Canon 200m f2.8 - any experience ?

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percymon

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I've tried the search engine and there's very little discussioin on this lens :shake:

I had a 70-200mm f4 L some time ago - i sold that due to lack of reach, and at the time i didn't think the image quality that good (on 300d). It got replaced with a Sigma 80-400m EX DG OS which gave me some great shots of condors in flight in Peru, and in fairness I'm pretty happy with this lens although its limitations are more likely to emerge now that i'm using a full frame 5d.

So how much better is the IQ on a 200mm prime (wider aperture, better bokeh from 8 blades, glass optimised for single focal length etc etc) ? Its going to be used mainly for staged bird of prey photography.

At under £500 it looks a good buy :thinking: :shrug:


Or should i sell the Sigma, and use the funds to buy into something better (suggestions ? )
 
From my personal experiences, it's not quite got the zing that the 135L has...few lenses will have though. Up against my 70-200/2.8 then it's noticeably ahead when looking at fine detail....you'd probably see it in the feathers in your case.
Already having the 180L, I thought the 200L would be a bit wasteful but no, there's definately something gained in depth (at f/2.8) and also the bokeh. I assume that the 180's concave front element is optimised for macro and becomes a compromise on longer shots.

Bob

Edit....the above is also based on a 5D body
 
My girlfriend has the 200/2.8 and I'm really impressed. To the point that I am thinking of chopping in my 70-200 and getting one instead (since I got the 24-105 I'm finding that the 70-200 is used at 200 nearly all the time)
 
Noticed Lensesforhire have one at very reasonable rate - think i'll give it a try out before committing to buy :D
 
percymon said:
I had a 70-200mm f4 L some time ago - i sold that due to lack of reach, and at the time i didn't think the image quality that good (on 300d).
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i have never come across anyone who has been less than impressed with the F4L. it's fantastic, i cannot believe you didn't get on with it!

anyway, to the topic in hand, i've had a short go with the 200 2.8, shooting skiing at night and it really was very good. for me it was a great balance of weight, build and size, made handling very nice.
 
is what you are saying is prime over zoom?? only having the same consideration, 70-200 2.8 L or 200 or 300 prime L. I really like prime L glass


grumpybadger said:
My girlfriend has the 200/2.8 and I'm really impressed. To the point that I am thinking of chopping in my 70-200 and getting one instead (since I got the 24-105 I'm finding that the 70-200 is used at 200 nearly all the time)
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olv said:
i have never come across anyone who has been less than impressed with the F4L. it's fantastic, i cannot believe you didn't get on with it!
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i was being honest - i couldn't see much difference to my other lenses at the time (all Sigma EX DG series), and on a 300d body. I never printed anything much at that time either so my chances of seeing any differences were limited. In the end i sold it purely because the zoom range was a bit short for what i wanted for my trip to Peru (where a lot of the condor shots were taken at 230-280mm, plus the crop factor)

anyway, to the topic in hand, i've had a short go with the 200 2.8, shooting skiing at night and it really was very good. for me it was a great balance of weight, build and size, made handling very nice.
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Thanks for the feedback - i've PMd StewartR at L4H to check availability for a 3day hire period. Around £50 including postage both ways seems a bit of a bargain, especially when i already have my 80-400mm zoom anyway :D

I just want to make sure i get pin sharp images since my gf is expecting a few framed prints or canvases from my day out - no pressure then ! :help::help:
 
the undertaker said:
is what you are saying is prime over zoom?? only having the same consideration, 70-200 2.8 L or 200 or 300 prime L. I really like prime L glass
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Yup, pretty much that is what I am saying. I am gradually becoming a prime addict! The 200/2.8 doesn't have IS but is half the weight!
 
One of my contacts on Flickr uses the Canon 200mm 2.8L and he is very pleased with it. He's a helpful guy so I am sure if you sent him a FlickrMail he'd be pleased to tell you his feelings on the lens.

HTH

Mark F
 
Thanks for the link Freester - lots of imagines on flickr with the 200mm f2.8 and not one of them looks anything but sharp and true.
 
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