they will change mount again for quite some time, people kicked up such a fuss when they did, and it seems everyone else is too scared too (esspecially N*kon).

There might be some odd changes or variations like we have seen in EF-S, but the basic format should be around for some time.

In theory as everything is electically coupled it may be possible to make a new mount but have a converter that still gave 100% of the lenses functionality.

[london]

I'm sure you've done you're homework, but just in case there are others considering the same choice, a brief note. I went down to the camera store last week to buy that same lens but was stunned to discover the sheer size and weight of the thing. It's a monster. I can't imagine carrying it around for anything but the most intrepid assignments. After seeing the f/4 L, which is half the size and about a third of the weight of the f/2.8, the choice was obvious. And the savings made the decision a no-brainer.

Scott

[JBillings]

I went down to the camera store last week to buy that same lens but was stunned to discover the sheer size and weight of the thing. It's a monster. I can't imagine carrying it around for anything but the most intrepid assignments.

Scott

Eat your wheaties.... It helps. It helps to regularly to work out at the gym too. But don't let the size of the lens put you off. It is my carry around lens. It seldom leaves the 20D. It is sharp as a tack and my favorite lens to use.


It's amazing what L glass will do to you.:):)

[tim]

Yesterday I asked the trainer at my gym for "camera excercises", so I could hold that monster 70-200 F2.8 once mine arrives. I do lots of upper body weights anyway, so the only suggestion was wrist exercises. Luckily I had used one before I ordered it so knew how heavy it was, but people who order one without seeing it first are in for a weighty suprise!

[FlyingPete]

Yesterday I asked the trainer at my gym for "camera excercises", so I could hold that monster 70-200 F2.8 once mine arrives. I do lots of upper body weights anyway, so the only suggestion was wrist exercises. Luckily I had used one before I ordered it so knew how heavy it was, but people who order one without seeing it first are in for a weighty suprise!

Man, you get all the toys! I'm in the wrong job, or is it the house wife and child thing? The wee one is more fun than a 70-200, but a 70-200 doesn't throw tantrims.

Personally I like the weight and size, good if someone tries to mug you for it, changes they way you hold a camera though, the weight and size that is.

[cactusclay]

Speaking of longevity, I've wondered how long the IS lasts, before it wears out. Anyone know that?

[tim]

Man, you get all the toys! I'm in the wrong job, or is it the house wife and child thing? The wee one is more fun than a 70-200, but a 70-200 doesn't throw tantrims.

Personally I like the weight and size, good if someone tries to mug you for it, changes they way you hold a camera though, the weight and size that is.

I'm an IT contractor with no wife or children, so I have a few toys ;) I do have a very bemused girlfriend who smiles in a knowing way each time I tell her what toys i've just bought :)

[ssim]

First of all, how long will it take Canon to come out with a newer better version? I know lenses aren't like cameras where they upgrade them every year, but just how long is their upgrade cycle?

As soon as they come out with a new version all the old versions immediately quit working. It is Canon's master marketing plan.

I have the 70-200 L IS and it is a incredibly sharp and fast lens and it's build is very solid. It will serve anyone for a long time. I wouldn't worry about it's longevity. That should be conditioned with the fact that you have to treat them with some level of respect.

[FlyingPete]

Speaking of longevity, I've wondered how long the IS lasts, before it wears out. Anyone know that?

My 75-300IS is almost 10 years old, still works just like new! The only thing that I have noticed deterioate is the zoom, which is not as smooth as new. I suspect some dust in there somewhere.

[lost]

I'm an IT contractor with no wife or children, so I have a few toys ;) I do have a very bemused girlfriend who smiles in a knowing way each time I tell her what toys i've just bought :)

OK Tim this is from personnal experience. The reason she is smilling is that she is keeping track. She figures once she putts the ring on it is a whole new ball game. Diamond Rings and necklaces will replace the Lenses and gadgets.

I too am in IT. My wife was just like your girlfriend. I showed up on her doorstep with a brand new Motorcycle and she laughed and hopped on the back. Today I showup with a Lens its a whole different story(involving a dog house). Don't let her trap you into it. She is keeping track and will expect at least 50% of the toys to be diverted to her, if not more.

That was before the "Child"!! Now If I mention spending any money on hobbies all I get is a look that tells me "No fun for you tonight".

Which reminds me she graduates college this summer, WooooooooHoooooooo back in business(If she gets a job).


BTW, She is the best thing that has happened to me and She has given me the most wonderful Son in the world. I would change a lot of things about my life but none of them involve my wife or son.

/rant off

[Cadwell]

Speaking of longevity, I've wondered how long the IS lasts, before it wears out. Anyone know that?

In my case the IS mechanism (in a 100-400L) lasted somewhat less than 8 months of what I'd describe as fairly light use before it pegged out.

[FlyingPete]

OK Tim this is from personnal experience. The reason she is smilling is that she is keeping track. She figures once she putts the ring on it is a whole new ball game. Diamond Rings and necklaces will replace the Lenses and gadgets.

I too am in IT. My wife was just like your girlfriend. I showed up on her doorstep with a brand new Motorcycle and she laughed and hopped on the back. Today I showup with a Lens its a whole different story(involving a dog house). Don't let her trap you into it. She is keeping track and will expect at least 50% of the toys to be diverted to her, if not more.

That was before the "Child"!! Now If I mention spending any money on hobbies all I get is a look that tells me "No fun for you tonight".

Which reminds me she graduates college this summer, WooooooooHoooooooo back in business(If she gets a job).


BTW, She is the best thing that has happened to me and She has given me the most wonderful Son in the world. I would change a lot of things about my life but none of them involve my wife or son.

/rant off

Sooooo true, except I always get that look :(

[tim]

OK Tim this is from personnal experience. The reason she is smilling is that she is keeping track. She figures once she putts the ring on it is a whole new ball game. Diamond Rings and necklaces will replace the Lenses and gadgets.

I too am in IT. My wife was just like your girlfriend. I showed up on her doorstep with a brand new Motorcycle and she laughed and hopped on the back. Today I showup with a Lens its a whole different story(involving a dog house). Don't let her trap you into it. She is keeping track and will expect at least 50% of the toys to be diverted to her, if not more.

That was before the "Child"!! Now If I mention spending any money on hobbies all I get is a look that tells me "No fun for you tonight".

Which reminds me she graduates college this summer, WooooooooHoooooooo back in business(If she gets a job).


BTW, She is the best thing that has happened to me and She has given me the most wonderful Son in the world. I would change a lot of things about my life but none of them involve my wife or son.

/rant off


Heh heh, i'll keep my guard up, and there's another reason not to get married in a hurry ;)

[Longwatcher]

I have the 70-200 L IS and it is a incredibly sharp and fast lens and it's build is very solid. It will serve anyone for a long time. I wouldn't worry about it's longevity. That should be conditioned with the fact that you have to treat them with some level of respect.

What???? I have to treat my lenses with respect, why I don't treat my camera with much respect. I bang it around, make it work as fast as it can, constantly changing settings. Why I am positively kind to my lenses in comparison. I hardly ever make them actually work. I frequently turn off the auto focus and IS and rarely complain about my lens if a bad picture comes out (okay okay, I used to complain that my 28-135 wouldn't open up wide enough, but I let it rest a lot these days since getting the 16-35 to help it out). But even though I treat them nicely for the most part, I expect them to work until they drop :)

Unfortunately my 28-135 did that twice (bad focus problems) and my 100-400 once (which lost it's ability to manually focus (but auto focus still worked - go figure) lazy lenses. Put them to work I say.

......
The above post should be treated with the distain with which it was intended.
..... seriously, if you have "L" glass you should expect it to take some punishment and still give you good pictures. Part of what I am paying for is the expectation of ruggedness in construction. Given the way I treat them, I have been highly pleased to date.