Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy....

I decided (actually the Mrs gave her approval) it was time for my first "L" glass. I've been using a 70-300 IS USM and just placed an order for a 70-200 f4 USM (non IS) at B & H.

I can't wait to give it a test drive...

Worlds of a difference I an tell you that! Did you get the IS version?

I went from the 70-300 to the 70-200 non-IS and the photos are night/day difference... Colors, contrast, and focus were just incredible.

You will love it, enjoy!

congrats on the lens

Invertalon wrote in post #10203051
Worlds of a difference I an tell you that! Did you get the IS version?

I went from the 70-300 to the 70-200 non-IS and the photos are night/day difference... Colors, contrast, and focus were just incredible.

You will love it, enjoy!

really...night and day difference?...i'm sure the focusing is much better...but i'm not sure about everything else you've listed...

i wouldn't be able to spot the L here:
http://www.pbase.com/l​ightrules/isvf4

i'm sure the build, and the focusing, are better which will probably result in more keepers...but personally i'd rather have the extra 100mm, and IS

Yes, really, night and day difference.

The sharpness is miles ahead of the 70-300... I have owned both, and have PLENTY of shots from both to compare of the same subjects. At 300mm the 70-300 is very soft, even stopped down. The 70-300 is not a bad lens, but is far from the 70-200...

After my 1st day with the 70-200 I can tell it was a MUCH superior lens. The colors are better for sure, rendering more neutral colors and superior contrast. Sharpness has no comparsion... The 70-200 dominates, especially wide open. Not to mention you have a constant f/4 which is sharp throughout the entire range.

Have you used both? There is no comparison, honestly.

Invertalon wrote in post #10203346
Yes, really, night and day difference.

The sharpness is miles ahead of the 70-300... I have owned both, and have PLENTY of shots from both to compare. At 300mm the 70-300 is very soft, even stopped down. The 70-300 is not a bad lens, but is far from the 70-200.

After my 1st day with the 70-200 I can tell it was a MUCH superior lens. The colors are better for sure. More neautral with better color rendition. Contrast was improved (big difference here) and sharpness is excellent corner to corner.

Have you used both? There is no comparison, honestly.

no, i haven't...looking at the link above though, i can't really see the night and day...but that's with the non IS version...i think the IS version is a totally different lens...that one is supposed to blow away the non IS version as well in terms of sharpness

I had both (non IS and IS currently) and to me I found little to no difference between them. They are just as good as one another. The IS version is supposed to be a tad sharper but it is probably something you would never notice.

DreDaze wrote in post #10203367
no, i haven't...looking at the link above though, i can't really see the night and day...but that's with the non IS version...i think the IS version is a totally different lens...that one is supposed to blow away the non IS version as well in terms of sharpness

C'mon man, don't ruin the OP's new L day

benesotor wrote in post #10203428
C'mon man, don't ruin the OP's new L day

yeah...my bad...ignore everything i've said anyways...get out and find a duck...enjoy the new lens

Congrats on your new L lens. I use the 70-200 non IS Lens well happy with it. Enjoy it

Invertalon wrote in post #10203346
Yes, really, night and day difference.

Having borrowed a friend's 70-300 before purchasing my 70-200 f/4 (non-IS), I completely agree. In my experience, the focus speed, accuracy, and IQ are much better on the 70-200 f/4. I have the non-IS version, but 95% of my need for the lens is fast shutter stuff anyway, so I really don't miss the IS too much. Here and there I guess, but not enough to justify the cost bump for my style of shooting.

Anyway, to the OP, the 70-200 is one of my favorite lenses and I know many would say the same. So, congrats! Have fun with it. I'm sure you'll love it.

No worries about spoiling my day here ... Looking forward to shooting with it. Just can't afford or justify the IS version yet.

I had the 70-300 for exactly one day and took it back. Even though I'm no pro I was not happy with the slow focus and lack of sharpness. I got the 70-200 f/4 instead and I've been happy with it ever since. I use it mainly outdoors for sports so the lack of IS is no problem, I'm usually at 1/500th or faster anyway. The IQ is great ..... if the IS version is THAT much better then that has to be one killer lens.

I don't own either the 70-300 nor any of the 70-200, but I have the feeling a lot of people see they can get "more telephoto reach" from the 70-300, and never stop to question why a lens with 2/3 the "telephoto reach" would cost twice as much. The law of diminishing returns have not kicked in in this instance.

PhrozeN_FisH wrote in post #10203043
I decided (actually the Mrs gave her approval) it was time for my first "L" glass. I've been using a 70-300 IS USM and just placed an order for a 70-200 f4 USM (non IS) at B & H.

I can't wait to give it a test drive...

Congratulations.. I remember.. I was very happy when my first L (and the only one so far) arrived.

E'joy your new toy.