So the plan was...

to sell my 70-200 f2.8L IS, line up a deal on a used 70-200 f2.8L IS II, and then pull the trigger. Then I realized I'm leaving town for seven weeks on Tuesday of next week and my window of finding a good deal had pretty much closed this evening (I didn't want to wait until after Christmas). So, now thanks to the horrible temptress known as Nebraska Furniture Mart and her random 30 Month 0% financing that popped up for today and tomorrow, I'm sitting here staring at an unopened Mark II that I just purchased.

I got a decent return on my Mark I (bought it used and only lost about $100 from what I paid), but man this thing was a lot of money!!! I think I'm just worried it won't live up to the hype and I'm going to regret selling the Mark I. If you've taken the time to read this I owe you a big thanks for sticking through my rambling .

Oooh naughty naughty - you succumed to the voices on your head that are triggered by that fatal desease called gear lust! You should never give in to those nasty little voices, they lead you into temptation. I bloody well hope you think the lens is worth it because you'll be kicking yourself if it doesn't live up to your expectation Congratulations on the purchase and good luck amigo.

Nah, I had a logical reason for doing the upgrade, I'm just a little nervous now that it's staring me in the face. Bottom line, as much as I loved my Mark I there are just too many good reviews and comments about the Mark II for it to not be worth it. Well... here goes.

Help me out here...you bought a 70-200....from a furniture store?

ct1co2 wrote in post #13312724
Help me out here...you bought a 70-200....from a furniture store?

I had to re-read that part 3-4 times, and was still confused

UPD: Decided to do some research, and here it is: Link

Yeah, it's kind of like Best Buy meets IKEA. There's three or four of them in the surrounding states. They upped their Camera section about two years ago and have since started carrying some really nice stuff (They even stock the 200 f2L IS).

This thing is packaged up tight!!! I've got her mounted on the 1D3 so now it's time for some test shots.

No remorse on that deal. Good price on your sale. Good price on the II considering the financing package. You definitely won't be disappointed. The II produces a lot of keepers.

Ah ok, now it all makes sense. I suppose I should be thankful someone did not suggest this

Congrats on the new lens OP!

ct1co2 wrote in post #13312765
Ah ok, now it all makes sense. I suppose I should be thankful someone did not suggest this

Congrats on the new lens OP!

That's awesome!!!

First test pic. 1D3, ISO 3200, 160mm, f2.8, 1/80, Shot RAW and converted in LR3. Sharpening at 0 and the only thing I changed was the WB. Looks good so far .

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One more, same settings as the first with the exception of it being 200mm and 1/30. Both handheld by the way.

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Looks nice. Great colors, contrast, and sharpness. Enjoy.

I think you'll be happy with your purchase!

-Pat

OK, you win, good purchase!

Congrats! If I had the $$$$ I would so do it!
Happy shooting!

Thanks everyone. I suppose I should go look for a duck now