Canon 70-200mm f2.8 mk2 - lens for pros?

J

jonneymendoza

Suspended / Banned
Messages
8,530
Edit My Images
No
Hi, I may have some funds to buy this lens but the question is, is this lens only suitable for pros who use it everyday compared to a hobbiest who only uses the camera maybe once of twice a month at an average per year?

If I got this I reckon this lens will last me a lifetime ie no reason to replace it and therefore the sound if spending 1.8k sounds like a investment.

I will use this for pretty much lots of things. Actions. Landscape. Candid street shots, low light candid shots indoors in a large hall etc etc.

Thoughts? Is this lens only for pros? Can this lens last a lifetime without malfunctioning ?
 
I have a Mk1 that I've owned for five years and I'm very happy with. I'm still occasionally taken aback by its performance and the Mk2 is apparently better still.

jonneymendoza said:
Thoughts? Is this lens only for pros?
Click to expand...

No, if you have the money and need f/2.8 for the photographs you want to take. It is quite heavy, though.

If you're only using it a couple of times a month, then I guess you'd have to figure out where your priorities are.

Can this lens last a lifetime without malfunctioning ?
Click to expand...

Possibly, possibly not. :shrug:

With all the electronic components in modern lenses, getting one serviced in 35 years might prove problematic if something does go wrong (compared with, say, some of my older FD manual lenses) but that's a risk inherent in any electrically controlled AF lens.
 
70-200 isn't normally used for landscapes though...and depending on the camera you have (crop/ff) the 70 might be a lot more than that... 1.4/1.6x

For portraits, weddings and anything where you are trying to get 'close in' to a subject or are isolating them from the background the 70-200 would be brilliant, but not for landscapes, you will want a totally different lens for that type of shot really..
 
Hi Jonney,
My thoughts for what they're worth. This lens is legendary and a standard part of the kit for any journo' 'tog using Canon gear, so I don't think you need have any doubts about IQ or reliability.

Re your investment, a littlle story. I had 24/105L and 100/400L and I debated wether or not to buy one of these. It's just a hobby and I'm retired so I don't have money to throw away and felt that I'd only use it occasionally because I seem to have the 100/400 permanently on the camera.

When I heard a new model was due out I thought OK, I'll get one (used) cheaper when the new model's out. WRONG...the price increase was so great that even the used prices went up! So, no fears on the investment front i think!

I'm not PC savvy, I've tried to put a link to my Flikr page. My ID is the same as here and I've recently uploaded some shots with the 70/200 on only the second time i've had it out of the bag in 7 months. I was delighted with the sharpness of them...straight of the camera.. no PP. HTH
 
Cool thanks for the posts. Sounds like I will buy it.

Quick question. Will it fit inside a lowepro 350 backpack and I assume this lens work fine on my Canon 400d.
 
Got mine about a month ago - it is now easily my new favourite lens! It is heavy but the pictures are great. I did look at getting one second hand but they do seem to hold their value well (ie expensive!) so no worries there if I ever need to sell it on. It will fit in the bag - just depends what else you're trying to carry!
 
There's nothing to stop you using a 70-200 for landscape photography, some of my favourite landscape images have been taken with that lens.
 
quick question. if i was to go down selfridges tomorrow who have this lens, should i bring my 400d and ask if i can attach the lens to my camera and have a feel and proper test with in it store?

Has anyone done something similar?
 
Is your 400D gripped? It'll be stupidly unbalanced if it isn't.
 
Mini First impressions of the 70-200mm f2.8 mk2

i just had a go on it in selfridges store.

to explain the type of lighting the place is, the camera section is in the basement of selfridges and the light inside their is not great.

Its like taking pictures inside your living room with dim low light settings during the night. why is their poor lighting? because the camera section is next to the TV and audio section.

I tested it out on my camera and took a few shots wide open with IS on and my o my the results where fantastic and sharp!

im still at work so when i get home i will post the image online and i wont apply a single PP to it but from the camera previous screen, it looks awsome.

i handheld at 1/15 at around 100-150mm and their was no camera shake evident on the pic!

The focus was super smooth and accurate but to fully test the AF i need to be outside shooting something thats moving.

i couldnt hear it focus!

In terms of weight and feel, it felt great. solid and well constructed. it does weigh a bit and i even hanged my 400d with the lens attached and grip on and hang around my neck and i can say it will definetly strain my neck after maybe 10mins.

a shoulder strap is a must for this lens but overall in terms of weight and feel, i can see it not bothering me much at all. Its hard to make a conclusion on the weight and proper feel without using one for a whole day but initial impressions are positive.

So overall the low light performance blows away my tamron 17-50mm and it certainly weighs and feels like a £1800 item.

It will be bought. no if's or buts. i will get this no doubt and thank you all for all your wonderful posts about this lens.

This will be my first L lens purchase and cant wait!
 
Basically, if you think you want this lens and can afford it just get it !

You will not lose much money if yu want to pass it on later. More importantly, it delivers
stunning images and is great with TCs as a bonus.

It will not make you a better tog but I bet it will make you smile a lot and that is worth someting in these miserable, austere times !

Enjoy your purchase.
 
i wish i could afford it, its a lot of money for me considering this is a hobby lol
remember to post those images up when you get it
 
I so want to try the mk2 out. I bought the mk1 and averything makes me want the mk2
 
£1800 for a lens, I could never justify it, but good luck for when you buy it.
 
If you can afford the lens get it. You won't be disappointed.
 
Jacobs is a good place to shop. Support your local shop!
 
I don't know what Selfridges are charging, but based on what I've seen on the big London stores, you'll pay a lot more for the privilege of shopping there! Probably a good place to have a play with the kit though!
 
jonneymendoza said:
anyways. is Jacobs a decent place to shop?
Click to expand...

I tend to do most of my "in store" shopping in Jacobs, normally the one in New Oxford Street

I have the Mk1 f2.8 and it makes me smile every time I use it, sport, wildlife, architecture, portrait; I use it. For a wide range of subjects most often wide open. It's a great bit of kit and the new one is even better.

Steve
 
nealeholl said:
I don't know what Selfridges are charging, but based on what I've seen on the big London stores, you'll pay a lot more for the privilege of shopping there! Probably a good place to have a play with the kit though!
Click to expand...

It costs 2.7k!
 
you've had a play with it, you know what your getting why not ask kerso on here or digi-rev, you'll surely save some precious pennies...
kerso's last list was £1649....
 
Last edited:
Martylaa said:
you've had a play with it, you know what your getting why not ask kerso on here or digi-rev, you'll surely save some precious pennies...
kerso's last list was £1649....
Click to expand...

Kerso reliable? And digi rev too? Ain't they both grey imports?
 
never bought of kerso yet, but thats only because the lens i want is outta stock, but you get the same warranty you would buying from jessops, plenty on here use him...
 
Kerso is fine for buying from, I bought my 10-22, 24-70 and 70-200 with the addition of a 580EX2.

Check out his ebay feedback at flash camera if you are worried. His prices on ebay don't seem as good as they used to be but its always worth contacting him for an outside ebay price.
 
Kerso has the best price on ebay, Pm him you normally get a discount.
 
I've bought all my kit from Kerso, even claimed the Canon cashback on some of it without any issue.

I can't see any problems arising with warranty, especially as lenses come with international warranty anyway.
 
You don't need to even involve Kerso just contact canon and send it direct to them or their service centres. Lenses have international warranties so even if its bought in the US its still covered in the UK.
The smart thing with Kerso is that even though the bodys are US bodys and Body warranties are regional, becasue he issues a UK recipt/invoice they are covered by canon UK.
 
It depends on how you feel about going into a local brick & mortar store, trying out their demo models, then not buying from them.
 
Contact kerso via his thread on here. I am happy with his service. And I am also happy with the 70-200 MK2 lens.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top