70-200 F2.8 IS or F4 IS - Decisions Decisions

It looks like I have sold my 70-200 F2.8 Non-IS.

Now I need to decide on the F2.8 IS or the F4 IS.

Help me decide!

I mainly shoot outside and enjoy landscapes, motorsports and transportation type shots but have aspirations of shoot more indoors.

I am leaning to the F4 but don't want to loose the stops should I ever need them. $$ is a secondary concern in this decision, I just don't want to second guess myself again like I did when I got the non-is lens.

Thanks!!

If $$ is a secondary concern and you plan to shoot more indoors go for the 2.8.

If weight and portability is a primary concern, I would go with the F/4L. I was lugging my F/4L (non IS) around for an all day shoot yesterday, and I felt the lense was pushing my all-day weight lifting limits. My arms were kinda tired last night, and they are totally limp today.

Since you've had the F/2.8 before though, weight shouldn't be an issue for you?

-Lik

Since money doesn't seem to be much of an issue, I'd say get the f/2.8. You said you don't want to second-guess yourself about the lens again and this is your second chance. I originally got the f/4 non IS and wasn't entirely satisfied in my decision until I just recently got the f/2.8 IS. While I don't see myself needing the IS on a regular basis, I will be needing it from time to time and I'm more satisfied with the lens by having it and not needing it 100% of the time than I would be if I needed it and didn't have it.

I don't know if there's a weight difference between the f/2.8 non IS and IS, but there's definitely a difference between the f/4 and f/2.8. I've walked around for 8-10 hours before (at an amusement park) with the f/4 and it didn't really bother me, but I could see the f/2.8 becoming an issue for longer periods. Personally, though, I would leave size and weight out of the equation when figuring up pros/cons

As soon as you say outdoors, I assume you have plenty of light so I'd say get the f/4 version. You'll like the size. I am not giving up my 2.8 IS since its mere size gets me into events, and behind the scenes. Otherwise, i'd rather carry the f/4.

gasrocks wrote in post #2934043
As soon as you say outdoors, I assume you have plenty of light so I'd say get the f/4 version. You'll like the size. I am not giving up my 2.8 IS since its mere size gets me into events, and behind the scenes. Otherwise, i'd rather carry the f/4.

he said he currently shoots mainly outdoors but wants to do more indoor shooting

2.8 all the way... you'll regret it soon if you go with the f4!

Just a thought, but since you already have the 24-70 2.8, couldn't you use that indoors? If you're mainly shooting outdoors, you'll probably never be below f4 anyway, so why spend the extra dough if you'll hardly ever use it?

On the other hand, if money is no concern, get the 2.8 IS full meal deal and you're covered no matter what.

I didn't say the price difference was NOT a concern... I stated it was secondary. So the $$ thought is still there in the back of my mind.

All good thoughts folks. Esp. the weight considerations.

It sure sounds like most think there is no substitute for more light when creating good exposures.

I'm in the same boat. I can get either the f/4 IS or f/2.8 IS but a while back I had the Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 and to be honest, I'm a bit of a weed. I'm half thinking about a 135L instead

i can see the 70-200 spokesman comming.
not going to say his name.

I swapped my f4IS for the f2.8IS and never looked back.

The biggest reason was so that I could use the 2x TC and not lose AF and be able to have a "decent" 140-400 lens. To that end, I am happy about the IQ with the TC.

The biggest concern of course was the size and weight. In the beginning it was an adjustment having had the f4IS already. Now I am used to it. No problem at all.

Quite happy with this lens!

RedMatrixXRS wrote in post #2936062
i can see the 70-200 spokesman comming.
not going to say his name.

yes, Ed is on his way right now

blonde wrote in post #2936472
yes, Ed is on his way right now

well i was going to just observe on this thread but if you insist.......... .

ed rader

ed rader wrote in post #2936504
well i was going to just observe on this thread but if you insist.......... .

ed rader

hahah, you are always welcome my friend