Canon 70 200 2.8 IS weight a Problem?

I have been thinking of selling my Canon 70 300 IS for the faster Canon 70 200 2.8 IS lens for its better quality. I will not miss the extra 100mm range for I do not use it that much. After reading all the good reviews of this lens I see the weight is over 3 Lbs. I have a Canon 20D with Grip and along with my Canon 24 70L think this will be a good combination when I go FF,BUT worry if it may be Too heavy to handle. Do others think the weight of this lens for handholding is a problem?

No, not really. I toss around two DSLR's with telephoto zooms on a regular basis and don't really experience any problem with heavy lenses. You tend to build upper body strength after a while, so it really isn't an issue.

I don't own the lens but I have used it on several occasions so I thought I'd offer my impression of this lens.
The 70-200 2.8 IS is a wonderful lens for image quality and speed especially if you have been using the 70-300 IS. I've used the 70-300 IS and I've found the lens to be a little too light and the USM is not as fast as the motor on the 70-200.
However, if you're gonna lug both the 24-70 and 70-200 when you go out shooting I think you're going to be pretty tired from all the weight you're carrying with you unless you've got a back pack. Its pretty easy to handhold the 70-200 but not for more than 15 mins as its a heavy lens. I'd suggest you try holding it for 5 mins in a camera store and see for yourself.

There are a few words to describe this gorgeously performing tank! Heavy... like a lead weight...like carrying around a sack of potatoes...should come with its own winch! But baby it takes awsum photos! I am sticking with the straight 2.8 and it is bloody heavy too!

i move around everyday with 70-200 and 24-70 + 5d + grip daily on campus.

If you do find it heavy on your first outing with it, you'll find it to be extremely light weight after you see the pictures that lens produces!

By the way, my girlfriend will use my 1D with that lens and TC for long hikes - doesn't bother her, and I think that combination weighs more than she does - lol.

I carry one on a regular basis mounted on a 1D series body...no problems at all...you just get used to it.

Yes this lens is heavy, but the performance is awsome. I use this lens more than any other that I own, and the weight has never been an issue. All my work is handheld. If the weight turns into an issue, use a monopod.

that is a very personal question, some find a 3lb lens prohibitively heavy while others scoff at the weight. You'll have to decide what fits your needs and requirements the best. Another option is the non IS version which is noticeably lighter, but if you want the IS, then you have to deal with the heavier weight. Unless you are consider the f4L IS version.

it doesn't bother me at all. carry around a bigger lens, then see how the 70-200 2.8 IS feels.

it's not that heavy for gods sake. if you can't lift it off the table, then your local gym may be your friend.

don't let the people here scare you into thinking it weighs as much as a cement block.

From all of you it sounds like a challenge that is well worth the rewards of ownership for such a wonderful piece of glass. Thank You

I have yet to put my 70-200 onto a tripod... I handhold it 100% of the time so far. I don't find weight an issue at all. Get a good strap and its all good!

you will need some time to get used to it. I have 5D with Grip and this lens = no problem.

The weight is not a problem for me at all

Tee Why wrote in post #2993073
that is a very personal question, some find a 3lb lens prohibitively heavy while others scoff at the weight. You'll have to decide what fits your needs and requirements the best. Another option is the non IS version which is noticeably lighter, but if you want the IS, then you have to deal with the heavier weight. Unless you are consider the f4L IS version.

Tom, we need to stop agreeing so much. To the OP, no one here can answer the weight issue for you. It's sort of like asking, "Can I eat one BigMac or two?" Most are answering that they can eat two. But what it says about you, who knows.