70-200 2.8L

[sccdominant]

does anyone have this lens i know a few of you have the IS version but i just dont have the money for the IS and i really dont think id use the IS much. Any help would be awesome:o

[Kent2]

Rent an IS lens and shoot a while with IS, then turn it off and shoot some more......
You will then know for sure.

Kent

[sccdominant]

how much do you us the IS? and when would you use the IS? What do you use your 70-200 for picture wise?

[dialdn]

I have the non-IS 2.8 and love it. Had the F4 before that. Just bought the 1.4 T-con and it works very well. My next lens is the 300 F4 IS which will work well with the 1.4 t-con.

D

[sccdominant]

what do you use the 70-200 primarly for?

[dialdn]

Birding, nature shots, deer. The reason I moved from the F4 to the 2.8 was because of dusk shots of deer I couldn't get with the F4. I can't think of a shot I have missed due to lack of IS but most of what I shoot is outdoors. It may be different indoors. I do also use a monopod at times but that is more to support the weight for long waiting periods for mother nature. The 2.8 is heavier than the f4 but I like the heft.

All that said, it is definitely not enough zoom for the smaller birdies. My original plan was the 100-400 but decided to follow the path I have chosen instead which gives me a prime with IS and 420 mm.

[sccdominant]

nice thank you i feel confident buying the 2.8 now do you think it will help if i ever do like indoor parties that are not fully lit compared to the f4

[sccdominant]

hey can you giuys post some pics for me from the 70-200 2.8 i want to see how close you can focus on an object it says 4.9 feet on the canon website

[bolantej]

i do not have pics for you, but i think the canon website would be pretty accurate in stating the closest focusing distances.

[blue_max]

nice thank you i feel confident buying the 2.8 now do you think it will help if i ever do like indoor parties that are not fully lit compared to the f4

A faster lens will always help when there is limited light.

I would not have thought that the 70-200 zoom lens would be the first choice for indoor parties. It's rather large and white (very conspicuous).

Rather than sell the 70-200f4 (if you haven't already), why not consider the addition of a prime lens for this application? An 85mm 1.8, or depending on your shooting style, a 50mm 1.4, will cost you less than the 'upgrade' cost and be actually much more appropriate. Or a Tamron 28-75 2.8 zoom is an inexpensive lens that will add versatility.

The difference in low light ability, between f4 and f2.8 is not huge. From f4 to f1.4 or f1.8 makes much more of a difference.

Good luck.

Graham