Alternative to Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS

I'd give another nod to the Tamron G2. It's every bit the Canon version at a much cheaper price point. Dustin Abbott did extensive reviews on YouTube if you're interested. You will not be disappointed.

Those who speak highly of the Tamron G2, what's the servicing like through Tamron? That's a big factor for me. Thanks to the OP for posting this. Good topic.

I had a couple of Tamron SPs for a few months. One of them needed a firmware update to be able to the dock. It was a fast turnaround, but without any arrival or shipping confirmation—that’s all I can add.

I thought I had to send a Zeiss Touit lens in for a firmware update recently. Apparently I didn’t have to though, but I received an email that they got my lens, a phone call from the tech, and I got a tracking number for its overnight fed ex return. None of it cost me anything. Canon did just about the same with notifications when I had a body repair.

I’ll still push a used 70-200 II IS. Tamrons are nice but I find that lenses with electronics just don’t continue the same OEM experience. Specifically, I can focus faster in MF than the Tamron (and more accurately than Sigma). Canons teles are very special.

MatthewK wrote in post #18529550
I photographed a fox one time w/ my 500, and then a deer another time. Oh, and a raccoon. Otherwise, it's all birds, all the time My 70-200 shoots nothing but people though, so that balances things out.

That’s what my 70-200 does too. I love the spatial compression more than any need for reach.

Really enjoy my Tamron G2 70-200. I got it the day it was released and it's almost a year since I have owned it. I was up in the air back and forth between the Canon II and the G2. Didn't want to spend the extra for just my hobby and can't say that I feel the Canon lens would have gotten me any better or more images that my Tamron has been able to capture.

Not saying a used canon is the wrong choice but have you personally used a g2? The gap is far more narrow than it once was and I highly doubt you can manually focus faster than any modern lens.

Bogino wrote in post #18529416
Alternatively, would looking to buy a USED Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II also make sense as those as the market in the $1,400 - $1,500 range.

Seems they are trending on the low end of that range and down into the 1300's.

If you can find a local version one, or at least one you can check out, Mk I is a darn good lens. From 135-200 mine is super sharp. It isn't super from 70-100 but still does a good job. Nails focus, and does it quickly. They are breaking down into the 900-1000 range.

I've owned a Tamron 70-200 G2 since the launch. 20k photos later, I'm still extremely happy with the lens and it took a 6' drop on concrete and kept on going.

wisv1k wrote in post #18530755
Not saying a used canon is the wrong choice but have you personally used a g2? The gap is far more narrow than it once was and I highly doubt you can manually focus faster than any modern lens.

In most scenarios, I can focus faster than a Tamron SP. I don't know about G2. I grew up shooting sports (PGA, ITA. etc.) with manual focus. Just give me a decent focus screen, which hasn't been a Canon option since the 5D2. I get precision matte screens from a guy in NZ, or used hacks to get me focus peeking on a 5D3.

Left Handed Brisket wrote in post #18530769
Seems they are trending on the low end of that range and down into the 1300's.

If you can find a local version one, or at least one you can check out, Mk I is a darn good lens. From 135-200 mine is super sharp. It isn't super from 70-100 but still does a good job. Nails focus, and does it quickly. They are breaking down into the 900-1000 range.

Don't buy a first version, or a first version 200 2.8. Zero parts.

mcluckie wrote in post #18530723
I can focus faster in MF than the Tamron (and more accurately than Sigma). Canons teles are very special.

GTFO that is 100% pure BS. Canon bodies for MF are pure garbage have no assist so unless you have robotic eyes and can see in that tiny viewfinder this is 100% and just a fanboy statement
My G2 tamron lens has just as fast focus speeds as my Canon 100 f2. So move along with your fantasy land

mcluckie wrote in post #18530909
Don't buy a first version, or a first version 200 2.8. Zero parts.

Right, I meant MkI IS.

And I happened to notice one for sale @ $950 in POTN marketplace

https://www.canonprice​watch.com …99-ar-150-600-g2-1199-ar/

G2 for $1099 at Amazon.com. I stand by my opinion which is even more attractive at the moment.

I'd keep the f/4 and buy the 200 f/2.8 ii.