I will start off by saying that I love what my 70-200 II puts out image-wise. But using it this weekend for some fall park family pics was met with some frustration that has been occupying my thoughts today. My wife continuously complains about its weight, size, etc and can't understand how the high image quality that the lens is capable of is enough to offset those physical factors (she used the word "bazooka"). I try to tune out its bulk + weight when using it but still cannot deny that it is pretty obtrusive at times.
This weekend, I kept finding myself too close for the 1.2m minimum focus distance. I suppose because the most interesting spots at this park had some tightness to them due to narrower walkways, people, uneven ground, etc. A few times, I had framed what would have been good shots of my wife + kid but they were lost because I was too close.
I have looked at shots I have taken with it during my brief 70-200 ownership so far (about 4 mos), and focal-length wise I tend to shoot at the wide-to-mid portion of range (80-120). This with full-frame 5D. So, I rarely use the 120-200mm range.
Has anyone else with a 70-200 found themselves in a similar situation, wondering if it is a good fit? It just seems that my vision is more normal-to-mild telephoto, probably because most of my early learning was with 50-85mm primes. As a result, I have programmed myself to GET closer (with primes) rather than zoom closer and I keep catching myself doing this with the 70-200, forgetting about the zoom ring.
Now I am wondering about the 100L IS Macro lens. This would give me a little extra focal length than my 85 along with close focusing distance of under 12". Physically it is 5" long and 1.4 lb vs the 70-200 at 8" long and 3.3 lb. I would still keep the 85 with its extra 1.33 stops of light-gathering ability.
Am I making a big mistake, considering getting rid of the 70-200 and gaining a 100L? I wish I would have taken a 70-200 for an extended test drive (I borrowed my cousin's for a couple of days about a year ago) and look past the awesome IQ capability to consider more about how it fit with my style. On the other hand, I can't help thinking that I may really regret it in the future.
Appreciate any thoughts you guys/gals may have...