Need some opinions...

I know...not another can't decide which lens to get thread but I need to pull the trigger soon and I'm completely torn.

I currently have 16-35 II, 24-70, 70-200 2.8IS I, and TC1.4x vII. I take a lot of sports shots, both indoor and out (volleyball, basketball, soccer, lacrosse, surfing).

I have never used my 16-35 (only been on my camera once when I got it several months ago, it's been sitting in my closet ever since) so I am going to sell it.

Question: Do I use the proceeds to buy the 135 f2 (which I'm leaning towards) and still have cash left, or do I sell the 70-200 also and get the mkII?

The 70-200 is currently my standard, leave on my camera at all times, lens. I didn't really like the results I got with the 1.4X on it so I haven't ever used that either, but I might like the results of it on the new version and I could use the reach for surfing. I could also sell the 1.4X and maybe put a little extra cash in and get both, but I'll feel guilty.

I am not a professional photographer but I am constantly the one relied upon for team shots and sports action shots for parents and our yearbook. I enjoy it and don't mind doing it...and we rarely get a professional at our U10 or U12 level games.

So, what do you think? Am I in more need of a fast indoor lens like the 135L f2 or should I go for the 70-200L 2.8 II?

Thanks for listening...

Sounds like the 70-200 is a must have since it's your go-to lens and you'd really like better performance with the 1.4x. How about the 70-200 and the 85 1.8 as a fast indoor sports prime?

There are some 135L v. 70-200MkII comparison threads out there. From my reading the 135L is a slight winner for bokeh and speed, but the MKII seems to be its equal in other facets.

Very hard decision. I would just get a used 135L and see if you like it. If you dont like it, you can sell it again with min. loss or no loss and buy the 70-200II.

Starting to run the numbers I could probably sell the 16-35, 70-200, and the 1.4X, and then put in about $500 to get both but then I wouldn't have the 1.4X anymore...aaaughhh!

Maybe just buy it all and screw the guilty feelings!

Sell all your lenses (including 24-70) and then get this:

Tamron 17-50 2.8 (non-is) (group shots and such since your 70-200 is your go to lens)
Canon 70-200 2.8 IS II (don't be afraid to increase the ISO!)
Canon 2x III (surfs up!)

No more guilty feelings with this setup!

I think you would get much more use from the 70-200 II. It's by far the sharpest lens I own. And with the higher ISO capabilities of today's cameras and the significantly better IS of the Mark II lens, having a an aperture one stop faster is not a great advantage. Plus, in my opinion, a zoom is always handier for sports than a lens with a fixed focal length.

scsurfdad wrote in post #12207626
Maybe just buy it all and screw the guilty feelings!

there ya go!

Love the Brick! Can't get rid of the 24-70, it is tack sharp and what I use for candids of family and friends.

If you can find a used 70-200II you'd be set!

Thanks for all the opinions so far.
I would only buy used if they were in like-new condition as I take extremely good care of my gear and then it is not much less cost than new. Pretty tough to find a used 70-200 mkII but if you know of one I am open to it. If I can save a even a hundred bucks on each that would be less out of pocket.

How would a 70-200 Mk II with a 2x TC compare to a 100-400 in terms of usability? Wouldn't it lose AF or is that it would lose AF on a non-pro cam like my 60D?

I don't think it would lose AF just change from f/2.8 to f/5.6.

stormwerks wrote in post #12208232
How would a 70-200 Mk II with a 2x TC compare to a 100-400 in terms of usability? Wouldn't it lose AF or is that it would lose AF on a non-pro cam like my 60D?

There is a comparison here on the forums. The 70-200 II is pretty spectacular.

The 70-200 MKII does't focus as quickly with a 1.4x.... then again I was shooting snowboarders, with a 7D, so they're somewhat faster than arena sports. I ended up removing the 1.4x after about 20 shots since it the combo couldn't keep up.

You can always pick up a 300 F4IS for around $900 used. Really good IQ. I have the 135L, also. I would not buy one (if you have the 70-200MKII) unless I needed a smaller lighter package, for travel, which I do, or walking around. Other than the 135L doing f2, the MKII beats it or matches it in every other catagory, imo.