Canon 70-200 2.8 IS MKI

danny_bhoy

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Just after the opinion of anyone who owns one of the above and uses it fairly regularly. There's one going local-ish for a good price (more or less exactly half the price of the MK2 version which I just can't justify).

I'm torn between the above and the Tamron equivalent.

What I'm really looking for is someone to convince me to buy the damn thing! :)
 
The MkII is definitely superior to the MkI,
I have no knowledge of the Tamron, so I can't comment on that one's capabilities,
but Ihad the MkI for years and loved it.
You want it? I think you need it TBH ;)
 
Cobra said:
The MkII is definitely superior to the MkI,
I have no knowledge of the Tamron, so I can't comment on that one's capabilities,
but Ihad the MkI for years and loved it.
You want it? I think you need it TBH ;)
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Yeah I've read that the MK2 tops it in pretty much every dept (IQ, IS, Autofocus) but it's just not on the cards.

The dilemma really is whether to get the used Canon or a new, and rather highly regarded, Tamron 70-200 2.8 VC for more or less the same price.

Haha I have already convinced myself that I need it (weddings) but I thought my days of procrastinating over gear had long gone!
 
How does the Siggy compare price wise? I've seen some excellent results from that too, but never used one.
Just to confuse matters further :D
 
Cobra said:
How does the Siggy compare price wise? I've seen some excellent results from that too, but never used one.
Just to confuse matters further :D
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Haha don't worry - I've already discounted that, purely based on numerous reviews comparing the three. It costs just less than the Tamron and it looks a good lens just not as good as the others.
 
What'd put me off the Tamron is I think the zoom twists the opposite way to all Canon lenses, which would really bug me!
 
T_J_G said:
What'd put me off the Tamron is I think the zoom twists the opposite way to all Canon lenses, which would really bug me!
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Cobra said:
If thats the case, then that'd drive me nuts too!
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It'd be my only zoom lens amongst a bunch of primes so no fear of confusion here ;)

Makes you wonder what they're thinking when they design it though right?!
 
danny_bhoy said:
Makes you wonder what they're thinking when they design it though right?!
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That's because Nikon lenses all twist the 'wrong' way, so this lens was obviously designed first for Nikon and then the design adapted (but not very well) for Canon.

Nikon shooters have long complained of the same problem with some third-party lenses that twist the 'Canon' way because the design was done the other way round.
 
And it's also why you don't see third-party f/1.2 autofocus lenses (eg Sigma Art 50mm at f/1.4), as the optics are all designed to work with both Nikon and Canon meaning the lowest common denominator, which is the Nikon F mount that doesn't really work with autofocus faster than f/1.4

Canon lenses made just for Canon can autofocus up to f/1.0 (or beyond?) although f/1.2 is the fastest currently in production.
 
It is a superb lens, used one for years before upgrading to Mk II which is even better.
But the first version is quite capable as well.
 
I had the MK 1 version for a number of years before upgrading to the MK 2. The MK 1 is a very capable lens and produces good results. Personally I'd always go for the Canon glass over any other.
 
Jolyon Ralph said:
And it's also why you don't see third-party f/1.2 autofocus lenses (eg Sigma Art 50mm at f/1.4), as the optics are all designed to work with both Nikon and Canon meaning the lowest common denominator, which is the Nikon F mount that doesn't really work with autofocus faster than f/1.4

Canon lenses made just for Canon can autofocus up to f/1.0 (or beyond?) although f/1.2 is the fastest currently in production.
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Interesting stuff - learned something new there :thumbs:
 
saglik said:
It is a superb lens, used one for years before upgrading to Mk II which is even better.
But the first version is quite capable as well.
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scarey said:
I had the MK 1 version for a number of years before upgrading to the MK 2. The MK 1 is a very capable lens and produces good results. Personally I'd always go for the Canon glass over any other.
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Thanks for the insight guys.

The dilemma is whether to opt for the older, second hand MK1 Canon or a new Tamron. According to the reviews the Tamron had very good VC (up to 4 stops) and the IQ is just about on a par with Canon. Both around the same price point.

I'm trying my hardest to resist the urge to go with Canon just because it's Canon.
 
Just to add extra mud to the water.
Having read a lot about the Tamron, there is a lot of talk of quality issue which is putting me off purchasing.
 
Looked at purchasing a mk I a few years back & went with the Sigma 70-200. I have been very happy with this lens but as others will tell you its not a Canon.
The biggest question for me is, will new glass give me better images or is it just me?
 
I have it and it is. Great lens for the money that you can get one for. Very heavy though. I suppose the MKii is just as heavy. Use it for weddings but not much else
 
danny_bhoy said:
Thanks for the insight guys.

The dilemma is whether to opt for the older, second hand MK1 Canon or a new Tamron. According to the reviews the Tamron had very good VC (up to 4 stops) and the IQ is just about on a par with Canon. Both around the same price point.

I'm trying my hardest to resist the urge to go with Canon just because it's Canon.
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Can you try the Canon lens out you've seen - this might solve your question and make your mind up ?

The Canon lens is a belter and has been said above, the mkII is an improvement, but as you say, caries a price tag with it.

Personally, if I was buying, I would try out the Canon lens and if it gives me the results I was after, then I'd get it, especially if it's a good price...Enjoy whatever you do get :)
 
I have owned 6 of the Tamron 70-200 VC lenses between Nikon and Canon. 5 of these had issues varying from AF being way off the mark to VC causing blur in the images. Terrible QC on these, panamoz don't stock them for this reason, won't be ever trying another one !!!
 
danny_bhoy said:
Yeah I've heard that too Paul - same as their 24-70. Top notch if you get a good copy though!
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Even if you get a "good copy" on one body it doesn't mean it will play ball on another body. One of mine worked fine on a D700 but didn't AF properly on a D750 (every other lens worked perfectly on the D750 except the Tamron)
 
Jolyon Ralph said:
And it's also why you don't see third-party f/1.2 autofocus lenses (eg Sigma Art 50mm at f/1.4), as the optics are all designed to work with both Nikon and Canon meaning the lowest common denominator, which is the Nikon F mount that doesn't really work with autofocus faster than f/1.4

Canon lenses made just for Canon can autofocus up to f/1.0 (or beyond?) although f/1.2 is the fastest currently in production.
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It's not the AF that is the issue but rather fitting an AF system physically into a package that can attach to that sized flange. There are f/1.2 lenses that can AF on Nikon, they're just very expensive. The problem is the size of the flange and the distance from the sensor plane. For half a stop it's not worth the cost and vignetting implied.
 
frod said:
It's not the AF that is the issue but rather fitting an AF system physically into a package that can attach to that sized flange. There are f/1.2 lenses that can AF on Nikon, they're just very expensive. The problem is the size of the flange and the distance from the sensor plane. For half a stop it's not worth the cost and vignetting implied.
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Thanks - that is a much clearer explanation than any I've heard before.
 
Canon lens is a better choice both optically and for residual value.

The only negative about the Canon mk1 70-200mm f/2.8 IS was that when hung from a 'Black Rapid' type shoulder strap you could un-intentionally switch the proud Focus switch from AF to MF as it rubs along your leg. Some owners negate this nuance by simply fitting a rubber band around the lens body in the switch area.
 
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