Pulled the trigger on first L

Actually, The Wife did. We've been slowly (very slowly) saving up for the 70-200 2.8 IS L for her wedding work, and I've really wanted a good telephoto zoom to replace the crummy EF 75-300 mk I we have. Then Canon raised the prices of all their lenses. Grumble. We'd have to save a little longer. But wait, they're also discontinuing it and replacing it with a supposedly better--but more expensive--mark II version. Egads! But wait, Canon's rebate period means the current 70-200 is now available for about the same price as they were a year ago. The credit card came out, taking advantage of a "no interest for six months" promotion.

We really, really wanted to pay cash for this one, but at this point it didn't make sense to wait. That big, white lens should arrive by the end of next week. Very antsy at this end, obviously.

It's a great lens and I know you will enjoy it! Congrats.

good for you. Its an amazing lens. built like a tank, and I thing its optically excellent. People complain of softness at 200, 2.8, but I find mine plenty sharp for portraits at 200 2.8

This was my first (and still is my only) L lens. I use it literally 75% of the time. It is an incredible and versatile lens. You will love it.

kevindar wrote in post #9361731
good for you. Its an amazing lens. built like a tank, and I thing its optically excellent. People complain of softness at 200, 2.8, but I find mine plenty sharp for portraits at 200 2.8

Truthfully, i've seen portraits shot with the 135mm f/2 that makes me ponder if the client would WANT the lens that sharp...

I dont think many women want you to see every pore or hair on their face

I doubt we'll use it for many portraits, but it will get a workout at weddings (for portraits, The Wife has been lusting after a 85mm 1.8, which will be a LOT easier to swing once the L is paid off).

Congrats on your new lens. You'll love it.

Congratulations. I had ants in my pants when I first got my 70-200 f4. That Image Stabilized 2.8 will certainly tickle your pickle.

It's a great lens, congrats!

You'll love it for sure. One of my absolute favorite lenses.

I haven't 'officially' measured it, but that is the FASTEST focusing lens in my kit.

Congrats on your purchase, you will find it to be a great lens.

jblaschke wrote in post #9361681
We really, really wanted to pay cash for this one, but at this point it didn't make sense to wait. That big, white lens should arrive by the end of next week. Very antsy at this end, obviously.

6 months interest free financing offered but you still wanted to pay it all in cash? Even if I did have the cash in my bank to buy a lens I wouldn't pay it fully if there was 6 months interest free. Money in your bank is better than money outside your bank. Doesn't make any financial sense to me to pay it full when you're offered free interest financing.

Use the money elsewhere to make more money during those 6 months.

By the way, you'll love the 70-200 f2.8L IS. It's a great lens!

Grats, you and your wife are going to love the lens,

Congrats. It's an amazing lens. By the release of the v II of the lens, they're taking a lens that is awesome and making it more awesome. You will be amazed at the differences between the images from your 70-300 and the 70-200