200/2.8L Prime Vs. 70-200/4L IS

I'm finding myself using high ISO with this lens moreso than I'd like. (Tripod shots excluded). Action shots are USUALLY during daylight or overcast, so I can squeeze adequate light into the lens at those times, but most of my photography at the moment has been indoor stuff... and portraits. Looking into something with zoom capability and exquisite IQ (the 200L has spoiled me)

What I'm wondering is will selling the 200/2.8 prime for a 70-200/4 IS be a noticeable upgrade? I also pack my lenses in my backpack, so I don't think I'd want to lug around the 2.8 IS (or spend the extra $600).

Anyone ever get rid of their prime for the zoom and wish they didn't?

If your having trouble getting adequate light with a 2.8 lens, then moving to an f/4 lens will only worsen the problem and cause you to need an even higher ISO.

How about the best of both worlds and get the 70-200 f2.8 IS?

Connor P Price wrote in post #4795263
If your having trouble getting adequate light with a 2.8 lens, then moving to an f/4 lens will only worsen the problem and cause you to need an even higher ISO.

you're right but he may have meant he is using a higher ISO so he can get enough shutter speed to handhold a 200mm lens.

i wasn't sure what he meant.

ed rader

Yes, Ed, that's what I meant. the f/4 IS is a marginal price increase that'll allow me to get an effective 3 stop advantage over f/2.8 prime. Also, having the zoom factor is something I'm considering, as changing lenses on the mountain isn't so much fun.

drPheta wrote in post #4795484
Yes, Ed, that's what I meant. the f/4 IS is a marginal price increase that'll allow me to get an effective 3 stop advantage over f/2.8 prime. Also, having the zoom factor is something I'm considering, as changing lenses on the mountain isn't so much fun.

i'll put it this way: no way in hell i'd sell my 70-200L f4 IS and get the 200 f2.8. i think the prime is a fine lens but not versatile enough for me to pack and i don't have a specific need for a prime that length.

i was driving home last night and i had the 70-200L f4 IS on my camera. at a light i leaned out of my window and took a shot........

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Oh, I see now. originally i misunderstood and thought we were talking about a different issue. I don't have the IS version, however I will say that I'm incredibly happy with the 70-200 f/4 and adding on IS could only make it better. The lens performs wonderfully at 200mm and I don't think you'd miss the prime. The added benefit of zoom can be very helpful.

Nice shot Ed. I am getting 70-200 f/4 L IS too.
I hope it will be nice companion to my 135 f/2L.

Thanks! I know the 70-200/4 is sharp, but was wondering if the few hundred price difference would make it worthwhile for IS. Now, I think I'm going to go white soon (need to save up some change)

169mm @ 1/80sec hand held... THAT'S the answer I was looking for.