Trade Possibility: Canon 400 f/2.8L II for 200 f/2L IS

Some quick background/info before giving your comments:

• Canon 400 2.8L II history - Purchased from Adorama used department, UL date code (2006), 7.5/10 cosmetically (chip paint, small dent in front rubber hood, scratches), 9.5/10 optics (clean front/rear element with no signs of internal dirt/dust), drop-in filter fully functional and secure, digital camo cover from Lenscoat.com, RRS foot support, metal storage case, and strap. No hood lens, though.
  
• I shoot mainly weddings, e-sessions, portraitures, landscapes, and product photography.
  
• I rarely shoot wildlife, ocean going mammals, birds-in-flight, animals, and/or the moon.
  
• Already have 35L, 50L, 85L, and 135L primes in my inventory (complete gear list on my sig, if that weighs into your comments).
  
• If I need extra reach, I have Kenko Pro 300 TCons 1.4x and 2x to apply.

I'd do it. Will you be receiving cash along with the lens in the trade?

^ Cash part is something I honestly don't know... I guess you can add that to the mix for discussion...

I think you know your answer.

The stuff you primarily shoot, the 200L make a lot more sense.

I'd look into a 1/2 telecompressor to be honest unless the better IS (and IQ/ease of use) in the 200/2 makes up for the extra stop you'd get.

200mm f/2 is absolutely incredible lens. I had a chance to work with the best Canon lenses (you have already couple of them) and still, this lens blew me away in every aspect. It is perfect. 400mm 2.8 is also incredible lens but if you really don't shoot wildlife and such, get 200mm and it will open brand new possibilities for your wedding and portraiture photography. Not to mention what it can do in sports, pets, children photography etc. Fluorescent light 200 iso, 1/50 sec., f/2.0 handheld:

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Thanks everyone for your comments... Anyone else want to chime in with your input? Thanks in advance...

The 200 F2 L is an epic lens.....I want one pretty bad.

In my opinion, from reading etc, you can slap a 1.4 on it and have a good 300 2.8 with IS...which is almost a 400. So two lens in one.

Now I know....almost a 400 is not much if you need a 400.

Sounds like to me the 200 would fit you better. I would love a 200 F2.....

Ultimately, it doesn't matter if cost $30 in a junk shop, your most valuable lens is that one that brings in most of your income.

Let's say the cash that you paid for the 400L was earning - say 10% p.a. Since it's a bit rough, I'll guess you paid $5500 for the lens, so you could earn around $550 a year. Renting the lens costs about $550 for 14 days. So, if you use the lens more than 14 days a year it's worth keeping.

Now enter the 200/2L. Say you make the trade, then use this every week. I'm guessing that the lens will earn you more than $550 a year. This suggests you could afford to rent the 400/2.8L when you need a long lens. So you could have your cake and eat it too.

just my $0.02

^ Interesting financial statistics, NJ... Thanks for your input... Much appreciated...

Sp1207 wrote in post #12386227
I'd look into a 1/2 telecompressor to be honest unless the better IS (and IQ/ease of use) in the 200/2 makes up for the extra stop you'd get.

SP -- Can you elaborate more on the telecompressor? Is there a specific make/model that can be used on an EF mount?
I'm not familiar with telecompressors on DSLRs and am intrigued by the idea.

Butch, where are you on this idea ? A used 200 f/2 is probably going to bring over $5K. I bought mine new last December ( 2010 ) and as of now ( June 2011 ) they have gone up $500 new. I would expect used prices have also risen somewhat. I'd check around and see what used prices are on the 400. I would expect they are on the rise as well. One thing that will possibly hurt you on selling it is the lack of the hood. Those CF hoods are something around $500 to buy.
A couple more thoughts....I know you are saying you may not use the 400 much, but....wow...some of the images you are getting are superb. You sure you want to part with it !? The 200 is stellar though. I've said it before on here, and I'll say it again, I think the 200 is for sure "one" of my favorites....but I don't think it kicks the 300 2.8 out to pasture. So take that for what it's worth....consider borrowing or renting a 300 and consider it in the mix as well.

....pay no attention to the man behind the curtain.....