EF200 f2.8L

Greetings,
What do you think of this lens? Should I buy it? This is a test shot, only mild unsharp mask done.

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Sweet Shot! Now is 200mm fixed practical? I guess I'm asking if the 70-200 would be more usefull?

If thats wide open it looks good to me.

Actually I had the 70-200 and got rid of it in favour of the 200. Never regretted it at all. Much sharper, easier to use, no real downside that I can see. I think the 70-200 is highly over-rated.

Greetings,
Well, a prime lens will never be as versatile as a zoom. But an EF70-200 f2.8L costs almost twice and this is a used lens. So it is very tempting to keep it. The first photo is shot at f5.6 Tv1/1250. This is another test shot at f2.8, 1/2500, hand held. Enjoy...

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What's the minimum focus distance? Does this lens have a macro feature?

Greetings tdauharty,
The min focusing distance is 1.5m, and does not magnify as much as dedicated macro lens. But at 200mm, it can bring subject rather close. Enjoy...

Actually to me the Dragonfly shot looks soft at f/2.8. Could be a tripod wasn't used I guess but I'd tend to think a Prime of this caliber should be very sharp wide open.

Makes this a VERY useful lens. Darn you guy's Now I WANT one

I just bought this lens as well... an amazing lens. However I cannot grasp how you feel the dragonfly shot is soft... the focus is obivously on the wings which are crystal clear. This is often regarded as one of the sharpest L series lenses.

Well, everyone's entitle to their opinion

I own both lenses, the 70-200 f2.8L and the 200 f2.8L and I have uses for both of them. The zoom is a great lenses, one of the most versatile in my collection, and I use it extensively at fairs and festivals because of its versatility. Of course, it's a big, heavy white lens that is anything but inconspicuous.

The 200mm prime on the other hand is lighter, sharper and less conspicuous. It's a great lens for outdoor concert photography, some wildlife photography and outdoor glamour shoots.

I would say though, that I use the zoom more than the prime, and I don't think it's over-rated at all. This is a lens that almost every pro Canon shooter I know owns (some have the IS version, some have the older non-IS).

Mark

I just ordered it on Christmas Eve and am anxiously awaiting it's arrival! My primary lens when I shot film was the 50mm, so I'm accustomed to zooming with my feet.

Let's seeee......

I have managed to purchase the 85mm f/1.8 ($340), 135mm f/2L ($900) and 200mm f/2.8L ($660) for $1,900. That is without factoring in my pending rebate of $225. Therefore, the adjusted retail price for these lens is $1,675.

The 70-200mm f/2.8L IS would've cost me $1,700 or $1,650 with the $50 rebate.

My "primary" focus is to photograph both, indoor and outdoor sports on all levels (youth, HS, NCAA, NBA, MLB, NFL, etc...).

After narrowing down my "primary" focus, I considered the following:

* Indoor youth and high school basketball games, played in a small gym with fair lighting. I would opt for either, 85mm f/1.8 or my 50mm f/1.8. Why not the 70-200? Well...two reasons. The size (to big to carry in a small gym) and challenge with the lighting.

* Indoor high school and college basketball games, played in a mid/large gym/arena with decent lighting and sitting several rows from the court. I would opt for either, 85mm or 135mm f/2L. Why not the 70-200? Again, concerned with the size and possible lighting issues.

* Outdoor sports such as baseball and football. Unless, you're seating on the side line, the 135mm and/or 200mm primes would suffice. Just like the 70-200mm zoom.

People often use the words "flexible" and "versatile" when describing the 70-200mm. And, I don't disagree with them, because you can zoom from 70 to 100 to 135 to 200. However, the zoom's bulkiness may out shadow the "flexibility" and "versatility" at vacations, graduations, weddings, birthday parties, trips to the zoo, concerts, plays, etc...

My thoughts are that it would be easier to take pictures of back yard parties with the 85mm oppose to the 70-200mm at 70mm.

Good luck, and have fun deciding what is best for you.