Which 70-200 is the best value for money

Sigma OS

best value in my opinion is the Canon 70-200 2.8 IS V1. yes, i know that the mkII is sharper and better all around and i was impressed with it when i owned it but let's be honest here, the V1 can get you amazing results and was THE go to lens for all the pro's for many years. almost every single wedding photographer, sports photographer, portrait photographer had/has the V1 in his kit and it is a lens that you rarely hear any complaints about. so it is not as sharp as the v2 or fast but that doesn't make it any less of a lens that it was before. unless you absolutely need the ultimate sharpness so you can count eyelashes. i would go with the v1 and use the left over money to buy another great prime or upgrade your camera.

There was a couple listing for a used 70-200 2.8 non is V1 for $950 and $1300 with is.

I have a fantastic 70-200 2.8 non IS and it's great but at 66 my hand is not that steady anymore so I am thinking of selling and pick up the MKI IS but IMO all 70-200 's are great.

ed rader wrote in post #15587885
well i think the 70-200L f4 IS is the best BFB but you need f2.8 for weddings. if i needed f2.8 i would definitely get the f2.8 II.

This ^^^ I'll add you cant afford not to have this, look at it this way, your customers will love your images, and word of mouth goes a long way, to friends and family which equates to more work and $$$ for you. You'll look back at your BFB and understand that the 2.8II was your BFB

Just ordered me a 70-200mm L f2.8 IS MK2
VERY EXCITED

Milutiche wrote in post #15679704
Just ordered me a 70-200mm L f2.8 IS MK2
VERY EXCITED

Congrats.

Go hard or go home and you definitely went hard !

the Mark II is the best 70-200 around
it is also the most expensive
and in terms of support, I suspect if you had one 2.8 from every vendor, and sent them all in at the same time for the same problem, the Canon would return first... as a wedding photographer, you can't forget this!

the best thing about it all was the fact that my Wife said, "well you should get the best one or you'll regret it later" Love my wife


ps: honey, I think I need a 5d3 . . . . or a 1dx . . . .