My first "L" lens!

This week I sold my much-loved Sigma 70-200 f/2.8, which I've been using mainly for sports and action. Over the past few months I've developed arthritis in my hand, wrist and shoulder, and it was becoming increasingly difficult to hand-hold the Sigma for long periods; it's a fairly heavy beast. I decided to put it up for sale and buy a Canon 70-200 f/4 IS instead.

The Sigma left yesterday, and I'm going to collect my new (to me) Canon on Monday. I'm hoping the decrease in weight, combined with IS, will allow me to use it more often for my animal portraits and family photography as well as sports. The f/4 will be fine for outdoor sports, and while I won't have a lens for indoor sports this winter, I'm going to save for a longer prime (135 or 200) next year.

This is possibly the only time ever that you'll hear me say, on a Friday, that I'm looking forward to Monday morning!

Congrats on the new lens. It's an awesome addition to your gear list.

i had this lens too... It is great!!! Congrats!

You're going to really like the f/4IS! Congrats on the new lens!

Congrats! Maybe consider the canon 85 1.8 or canon 100 f/2 for indoor sports if you get bored saving for the 135L/200L.

Congrats!

Bryan

are you going to shoot hockey indoors? I used my 70-200 f/4 IS at the recent Vancouver Canucks training camp and I was really surprised at the results. I set my camera to ISO 800 on AV mode and I got some pretty good pictures. Don't be afraid to use it for hockey cause the lens will produce fine pictures

Congrats, a great first L

Congrats on your purchase.

Jeff81 wrote in post #8838442
Congrats! Maybe consider the canon 85 1.8 or canon 100 f/2 for indoor sports if you get bored saving for the 135L/200L.

Thanks for all the congrats, everyone! Jeff, I already have the 85 and it's too short for the sport I shoot mainly (dog agility). Most of my images are between 135 and 200 mm. I think the 135 would be a minimum.

ceegee wrote in post #8839297
Thanks for all the congrats, everyone! Jeff, I already have the 85 and it's too short for the sport I shoot mainly (dog agility). Most of my images are between 135 and 200 mm. I think the 135 would be a minimum.

It is a great sports lens. I use mine for softball, football, and soccer. Enjoy your first L

congrats! are you going to hand out cigars?

i've been thinking about getting rid of my sigma and going with the canon f4 for weight reasons too. how much lighter is it? post some pics and opinions about going from f2.8 to f4 when you get your new lens.

Apollo.11 wrote in post #8839411
i've been thinking about getting rid of my sigma and going with the canon f4 for weight reasons too. how much lighter is it? post some pics and opinions about going from f2.8 to f4 when you get your new lens.

I tried the f/4 IS out before buying, and it was quite a bit lighter than the Sigma; enough to make a difference for my arthritic arm, at least. The IS is going to be hugely useful too. I'll post some pics and opinions early next week, when I have the lens. On the other hand, I really loved my Sigma and was very sad to see it go. It was a terrific lens, and had my arm not deteriorated so badly, I'd probably have kept it.

Well, I have my lens and I love it! There's a huge difference in weight between this one and the f/2.8. This one is much easier to manage. Here's my duck; I shot it on the way home.

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"L" yes!

Now you've done it.
In a year you'll be applying for food stamps.

Congrats on the lens.
We can all appreciate your feelings.
Tim