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Thread started 27 Apr 2010 (Tuesday) 18:57
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70-200 f/2.8 IS II vs. 135 f/2.0

 
mebailey
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Apr 27, 2010 18:57 |  #1

Hi all,
I have noticed several threads that dealt with the question of selling or trading a 135L to fund the purchase of the new 70-200 f/2.8 IS II. Since I have both I thought it might be helpful and interesting to look at 100% crops from each lens. The test is far from scientific and all variables are not controlled. I have no financial interest in Canon or any of its subsidiaries... LOL!!
The crops show the center focus point. So look in the center of the crop picture for your analysis. I dont have time or space to evaluate sharpness away from the center. The shots were prepared in DPP as per my usual workflow and resized in PS.
I shot two complex patterns on fabric. The first is a pillow shot at about 1.2m. Both lenses are at f/2.8 with the 70-200 at 135mm on the zoom dial. The iso is 400.
The second shot is a tapestry at 4m shot at iso 3200 (sorry tapestry was dark colored) with the lenses set the same.

Results:
To be honest I could not tell much difference in the sharpness between the lenses even before I downsized the size of the files for posting. I but side by side the zoom looks a little better. Perhaps my test was not ideal. I would be open to any suggestions there and would not hesitiate to post more shots if someone wanted.
Remember, this is a casual test for fun.

Subject #1 Pillow


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mebailey
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Apr 27, 2010 18:58 |  #2

Next crops
First 70-200
Then 135L


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mebailey
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Apr 27, 2010 19:00 as a reply to  @ mebailey's post |  #3

Subject #2 Tapestry


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mebailey
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Apr 27, 2010 19:02 as a reply to  @ mebailey's post |  #4

Now Crops
First 70-200
Then 135L


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themadman
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Apr 27, 2010 19:08 |  #5

Nice comparison, however why are the shutter speeds different in the second shot? (Tapestry)


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mebailey
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Apr 27, 2010 19:11 |  #6

themadman wrote in post #10078463 (external link)
Nice comparison, however why are the shutter speeds different in the second shot? (Tapestry)

It got dark during my shooting and I was using window light. Not totally dark but sun wsa going down.


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BlueTreePhoto
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Apr 27, 2010 19:47 |  #7

interesting, I am debating between these two so thanks for the examples!


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Heatseeker99
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Apr 27, 2010 22:42 |  #8

Thanks for this


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MTV
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Apr 27, 2010 22:47 |  #9

mebailey, between these two lenses which one you use often?

Thank you for your time.




  
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newworld666
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Apr 27, 2010 23:38 |  #10

Sharpness is only one point ... and canon seems on this point to succed for the first time a real victory for the zoom.

But you should try to see how is the isolation power -> with bokeh 's smooth quality and how quick blur is comming outside of the "DOF". As I could see on a small comparison with a 200L2.0, the zoom was really not in the same league at F2.8 (so I don't even speak @F2.0 which is unreachable for a zoom)
Then deap of color is difficult to judge on your samples (as you explained sun was changing), but this point is also a very important part and actually we feel a more washed colors for the zoom on your sample.


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Shenanigans
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Apr 28, 2010 01:35 |  #11

Could it be that your 135/2 lens may need some microadjustment with this camera body?




  
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FuturamaJSP
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Apr 28, 2010 01:56 |  #12

I wish i have 2500 bucks to burn on the 70-200 II :(
but then again my 135L is very sharp wide open and it doesn't matter how awesome the new 70-200 is it still can't be a f/2 lens :p


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mebailey
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Apr 28, 2010 06:54 |  #13

MTV wrote in post #10079708 (external link)
mebailey, between these two lenses which one you use often?

Thank you for your time.

I use the 70-200 more often because its so much more versatile. The 135L gets used occasionally for head and shoulders portraits or small animal portraits.


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mebailey
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Apr 28, 2010 06:55 |  #14

Shenanigans wrote in post #10080397 (external link)
Could it be that your 135/2 lens may need some microadjustment with this camera body?

I have micro AFed both lenses.


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Invertalon
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Apr 28, 2010 07:04 |  #15

I really want the 135L but worry I may not use it that much :( But I guess I can always sell if that was the case...

f/2 though would be awesome... :D


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70-200 f/2.8 IS II vs. 135 f/2.0
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