Roger Cicala says keep your 70-200L f2.8 II......

https://www.lensrental​s.com …200mm-f2-8-is-ii-and-iii/

"Conclusions

Well, as Canon stated, there is no difference between the Mk II and Mk III versions. If you think there’s an optical or performance difference, please contact me about some Tennessee Beach-front property I have for sale. If you’re in the market for one of these in the near future, I’d snap up a Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 IS II at discount price if you can find it.

If you really like the new color do what we do for touchup paint: take the tripod ring from your friend’s Mk III to your local paint store and have them color match some enamel for you. Canon claims the new fluorine coating makes it easier to wipe off oil and smudges. I think the new fluorine coating is easier to wipe off. Could be Canon and I are both right, could be just Canon is right.

As to the Canon 70-200 f/2.8 Mk two-three, it’s still a really excellent lens. It’s not pretty or elegant inside, but then, neither are most other manufacturer’s lenses. It takes great images, that’s what matters. Unless you are a Geek from the engineering-can-be-art school."

I've had the ii version and loved it. I didnt use it much and sold it and have kicked myself for selling it.

I've been waiting for the 3 version to come out and actually have it in my cart at B&H but now, the only reason I can think of to buy it is the fancy white'er color. What a let down

I think the biggest turn-off to me is the delicate coating on the front element. I already had to replace a front element on a 24-70L II and it wasn't cheap.

but what i'm not sure of is if the new lens has some unseen electronic difference that may make a difference with new camera bodies. i'm not in the market anyway since I recently bought the 70-200L F4 IS II

I just bought the version ii... don't need the latest if its not the greatest.

I've got a 24-70L ii as well and didn't know about the coating. I have a UV filter on it but good info to know!

Roger has replaced many front elements on the 24-70L II. he's written about it. I know my lens got wet one night and I wiped it with my t shirt and it was ruined.

Who's Roger Cicala?

https://www.lensrental​s.com/blog/author/roge​r/

I could be all wet, but I'm wondering if the vIII has electronics updated in it to make it more compatible with the EOS R coming out?

That's where I'm putting my bet.

ed rader wrote in post #18697450
Roger has replaced many front elements on the 24-70L II. he's written about it. I know my lens got wet one night and I wiped it with my t shirt and it was ruined.

That isn't acceptable in my book. If a coating can come off that easy, don't bother putting it on! I'll have to read about that.

yeah that's what i'm thinking tho canon AFAIK has never mentioned it.

Scary.... now I know to never clean it!!! Lol

had my 200 2.8 II for many years and it is still a great lens...though one interesting weakness of the II is that at 200mm and at/close to minimum focusing distance sharpness falls off quite noticeably as you move away from center of the frame, noticeable by about mid-frame compared to the center, initially thought i had a dud but then was able to confirm the phenomenon with 2-3 other people at the time that had the lens, take a few steps back and it's all good though

ed rader wrote in post #18697345
I think the biggest turn-off to me is the delicate coating on the front element. I already had to replace a front element on a 24-70L II and it wasn't cheap.

didn't know that...damn need to be more careful with mine then :-/

ed rader wrote in post #18697450
Roger has replaced many front elements on the 24-70L II. he's written about it. I know my lens got wet one night and I wiped it with my t shirt and it was ruined.

I'm curious, in what way was it ruined?
Did your photos show more reflections or glare?
I also own this lens.

Have never had issues with my 24-70mm II: love its speed, contrast, and sharpness. Have seen light rain and wet wiped outside lens elements: no issues.

the coating rubbed of the front element. sorta of looked like a spider web. I'm talking about a lot of coating, not just a few scratches.

here you go. here's a pic of a damaged 24-70L II front element and a thread discussing lens coatings.

https://www.dpreview.c​om/forums/post/6129555​0