Talk me out of trading my 85LII for a 70-200/2.8LII

I've used a 70-200mkI before. Size and weight wasn't a problem. The only reason I still don't have one is that zooms make me shoot differently. I get lazy and complacent.

The 70-200 is the defacto event lens though...

If you believe that 70-200 bring the food to the table, go for it - 85L II will never reach 200mm; heavy crop shoots didn't look good for me.
Personally I found 200mm @ f/2.8 just bit slow for low light - I shoot some conference with my 200mm f/2.8L II @ f/2.8, which push my 5D3 right up to ISO 25600. And 85L II will be the last lens I sell.

calvinjhfeng wrote in post #14822137
I think you should do this,
Sell 85L II for 70-200mm F2.8 IS II (since you've already made your mind up for it.)
Now 135L is redundant, sell it and sell 28/1.8 to upgrade to 24L II.

Now you got 24L II 50L 70-200mm F2.8 IS II, damn that's my dream set up.

This is superb advice That's my set up, and I am rarely left wanting for another lens.

^^^^^ Yep that's what I would do too but I would probably go 24-70 for events over 24L for versatility but that is more about how you shoot and how many cameras your using.

facedodge wrote in post #14821756
Sell the 135L, keep the 85L and pony up a little dough or get one of the cheaper versions of the 70-200's

I am thinking about doing this as well. The 135 is a great lens but the 70-200 gives you both worlds

Tommydigi wrote in post #14823556
^^^^^ I would probably go 24-70 for events over 24L for versatility...

That’s what I would do as well.

I am probably a bit different than most people here. I have both but I use my 85L lots more often than my 70-200. The sheer bulk and weight of 70-200 just renders it difficult to use an a casual basis, plus the bokeh from 85L is hard to beat.

it sounds like you've made up your mind.

that being said, the 70-200 II is an amazing lens and super sharp. focus speed is fast and the versatility is definately nice if you can get used to weight and size of the lens.

i'd find it really tough part with my 85L as well though. like you said, when you nail the shot, it's just magic (and yes, my 85L lives at 1.2 most of the time - however, my 70-200 II lives at 2.8 )

I have the 85L II and I would not sell it for the 70-200 II.

However, I have tried the zoom and liked it very much. I would buy it if I could afford it, but I would still keep my 85L.

The 70-200 II is a versatile workhorse.
The 85L II produces a magical / unique look, and is easier for those bokehlicious shots.
Both lenses have their place.

i can't talk you out of it. i've got an 85L here that has been used twice. my 70-200 2.8II is a fantastic lens, very versatile, good at all f stops, just a great all around lens. I've got someone showing up Thursday to buy it.

The 70-200@200mm is great for blurring the background for portraits and candids.

The IS helps equalize the light-gathering advantage of the 85L, especially when the subjects don't move around much.

You don't need to switch lenses as you would between the 85L and 135L. If you have a second camera, you can put on the 50L for low light shots.

Focus is dead-on accurate with my 70-200L. And I'm shooting with the 5D!

I think I'm going to sell the 135L and pony up the extra dough for the 70-200mkII.

Good call, man! You'll love the 70-200 II!!! You can use it wide open w/o fear of it not being sharp; shoot it at f/2.8 + 200mm, and the background is history!

BufordFZ1 wrote in post #14821036
Rent the 70-200 then make the decision based on your own review of the 2 lenses. May be the cheapest solution without regrets..

+1 !