Thoughts: Prime 200 2.8L?

Anyone had any experience with this lens? It is about the price of the F4L but is faster and I would presume since it's a prime lens, sharper too? To be honest, I was a bit underwhelmed by the F4L. Perhaps it was overhyped... dunno. Nevertheless, what's your take on this lens?

I am waiting on a used one to be delivered. Its the series 1 with the built-in hood.
I love the 135L colour tones and the chief attraction of the 200L is that is has comparable tones -AFAIK.
Older glass, eg; the 80-200mm f2.8 is attractive. Tones are gorgeous. So don't shy away from older L glass (in minty condition) by default.
I own a newer 2005 135L and intend to buy an older 135L soon to sample the earlier glass.
I also own an older 70-200mm f2.8 and it is nice too. Not in the league of the 135L however.

delhi wrote in post #2020500
Anyone had any experience with this lens? It is about the price of the F4L but is faster and I would presume since it's a prime lens, sharper too? To be honest, I was a bit underwhelmed by the F4L. Perhaps it was overhyped... dunno. Nevertheless, what's your take on this lens?

Well, it is a sharp lens. I'd say its resolution is more than 30D/5D etc sensor needs. I sold it to get 70-200/2.8 IS, and my subjective view is that comparing the pictures of 200/2.8 prime and the zoom, the prime was better - I'm pretty sure it has less CA.

Given the facts (fixed focal length, f2.8 max aperture) I was completely happy with the lens. I only sold it because I needed the zoom and IS (concert photography...).

delhi wrote in post #2020500
Anyone had any experience with this lens? It is about the price of the F4L but is faster and I would presume since it's a prime lens, sharper too? To be honest, I was a bit underwhelmed by the F4L. Perhaps it was overhyped... dunno. Nevertheless, what's your take on this lens?

And the same weight as the f4, not so long and black rather weight (an advantage for me).

Yes its a great lens, very sharp easy to handle fast AF. Works very well with both the EF 1.4X and EF 2X TCs, works well with extension tubes for closeup. The TCs will slow up AF of course.

The new IS version of the f4 makes it easy to cope with light levels but you will still loose AF with the EF 2X on a non 1D body.

I had one for a time, sold it to buy the 70-200 F/2.8L IS. I would recommend it if your unhappy with the 70-200 F/4L

thanks. do you find it less versatile without the zoom capability? I like the fact that attaching a 1.4x or even a 2x, won't sacrifice f-stop too much versus the F4L.

I absolutely love my 200. Almost sold it in a fit of indecision, but so glad I kept it. It is my second sharpest lens. It is tack sharp with really creamy bokeh.

I have both the 200 and the Sigma 70-200. I used the prime when shooting sports but not sure if I want to keep both.

The 200 is amazingly sharp though. Eventually I'd like the f2.8 IS but I have to sell everything I have to get 1 lens

I think the 200/2.8L is a fantastic lens and maybe one of the best values in the Canon lineup. I loved mine. But alas, I just sold it on eBay. I found that I was using my 300/4L IS whenever I needed some reach. Thus the 200 stayed in my bag sadly neglected. I'd guess that the EF 200 f/2.8L II is the sharpest lens, zoom or prime, Canon currently offers at this focal length.

Here's a shot from the 200/2.8L II:

http://AeroSmith.smugm​ug.com/photos/60162158​-L.jpg

AeroSmith wrote in post #2022336
I think the 200/2.8L is a fantastic lens and maybe one of the best values in the Canon lineup. I loved mine. But alas, I just sold it on eBay. I found that I was using my 300/4L IS whenever I needed some reach. Thus the 200 stayed in my bag sadly neglected. I'd guess that the EF 200 f/2.8L II is the sharpest lens, zoom or prime, Canon currently offers at this focal length.

Here's a shot from the 200/2.8L II:

http://AeroSmith.smugm​ug.com/photos/60162158​-L.jpg

Yes that's happend to me now I have the 300mm. I still want to hang on to the 200mm however as it is easier to carry for just in case times.