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by paul-cousins on photo bucket
paul-cousins's image
by paul-cousins on photo bucket
paul-cousins's image
by paul-cousins on photo bucketThis is an easy review for me to write as the 200 f/2.0 is my favourite lens which I have owned for nearly 3 years. I use this lens for People Portraits, Wildlife, Event Photography as well as Sports. In fact I use it almost all the time and always wide open.
I get the best out of the lens by always using back button focussing and shooting 80% of the time in Manual Mode
Bokeh
There is no doubt about it that the 200 f/2.0 is the King of bokeh out of the present Canon lens range. I can say that because I currently own the 85L2 f/1.2 and have up to 3 months ago owned the 135 f/2.0.
The f/2.0 aperture combined with the focal length sets this lens apart and in a league of it’s own. The way it renders the bokeh is unique and simply amazing and unlike any other lens. I would go as far as to say that it is on par with the legendary 50mm f/1.0 and 200mm f/1.8.
Focussing (AF)
Lightning quick and very accurate.
IS
Truly amazing and considering this is a very heavy lens (2.5kgs) I can easily take sharp handheld shots at 1/10 sec.
Construction
It is extremely well built and fully weather sealed. The Optical/Electronic and mechanical quality is absolutely top class. No question about it.
Sharpness
It is so sharp I find that I do not have to post-sharpen any images.
Using 1.4x & 2x MK3 Extenders
When paired with the Mk3 extenders will give you 3 long fast IS lenses. I have noticed that with the extenders there is a very slight increase of CA wide open but this disperses when stopped down by 1 stop.
Disadvantages
The lens cap is awkward, I tend to use the Neoprene lens coat and padded hoodie as it helps protect the lens and makes it more discreet. This is a good thing as the lens will get you unwanted attention. I have lost count of the number of times people have commented about it.
Expensive, I was skeptical about spending so much money on a lens but after the first day of use I wondered why I didn’t buy it sooner. Yes it is a lot of money however, you do get your money’s worth.
Recommendations
The camera comes with a 52mm drop in Canon UV filter. I like to use the circular polarising filter which is very easy to change over. This filter brings the photo’s alive and helps enhance images. The results are amazing, but the cost at £180 is far too high for what it actually is. However, this is now an essential addition to my kit and, overall, a small price to pay for what it delivers.
Conclusion
It truly is an outstanding piece of equipment for all the reasons I have already mentioned. It is a beauty of a lens and I will never part with it only if canon decide to bring out a MK2 version in years to come. I have a lot of fun using this lens, it is and can be challenging with 200mm but that for me is what makes it more enjoyable. The images it process give almost a 3d type effect and when I bought it I felt that my photography had stepped up a gear or two.
Canon 1ds MK3 with EF200 f/2.0 IS USM 1/160th @ f2.0 @ISO 100
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