70-200 f2.8 IS MKII non-professional owner - how much use?

How much do you use your lens? All the time ? Do you carry it in your bag all the time?
I am trying to gauge how much do regular guys with families actually find this lens useful.
Thanks...

inspectoring wrote in post #15311035
How much do you use your lens? All the time ? Do you carry it in your bag all the time?
I am trying to gauge how much do regular guys with families actually find this lens useful.
Thanks...

Probably my most used lens. Sports, outings with the kids, school performances, trips to the zoo... This lens is pure magic!

It really depends on what I'm shooting. I pack my kit each time I go out based on what I think I'll need. I can go periods where it's not used much, then others where it's every time.

I would say around 85% of my photography is done with mine; everything from motorsports to tight portraits.

Mine sits at home a lot as well unless I need to use it for certain types of shooting. It's a lot of weight to carry around on your shoulder in a bag

When I do use it though, I'm always amazed by what it can do. Almost lives at f2.8

On a side note, I just bought a Canon 2x III for it as well to make it more versatile.

I would have to say about 25% of the time it's on my Camera. And it's always in my Dryzone
Backpack. How much it's used just depends upon where I am taking photos.

--Evan

I probably use mine about 50% of the time but I take it everywhere. I travel quite a bit for work and that lens has never missed a trip.

inspectoring wrote in post #15311035
I am trying to gauge how much do regular guys with families actually find this lens useful.
Thanks...

Extremely useful for capturing kids imo.

Having said that, I don't carry it all the time. All comes down to using the right lens for the right place/job.

If I know i am going outdoor say to a park, I bring mine without a doubt.

Honestly speaking about myself, i bought 70-200 mkII almost 4 weeks ago, then not so long after i bought 1DX, if i didn't buy 1DX then i may use 70-200 mk2 more exclusively, but 1DX pairing with 300 took all the glory and i leave my 70-200mkII in my bag with other stuff.

I am thinking to use 70-200mkII in occasions where i don't need 300mm, i can tell it gives me quality very similar or closer to my 300mm, this lens is on my 1D3 as backup in sports to main combo 1DX+300, but in general and another sports this lens will be my main first choice no doubt.

For non pro? family stuff? The new Tamron 70-200 f2.8 VC is where I would put my money. As good as the big ones, black and only 1250$ here in Japan.

convergent wrote in post #15311108
It really depends on what I'm shooting. I pack my kit each time I go out based on what I think I'll need. I can go periods where it's not used much, then others where it's every time.

Same here

Rarely use mine because I always seem to be at work!

A lot of lens to not use much, but when I do use it I am very pleased.

Just owning it is also nice! Wish I could use it more!

It is too heavy for every day hobby use. My back can't take it, my arms can't take it, my shoulder can't take it.

But, when I have a "real gig" (play / band performance / wedding / sports) that lens is glued on one of my 2 bodies and I suffer through the weight issues because it just works so absolutely wonderfully.

I've toyed with selling it and getting the 135L as a replacement but the zoom gives 200 and IS. Can't be beat so it continues.

I use mine about 50% of the time. Being f/2.8 with four stops of IS I find it a very versatile lens. I don't find the weight to be an issue, just something to get used to moving up from a 70-200 f/4 non-IS. A monopod comes in handy if you are shooting for an extended time period though. As long as the focal length fits your needs it is a fantastic lens.

I have the MKI, so mine is just a tad lighter (probably not a noticeable difference). It is one of my most used lenses. Unless I know it is not going to get used, or I'm only using primes, it is always in the bag.