Keeping the 70-300L or sell if for the 70-200/F2.8 IS II

I currently own a 70-300L which I bought to take with me on safari. I used to have a 70-200/F2.8 IS II but sold it mainly because I didn't use it all that much on my 7D. Mostly due to the size/weight. I did love the images of the 2.8 though (duh).

Recently I bought myself a 5D Mark III and now I'm very much in doubt to get the 70-200/F2.8 again. Size will still be an 'issue' but I know the 70-200 focal length will be a lot more useable on my FF for indoor shots/portraits. I sometimes do paid work in churches like weddings, so for that the 2.8 can't be beat.

On the other hand, I currently own the 70-300L which is optically VERY good. Have used it on my FF a couple times now and I'm very happy with its picture qualities. Only thing being a little of a letdown is the aperture, especially when I will be needing this one indoors for those low light shots.

There's a large rebate on the 70-200/F2.8 coming in a few days here in Belgium, so I'm very much in doubt. Anyone had to make the same decision, one way or the other? What was your experience. Right now I'm a little bit leaning towards keeping it, and just seeing how it'll perform in low light because the 5D has made using larger ISO's a lot more viable so maybe it'll perform ok enough.

I think it comes down to whether the extra focal length or the 1-2 stops is more important to you.

I can say that I love my 70-200 2.8 II. I love shooting with it and 9 times out of 10 when I decide not to bring it, I wish I had it. While it is large and heavy I find it very manageable on a Luma Loop or a Black Rapids strap. Because they attach to the lens it makes it quite a bit easier for me.

On the other hand, if you don't want to lug it around because of the weight, why buy it?

I say 70-200, make it work.
You need extra zoom, walk forward.

+1 for 70-200 II

As much as I love my 70-200 II as well, I also love my 85L for lower light shooting.

Perhaps keep your 70-300L and pick up the 85L instead for your indoor church shooting? Or maybe the 135L if you need more range and the 85 1.8 or less.

I own both
In my opinion, the 70-200 is definitely more useful if you shoot portraits and events, while the 70-300L is more of a general walkaround lens. Both are excellent lenses in their own respects, it really depends on what you want...

you didnt use it much because weight and size was an issue.... well, the 70-200mkii hasnt been on a diet, so that hasnt changed.

before you buy and sell, best to wait it out and use what you have on your new camera. Rebates come and go all the time, not the end of the world if you miss one sale.

you've owned both lenses and you're asking other guys which one you should keep? flip a coin .

Paired with the 5D3 the 70-300L shines. While I bought it more for using outdoors, it was between this and the 70-200L II. I rented the 70-200L II for an Alaska trip. I decided on the 70-300L based on what I tend to shoot more of at this time and for half the cost. If you add a flash, the 70-300 works well in low light situations.

I can foresee a time later that I might wish to add the 70-200L II depending on where my photography goes… but at this time, Im very happy with it, as are many others who frequent the 70-300L thread.

It comes down like others have said, what kind of photography do you primarily do?

I view the 70-300 as a walkaround outdoor lens, and not something i would want to use inside because of the available light one would normally have. The 70-200 would be far more versatile, and since you may be actually hired to do some work indoors, I would get the 70-200 because of the 2.8, and IS functionality.

70-200mk2 for the Church settings low light no flash requirements and add the 1.4 or 2xmkiii for more reach outdoors on the 5D3 I hear it rocks and may be your new favorite lens.

I went for the same trade. Worth every penny.

Mind that I am using a ff now, so 70mm is 70mm, not a crop like your 7d.

Going to pick a 70-200/F2.8 IS II up tomorrow... Want a more capable zoom for low-light and I have a feeling this will perform even better on my 5DIII. Please talk me out of it!!

lapino wrote in post #15893528
Going to pick a 70-200/F2.8 IS II up tomorrow... Want a more capable zoom for low-light and I have a feeling this will perform even better on my 5DIII.

Do it! You will love it!

lapino wrote in post #15893528
Please talk me out of it!!

Oops, too late.