Canon 70-200 - which One

Bullysrus

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Hi All,

I currently have the 70-200 F4 IS but I think that I need the F2.8.

I Mainly use it for Dog Agility, but I keep reading that the F4 is sharper.

So do I stay with the F4 or move to the F2.8

Any advice please
 
What 2.8?
 
Mk1 or MkII?
 
I've had both f/2.8's and the MkI is great but a really good f4 would equal it in performance.

The MkII is in a class of it's own and must be one of the sharpest zooms Canon make, it's streets ahead of the f4.
 
Mk1 - unless you absolutely need the extra stop, don't bother. I did and moved back to the F4 IS, which is cheaper, lighter and sharper.

Mk2 - equals or beats the F4 IS in sharpness but it costs a fortune so only you can decide if the extra stop is worth the cost & weight.
 
Sorry but I need to disagree here, the f/4 IS is deffo not as good and the MkII f/2.8!

The OP shoots dog shows so the f/2.8 will come in handy.


Mk2 - equals or beats the F4 IS in sharpness but it costs a fortune so only you can decide if the extra stop is worth the cost & weight.
 
Sorry but I need to disagree here, the f/4 IS is deffo not as good and the MkII f/2.8!

This article would beg to differ:
Most people considering the purchase of a Canon EF 70-200mm f/4.0 L IS USM Lens will also consider the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS II USM Lens. As mentioned before, the f/2.8 version is larger, heavier and more expensive. But, the wider aperture can be worth the downsides if you need it. Both lenses deliver similar optical performance at similar apertures.
 
I can't comment on the F/4 but I've got the F/2.8 l IS II and it's a stunning lens. If you're shooting dog agility with small dogs f/2.8 is a must. As well as faster shutter speeds you benefit from more accurate AF with an F/2.8 lens.
 
Thanks All.

My questions is do i sell my F4 and my 100-400 IS and Fund the F2.8 and by a 1.4 Converter.

Or just sell the F4 and keep the 100-400 and buy the F2.8

Would i still need the 100-400, whats the quality like with the F2.8 and Converter.
 
Ive had both a 70-200 F/4 and a 70-200 2.8 MK1. And my 2.8 is definitely sharper.

The non-IS versions of both though? The F4 IS is sharper than the F4 whilst the F2.8 IS (mk1) is softer than the F2.8.
 
Interesting I'm in the boat as the OP can't decide on which 70-200 to go for, my thoughts are to wait and keep saving f2.8mkii. I've read on other sites that the f2.8 mkII with a 2x converter (mk3) matches the optical performance of the 100-400L and still has a aperture of f5.6 @ 400mm, my only concern is if the autofocus will work with 2x converter on some of the cheaper body's like the 550d, so would be greatful if some could clarify this, i think of it has a lens for life or at least the next 5 to 10 years.

I currently have the 17-55 f2.8 and if I had 70-200 and a 2x converter I've more or less got all distances covered and the will all fit in my camera bag...

Just my 2p worth
 
Thanks All, yep im going to go for the F2.8, but i want it now.........
 
Dog show is normally very dark, so fast lens high iso is needed. So I think Bullysrus need to upgrade to 5D III when it comes out!
 
Im not made of Money.

But i do Agree, would Love It.
 
Dont have Kids, but how about the Dogs.

She would kill me
 
All,

I can't currently afford a F2.8 MKii

So would the MK1 be better than my F4
 
Only if you need the extra stop, otherwise not that much difference bar IS.. and you can get an f4 IS for less than a mk1 2.8 IS, which is lighter, smaller, better IS and better IQ.
 
I had a 70-200 f4 L non IS and recently sold it and got a 2.8 IS L MkI. The f4 was very sharp and I was a bit worried in case the 2.8 wasn't as good, but I'm now very relieved after taking the 2.8 out in sunshine for the first time yesterday for a short while, as it looks to be as sharp as the f4 was right down to 2.8. In short, I'm really pleased that I took the plunge and got the MkI instead of saving for ages and getting the MkII. As I only do this for a hobby it's as good as I'll ever need.
 
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