EF 70-200 f/2.8 USM IS for EF 70-200 f/4 IS?

What are the advantages of switching to the f/4? Reason I was asking was because I seen thispost in the sell thread

Weight

+ Cost

sharpness

4-stop IS

ed rader

The f/4 is sharper!?

Closer focus as well. Yes, sharper by a hair (oh, hope that isn't a pun.)

Rebel450D_Addict wrote in post #6902779
The f/4 is sharper!?

the f4 IS is the newest and sharpest.

ed rader

Rebel450D_Addict wrote in post #6902779
The f/4 is sharper!?

Slightly sharper for closer subjects. The f2.8 is at least equal if not better as you move towards infinity focus.

I'm the trader looking to change from 2.8 to 4 IS, and MY primary reason was useability.

I find the weight/size of the f/2.8 was too inconvenient to bring along whenever I go out anywhere with the family. What good is a lens if I don't have it with me? The f/4 IS is definitely more manageable and I won't have any problems carrying it anywhere I go.

Although the sharpness of the f/4 can be argued, both versions are more than enough for my needs and the resolving differences negligible.

LightRules wrote in post #6902799
Slightly sharper for closer subjects. The f2.8 is at least equal if not better as you move towards infinity focus.

Slightly off topic, but I noticed on your lens test site that the f4 + TC performs better under certain conditions (besides closer subjects?). Are there any general patterns you noticed for optimum results with f4 + TC?

Hehe! You found the thread! So ya thanks for clearing this up. I know it would have been easier to just ask in the sell column, but then again, I think the MODS would have told us to take this topic some where else

hngu7721 wrote in post #6902975
I'm the trader looking to change from 2.8 to 4 IS, and MY primary reason was useability.

I find the weight/size of the f/2.8 was too inconvenient to bring along whenever I go out anywhere with the family. What good is a lens if I don't have it with me? The f/4 IS is definitely more manageable and I won't have any problems carrying it anywhere I go.

Although the sharpness of the f/4 can be argued, both versions are more than enough for my needs and the resolving differences negligible.

Rebel450D_Addict wrote in post #6902779
The f/4 is sharper!?

Yes. Check the Imatest MTF resolution charts at photozone. Also check the SLRGear tests. Don't rely on individual tog's putting up some pics and saying "look, this one is sharper" - trust the labs.

From what I've seen, both zooms are excellent. For outdoor use, the 70-200 f/4 IS seems to be in a class of its own.

hngu7721 wrote in post #6902975
I'm the trader looking to change from 2.8 to 4 IS, and MY primary reason was useability.

I find the weight/size of the f/2.8 was too inconvenient to bring along whenever I go out anywhere with the family. What good is a lens if I don't have it with me? The f/4 IS is definitely more manageable and I won't have any problems carrying it anywhere I go.

Although the sharpness of the f/4 can be argued, both versions are more than enough for my needs and the resolving differences negligible.

You just shot yourself in the foot. I was tempted to respond to your listing, but now I remember all the reasons for which I chose the f/4 IS in the first place. Still can't stop motion but for everything else it's as good as it gets.

No worries. I understand that there are definitely some shooters who NEED the f/2.8 and that's who I've presented it up for; someone looking to take that next step (in terms of size and speed).