How do you know if you got a version 1 or 2 70 200?

I know. It is a stupid question. But how do you know between the 2? Is there a way to tell just by looking at them? Been thinking about getting one but a lot of times the owners (ebay and such) do not know?

Thanks for any help.

The mark II has the Roman Numeral 2 (II) on the lens (I believe right above the red ring).

jimewall wrote in post #16529753
The mark II has the Roman Numeral 2 (II) on the lens (I believe right above the red ring).

Correct

Thank you very much guys

Enlarge the illustration of the lens here and look at the silver ring toward the front of the lens. There you will see it's labelled "CANON ZOOM LENS 70-200mm 1:2.8 L IS II USM"

The easiest way to tell (especially from a distance) is the focus ring. It appears to be much wider on the IS II.

I would not buy one from someone that didn't know the difference between the two

mrbtd wrote in post #16530099
I would not buy one from someone that didn't know the difference between the two

but it could be a good way to get a deal...if someone lists it wrongly on ebay, and lists it as a MK I, but it's a MK II you could get it cheaper....as long as nobody else notices it as well

DreDaze wrote in post #16530175
but it could be a good way to get a deal...if someone lists it wrongly on ebay, and lists it as a MK I, but it's a MK II you could get it cheaper....as long as nobody else notices it as well

Exactly what I was thinking. It might also suggest it got very little use

DreDaze wrote in post #16530175
but it could be a good way to get a deal...if someone lists it wrongly on ebay, and lists it as a MK I, but it's a MK II you could get it cheaper....as long as nobody else notices it as well

Exactly

Hey guys,
Reviving an old thread I know, but I just picked up a 70-200mm 2.8 IS mk I at a local pawn shop ($1000 plus tax). I can't find many to compare it too but I think I got a great deal. I just recently made the jump to full frame and this completes the three lenses I wanted. It was made in 2008, was that a pretty good deal? Will I really miss many features from the Mk II?

rsharp76 wrote in post #16540129
Hey guys,
Reviving an old thread I know, but I just picked up a 70-200mm 2.8 IS mk I at a local pawn shop ($1000 plus tax). It was made in 2008, was that a pretty good deal?

Definitely, as long as it's in good condition or better. I typically see them go for around the $1400 mark (which is stupid as the Tamron 70-200 2.8 VC is far superior and brand new no more than $1200), although the Canon does physically look better

The way I can tell is the focus ring and zoom ring on the mk1 are the same size and on the mk2 the focus ring is bigger/fatter.

If they list the specs, the MFD on the mk1 is 1.4m and the mk2 is 1.2m

stang67 wrote in post #16540690
Definitely, as long as it's in good condition or better. I typically see them go for around the $1400 mark (which is stupid as the Tamron 70-200 2.8 VC is far superior and brand new no more than $1200), although the Canon does physically look better

I haven't heard the Tamon being called far superior, afaik the Canon is the better.....or has this changed?

Gutterscum wrote in post #16546287
I haven't heard the Tamon being called far superior, afaik the Canon is the better.....or has this changed?

f2.8
i think the tamron is considered by many to be only second to the 70-200f2.8 IS II...i think the sigma, and tamron are both ahead of the original 70-200mmf2.8IS...