Canon Ef 70-200mm f2.8 is usm mkii

GR3Z

GR3Z

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Graeme
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I can't stop looking at reviews about this lens and everybody
raves how good it is I'm tempted to go blast the credit card and treat myself,

But I do have some concerns, I only have a 550d is this lens overkill for it and how do they perform on a crop sensor, I've looked on flickr and can't find many with this combo

I like to shoot candid portraits and normal portraits with the odd bit of wildlife/mortorsport

If I decide to take the plunge where's best to get it from jessops/Jacobs seem really expensive compared to eBay and these hong kong importers?
 
Don't do it! Since I've had mine it's been nothing but trouble. Has to be carried everywhere uses up all my time and causes no end of arguments at home.......maybe I'll just move out and live with the lens :-) Being serious I use mine on a 7d for almost everything now and wouldn't be without it. Kerso will do you a good deal and his service is first class. So get the plastic out!
 
marc2004 said:
Don't do it! Since I've had mine it's been nothing but trouble. Has to be carried everywhere uses up all my time and causes no end of arguments at home.......maybe I'll just move out and live with the lens :-) Being serious I use mine on a 7d for almost everything now and wouldn't be without it. Kerso will do you a good deal and his service is first class. So get the plastic out!
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^^^ :agree: Except that Kerso doesn't take plastic... :(
 
Its a big heavy old lump to stick on a 550D, might be a tad unbalanced.

Have you thought of the f/4 version, unless the extra stop is vital for you it might be a better fit and save yourself a grand too.
 
I have the mk1 on a 450D and 500D great lenses are great lenses on any body.
 
Don't put off until tomorrow, what you can buy today. Buy it, you won't regret it.
 
think of it as an investment for when you go up to a 60d or 7d or even a full frame camera like the 5d later ;O)
 
Geez,

I poped into Jacobs today to have a look at the lens, it's big.... The chap in the shop put into onto a 550d like mine, it makes my body look small and it's heavy.... I took a few shots and was impesssed on the speed it focuses, I took a pic of some text on a poster which was at the other end of the shop and when I zoomed in on the camera I read the text easy....... I want one bad, I know I wont be disappointed.

The guy then said what about the 70-200 f4 is, it's a lot cheaper and still very good, if I was to go for this option will I regret it, I'm also thinking I'd like the 2x converter too, for when I want the extra length and this is supposed to perform well on the F2.8 mkii well so I read anyway....

Decisions Decisions

My heads spinning
 
Me personally, if you can afford it get it, it will last alot longer than the camera you have.
Everyone on here bleets on about getting good glass BEFORE upgrading the camera, so there you go buy it and when the time is right for you upgrsade the camera and you will already have the best glass to go on it.

I have seriously been looking at this lens too but tis a bit out of reach for me at the mo.

spike
 
I've got the Mk1 on my 40D & it's my most popular lens, IQ is brilliant, focuses super fast.

Can only imagine the Mk2 is even better, as far as the F4 or F2.8, if you can afford the 2.8, go for it, if you don't need it, it'll hold its value well if you need to sell it & you'll have the benefit of 2.8 if you need it. If you get the f4, you might end up wishing you'd got the 2.8, it's better to open the aperture than bump up the ISO?
 
GR3Z said:
Geez,

I poped into Jacobs today to have a look at the lens, it's big.... The chap in the shop put into onto a 550d like mine, it makes my body look small and it's heavy.... I took a few shots and was impesssed on the speed it focuses, I took a pic of some text on a poster which was at the other end of the shop and when I zoomed in on the camera I read the text easy....... I want one bad, I know I wont be disappointed.

The guy then said what about the 70-200 f4 is, it's a lot cheaper and still very good, if I was to go for this option will I regret it, I'm also thinking I'd like the 2x converter too, for when I want the extra length and this is supposed to perform well on the F2.8 mkii well so I read anyway....

Decisions Decisions

My heads spinning
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I got the f/4 IS version, though the 2.8 Mk2 wasn't available then. Not sure which one I'd get now. The Mk2 is sharper in theory, but you'd need a microscope to tell. F4 is a fabulous lens.

The obvious differences are the f/number, weight and cost. Perhaps less obvious is that the Mk2 does indeed take a 2x extender well, and ends up as a 140-400 5.6, with AF retained, that is pretty much a match for the 100-400L - all for the price of an extender. If that's something which appeals, that clinches it for the Mk2.
 
Did mention it was a heavy old lump, if you want a 2X TC and retain AF you would need the f/2.8 version or buy the f/4 model with a 1.4 TC

The heavier lens is just too much for me to lug about all day, had the Sigma version and that's why i ended up with the smaller, lighter f/4 Canon lens
 
HoppyUK said:
I got the f/4 IS version, though the 2.8 Mk2 wasn't available then. Not sure which one I'd get now. The Mk2 is sharper in theory, but you'd need a microscope to tell. F4 is a fabulous lens.

The obvious differences are the f/number, weight and cost. Perhaps less obvious is that the Mk2 does indeed take a 2x extender well, and ends up as a 140-400 5.6, with AF retained, that is pretty much a match for the 100-400L - all for the price of an extender. If that's something which appeals, that clinches it for the Mk2.
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I need to do some more research on how well it performs with the 2x extender, if it's about on par with 100-400L, it would clinch for me too,
 
I sold the 100-400 shortly after my 70-200 Mk2 arrived.

I found that the added flexibility of the 70-200 + 2x combo meant the 100-400 stayed at home EVERY time I left the house! The image quality difference is very very small and unnoticeable on an A3+ print possibly larger.

The 70-200 with 2x also has the advantage of being weather sealed, which has been a major plus point this summer!

Get the 70-200, you won't regret it!
 
I rented a 70-200 2.8 to use last weekend, I've got a 600D. Yeah, it is a bit unbalanced, and yes it 'dwarfs' the body a little bit, but it's easy to get used to and if you can afford it, I wouldn't take a second thought about it. The quality of the lens outshines any problems of it mounted on a 550D and as long as you properly support the lens when you're holding it (which you have no choice in, really :p) then it's entirely worth it.
 
GR3Z said:
I need to do some more research on how well it performs with the 2x extender, if it's about on par with 100-400L, it would clinch for me too,
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Check it out here. If this link works like it should, it's a direct comparison between the 70-200L Mk2 with the Mk3 2x extender and 100-400L. Toggle the arrow in the middle. You can also load up any number of lenses and extender combinations on that site.

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/...meraComp=453&SampleComp=0&FLIComp=7&APIComp=0

Edit: the bad news is, it's just like Ian says above :D I won't mention the new 70-300L, or Sigma's new and amazingly good 120-300 2.8 OS for £2k... ;)
 
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The weight issue isn't an issue. When I got my mk1 using it for a day killed my arms, stick a battery grip on and it ballances it up a little. I even bought a mono pod as it was heavy but you get used to it I once thought hand holding a 300mm 2.8IS was impossible but after doing it a few time its very possible.
 
GR3Z;

Here's an average photo (handheld) using my 5D MkI with 70-200mm L f/2.8 (non IS) in our backgarden;

IMG_3400-1.jpg


Set at 185mm, 800 iso, f4, 250th
 
The 70-200/2.8L IS II is silly good. But it's not really a candid portrait lens as it's big and white :)

I've started playing with the 2x extender just now and I'm a bit divided myself on the IQ, it's not bad at all but probably needs to be stopped down to f/8 to shine. Would be interesting to know if the mk3 2x is really better...
 
macvisual said:
GR3Z;

Here's an average photo (handheld) using my 5D MkI with 70-200mm L f/2.8 (non IS) in our backgarden;

IMG_3400-1.jpg


Set at 185mm, 800 iso, f4, 250th
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Thats nice and sharp

vaizki said:
The 70-200/2.8L IS II is silly good. But it's not really a candid portrait lens as it's big and white :)

I've started playing with the 2x extender just now and I'm a bit divided myself on the IQ, it's not bad at all but probably needs to be stopped down to f/8 to shine. Would be interesting to know if the mk3 2x is really better...
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Yeah that would be intresting to know the results, i supposed the Mk3 not been out that long, i cant find much on it..
 
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Get the f/4 version its not worth the extra 600 quid for an extra stop, spend the 600 on an upgrade from the 550d to a 60d or if funds available a 5d or a 7d
 
GR3Z said:
Putting a slight different spin on this thread. Those of you with 70-200mm f2.8 lenses (any brand) what do mainly shoot with it? I think I'd used it for candid portraits
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My main use is action shots of dogs running or jumping. Even if I don't use f/2.8 it makes the focussing quicker and more reliable on a moving target.

For candids f/2.8 may be overkill unless you want it for the shallow depth of field.
 
DemiLion said:
As an owner of both - Oh Yes it is!
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It is but I'm being realistic if they have an amazing lens and not such a good body there is room for compromise there. I have the f/4 and the 2.8 non is and only use the 2.8 for low light stuff, it is quality as they both are I was taking account the body owned swell. G
 
Does the EF 70-200 f/2.8 LIS II lens have a date code?.. If so, where on the lens is it? I can't find it anywhere.
 
Some do and some don't.

If you have the 10 digit serial number then there isn't any date code.
 
If you can't afford it now ....don't by something else.....Wait , Save and then Enjoy the quality ...You will be ditching the Missus and Kids for it ....Believe me ..
 
Hi,
I have a 400D and I use a 18-200 sigma image stabilised lens and it's a very versatile lens. Ive had some good portraits, landscapes, motorsport images. I got mine from jessops and I find them really helpful there, though It just depends Which store you go to I guess.
 
I know im going to get slated with this comment ... but i'll make it anyhow

I have the 70-200 f2.8 but i went for the sigma .... pretty comparable to the canon ... cheaper and a lot more descrete ..... The saving may be enough to upgrade to the 7D lol which works well & is well ballanced


Just an option ...... Mine sits on the camera 90% of the time as its pretty universaland covers a usefull range!
 
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I have the sigma 18-200mm OS and it doesn't compare to the 70-200mm f/2.8 IS mk1 colours dont quite look the same to start with never mind the f/6.3 apperture at 200mm.

I bought it for the days I wanted to travel light, if Im traveling light I just take one lens 24-70 or 70-200 and limit what I shoot rather than use the sigma.
 
DemiLion said:
Some do and some don't.

If you have the 10 digit serial number then there isn't any date code.
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Well, thank you sir. Yes, I have ten digits :lol:... Joking aside, any one knows why?
 
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