Will I end up regretting if I sell 70-200 f/4 IS?

I have not used the lens in a solid 3 months or so. It's a terrific lens and probably my best overall lens, but generally I shoot in the 35-50 and 75-100 range, which is covered by my 24-105. So for the most part if I take out my 6D, I usually have the 24-105 on it due to convenience.

If I need more reach, these days I usually end up reaching for my SL1 with the 55-250 on it. The smaller size/ weight makes that combo very easy to carry around. Another thing is once in a while I"ll go to a sporting event, and I've had security stop me when I have the white lens on and tell me I can't bring it in, while interestingly I've never had issues with the 55-250. So all these things are conspiring to keep me away from using the 70-200 more frequently.

So I'm considering selling it. I don't need the money, but I don't like having things around that I hardly use. Will I end up regretting it and missing the brilliant IQ? Thoughts?

I guess when the 100D/SL1 with the 55-250mm can satisfy you in terms of image quality, then you should do it. Especially I can see this is a great telephote combo since it's very lightweight and small.

You could use the money for maybe some other lens which you might use more on your 6D.

Heya,

If you're not using it often, and you're ok with your 250mm on the SL1, then I don't see a reason to keep the 70-200 F4L IS. It's a faster, better lens than the 55-250. Definitely. But again, unless you're using it, or plan to use it, it's just a paper weight. If you wanted to use it more, you'd find subject matter to put it to use. I'd sell it and start thinking about what you can do with the money elsewhere, especially since you're satisfied with the 55-250mm performance on the SL1 for telephoto needs.

Very best,

well, if you never use it, probably not? I rarely use mine, has been months now, but I also don't have anything else in that range, so I'm keeping it. Don't use my macro gear all that often either. If you don't need the money, I'd keep it if you think you'll use it for particular things. If you usually use the 55-250 in those cases and are happy with the IQ, sell it, put the money aside and buy something else eventually. Macro, LensBaby, ultra wide, what ever you think you'll use more. To me these things are nothing but tools. I haven't used my drill in a year easy, my circular saw in yearS, but still keep that stuff around. But if everytime you need the reach you grab the super zoom and are happy, there's little reason to keep it and probably other fun things you can do with the money. Personally I'd probably sell the 55- and get a nice TC for the 70-

Or maybe the new 150-600 Tammy, if I think it's a good lens in a couple months, after looking at other images and reading reviews.

Kind of if you never nail, why have a hammer

You wont miss it, until you need it. What I mean is you may go months without using it, but when you do need it you wont be satisfied with the lesser lens, then you will feel some regret. Its the nature of things.

Sounds like you are ready to transition to smaller camera, ever think of going mirrorless?

kin2son wrote in post #16666231
Sounds like you are ready to transition to smaller camera, ever think of going mirrorless?

Completely, no, not yet. I've tried both NEX and Micro 4/3 systems in the past, I just preferred the DSLR handling, so I got the SL1 as a smaller compromise. When I want to go even smaller I just pick up my new RX-100 or the EOS-M (one of which I need to sell).

If you're not using a lens, it makes sense to sell it, even if you love it. I've recently sold off my 85 f1.8 for exactly the same reason: it almost never came out of the bag, and the money could be put to better use. The 55-250 is a very good lens, and portability is important. So if you don't use the 70-200, it's a lot of money to have sitting around doing nothing.

Sell the lens you don't use and buy something you'll actually use. Seems silly to have money tied up in something you aren't going to use.

Sell it and buy the 70-200/2.8 II !! Although bigger and heavier, the extra stop of light and/or shallower DoF will be unmatchable by your SL1/55-250.

Doesn't matter how good a lens is, if you don't ever make use of it.

You're tying up money that can be used elsewhere....Opportuni​ty cost, man!

Keep it. Great lens for many applications. Your interests or needs could change, leaving you filled with regret.

QUOTE: "Another thing is once in a while I"ll go to a sporting event, and I've had security stop me when I have the white lens on ..."

Interesting, I've never been stopped at any sports event with my cameras and lenses - and often bring my 100/400, which is pretty indicative of my intent.

The Dark Knight wrote in post #16666189
I have not used the lens in a solid 3 months or so. It's a terrific lens and probably my best overall lens, but generally I shoot in the 35-50 and 75-100 range, which is covered by my 24-105. So for the most part if I take out my 6D, I usually have the 24-105 on it due to convenience.

If I need more reach, these days I usually end up reaching for my SL1 with the 55-250 on it. The smaller size/ weight makes that combo very easy to carry around. Another thing is once in a while I"ll go to a sporting event, and I've had security stop me when I have the white lens on and tell me I can't bring it in, while interestingly I've never had issues with the 55-250. So all these things are conspiring to keep me away from using the 70-200 more frequently.

So I'm considering selling it. I don't need the money, but I don't like having things around that I hardly use. Will I end up regretting it and missing the brilliant IQ? Thoughts?

DK.
Since you do not need the money, go out and shoot with the 70-200 f/4 L IS. Use it, use it. Like all all day. I find when I think about possibly unloading a particular lens that may not see the light of day all that much, this is what I do. I know real soon whether or not this seldom used lens will stay home or possibly be used to upgrade to another.
If it was me and I did not need the cash, this lens would be staying home.
The 70-200 range is a staple in the camera bag. The 70-200 f/4 L IS is one the best, sharp lenses Canon makes.
I bought the 70-200 f/4 L IS in the summer of 2009. I chose this over the 70-200 f2.8 L IS Version I as it was half the price, half the weight and more importantly the rumors of the 70-200 f/2.8 L IS Mark II were being thrown around. In January 2011, I bought the 70-200 f/2.8 L IS Mark II. What a great lens, super sharp and the additional light when needed. I then started thinking about unloading the f/4 L IS. Guess what? The f/4 L IS is still here. Why?
I have a wonderful back up if needed in case the f/2.8 II to go to Canon for service. Also when I want to go out for the day when I want to go light. Half the weight is really appreciated at times as I am now 50 and beginning to see the benefits down the road. Best of all,it is a great lens. Like you, I do not really need the money as this gem of a lens has more value in my possession.
Now go put it on and use it!

Hope this helps.

I picked up the 2.8 V2 but still kept my f4 for a light travel zoom. It does not get used often but I know I'd regret it. It is a wonderful and light lens.