70-200 f/2.8L IS II First shots

Somehow, my father managed to get a hold of one of the first 70-200 mkIIs in Canada. Naturally, I got out as soon as I could to try it out. I can't wait to use it at a "real" shoot.

My opinions so far are as follows:

1. The Image Stabilizer steadies so much quicker (less than as second if you don't need a lot of stabilization).

2. The IS is incredible (see below).

3. Performance (i.e., sharpness) is exceptional wide open, and gets really good when stopped down.

4. The new closer Minimum Focusing Distance is a real help for indoor shooting. I always found myself taking an extra step back when using the mkI

5. AF is very fast (not sure this is a BIG improvement, but it's damn near instant from one end to the other).

6. Overall, it just feels nicer to use than the mkI (which is no slouch). It just feels snappier and cleaner.

Now, for the pics....

First, the customary undressing (i.e., lens porn):

1. Huge box

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The next few images are each accompanied by a 100% crop. I did a few adjustments (including colour changes, and some minor cropping). I DID NOT do any sharpening. Any sharpening you see is an artifact of resizing.

5. f/4.0 This sly fox was the first subject

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Congrats, and nice shots esp of the lady looking down.

Those are fantastic shots! Makes it that much harder to wait until I get mine today.

That is one sweet lens. I am 1/2 way paid off on my 24-70 f2.8 which should be about two more months and then I will be looking for a 70-200 to add to my collection. Hopefully there will be more available by then.

well, there goes my credit score cuz i gots to have me one of these

How did you get all the Autumn shots of a Fox with a lens released this spring?

That fox capture right in your back yard. How lucky can I guy get.

Yea,,, the 70 200 mii is not shabby either.

Actually my friend was one the first to have it, to shoot the Olympics. He says its as good as any prime. He shoots for Ruter and Canon.

He further went on to say Canon is revaming there entire line, and expect to see this performane coming in the next year with other lenses.

Thanks guys! It will be a lot of fun!

FLYH2O wrote in post #9848250
How did you get all the Autumn shots of a Fox with a lens released this spring?

I'm pretty sure those are last year's leaves. Nobody rakes the leaves in the forests around here.

Mine is still sealed in its box. UPS dropped it off this morning and i've been too lazy to open it up.

Bianchi wrote in post #9848288
That fox capture right in your back yard. How lucky can I guy get.

Yea,,, the 70 200 mii is not shabby either.

Actually my friend was one the first to have it, to shoot the Olympics. He says its as good as any prime. He shoots for Ruter and Canon.

He further went on to say Canon is revaming there entire line, and expect to see this performane coming in the next year with other lenses.

These were my thoughts as well, when I looked at the images on the computer.... this lens performs extremely well wide open--Especially for a zoom!

greekcs wrote in post #9848297
Mine is still sealed in its box. UPS dropped it off this morning and i've been too lazy to open it up.

Shame on you! I couldn't resist ripping into it if it was in front of me.

Nice pics KAS and thanks for sharing your thoughts on it. It's on my wishlist!

greekcs wrote in post #9848297
Mine is still sealed in its box. UPS dropped it off this morning and i've been too lazy to open it up.

i'd have opened the box before the ups guy even had a chance to whip out a pen for a signature...

When it drops in price around the summer, I'll get it!

golf88 wrote in post #9848531
i'd have opened the box before the ups guy even had a chance to whip out a pen for a signature...

I agree! Besides, it's always more fun to take pictures WITH the lens than it is to take pictures OF the lens