my thoughts re 70-200 mk2

[Bill Richardson]

Artie asked me to post my thoughts about the new Canon 70-200 f2.8 mk2. Brief history: I had bought and sold two 100-400s and was never happy with that lens. I had and still have a 70-200f4 which is a really good lens but I wanted something faster to use with a teleconverter as a substitute for the 100-400. I bought the new mk2 for that reason. After a lot of testing and a 3 week safari, I can say that this is the best lens I have ever owned. The IS is great and it is tack sharp even with the 2x TC (the only lens that I have ever owned that is) Canon really did a great job with this lens. On safari I used a 500f4 with 1.4TC on a 1Ds3 and the 70-200 mk2 with a 1.4TC on a 5D2 and it was a terrific combination.

[Arthur Morris]

Thanks Bill. I am a bit confused by this:

I can say that this is the best lens I have ever owned. The IS is great and it is tack sharp even with the 2x TC (the only lens that I have ever owned that is)

I can't wait to try out the 70-200 II that I borrowed. The possibilities for traveling with less gear are endless. The only bad news is that the increased focusing accuracy with the series III TCs will not work with either the 20-200 II or with my beloved 800. Bummer. That technology will only work with the four new super-telephotos, the 300 and 400 f/2.8s, and the 500 and 600 f/4s.

I will get the new TCs anyway for the other advantages: faster autofocusing and improved autofocus precision with compatible EF lenses (these do include all of the telephotos now in production), an anomalous dispersion lens element for reduced chromatic aberration and enhanced optical image quality, the new rubber gaskets and seals to enhance weather resistance, and the new fluorine anti-smear coating that has been is applied to the front and rear elements of both extenders.

[Christopher C.M. Cooke]

Now how do I explain to the wife that I need to buy the new 400 f/2.8 and 600 f/4 in order to use my new converters?

I know I will tell her that if I buy the MKIII 1.4 and 2X Cons. Canon will throw in the 400 f/2.8 and 600 f/4 for free a bargain at $45,000, (God I hope she is going senile) :)

I know that I am.