Thoughts on Canon 70-200 f2.8L IS II vs 70-200 f2.8L IS I?

[Julie Brown]

I just got a new 5D MKIII and I am thinking of buying a 70-200 f2.8L IS lens. There is a $1000 difference between version I and II. What about the difference in performance between these two lenses on this camera? Currently I own the 70-200 f4L and the 400 f5.6L which are usually parked on my 7D. Now I am thinking that I could sell all three (definitely the 7D) to cover the extra $1000 for the 70-200 f2.8L IS II. This lens plus the 1.4x III and 2xIII extenders would provide the 70-400 range with just one lens.

Any thoughts on the specs or possible resale value of my equipment (in good shape) are appreciated!

[arash_hazeghi]

Hi Julie,

I have the 70-200 MKII and use it from time to time (for subjects other than avian), I love it. It is regarded as the sharpest 70-200 zoom lens of any brand and overall one of the sharpest zoom lenses regardless of focal length. The old one which is obsolete now wasn't that sharp when used with open apertures, and the corner performance wasn't great on a full frame camera. The IS on the new lens is effective four stops while the old one was two stops at best. It does work well with both 1.4X III and 2X III, very sharp, even wide open. The AF does become a bit slow compared to 400 f/5.6 with 2X if you want to shoot flight with it but it is certainly usable.

see the review of the 70-200 II on photozone.de they ranked it very high http://www.photozone.de/canon_eos_ff...on_70200_2is28

as for resale value you can check eBay or Fred Miranda's site to get a feel of how much your gear is worth.

best

[Marina Scarr]

Hi Julie:

I think your plan makes sense based upon the information you have provided. If you do a lot of birds in flight (esp fast birds) the 400/5.6 is really fast but if it's not a big part of your photography, I think you'll be happy selling the 3 items you mention and using your new camera with the 70-200 Version II and the new 1.4 and 2.0 teleconverters.

[Julie Brown]

Hi Arash,

Good point about putting a 2x extender on the lens and slowing the AF. Primes usually rule don't they? Normally I use the 400 f5.6L as a walk around lens with the 7D for BIF, and the 70-200 f4L for outdoor sports on the 7D. I have also been lugging around a 300 f2.8L IS + 2x III on my 5D MKII on a monopod, and the 7D + 70-200 f4L at football and soccer games. So now, I will rethink this. For outdoor sports I could carry the 5D MKIII + 70-200 f2.8L IS II and the 7D + 400 f5.6L to cover the same focal ranges, but a lighter and less cumbersome kit overall. For indoor sports the 5D MKIII + 70-200 f2.8L IS II. That 4 stop IS should be very helpful in those dimly lit gyms. So, if I buy the 70-200 f2.8L IS II, I will sell or trade-in the 70-200 f4L (which is probably the smaller loss in resale value anyway).

Thanks for your reply and for the link to the review. Very helpful to me as I consider what to keep and what to sell.

[Julie Brown]

Hi Julie:

I think your plan makes sense based upon the information you have provided. If you do a lot of birds in flight (esp fast birds) the 400/5.6 is really fast but if it's not a big part of your photography, I think you'll be happy selling the 3 items you mention and using your new camera with the 70-200 Version II and the new 1.4 and 2.0 teleconverters.

Hi Marina,

I was writing a reply to Arash's post when yours came in. I totally agree with your assessment, but I didn't mention in the first post that I also shoot youth sports year-round, so maybe I should keep the 7D and the 400 f5.6L. So now, will my 5D MK II be neglected? It has a slow frame rate, but is good in low light.

I appreciate the input from both of you. It helps me think through my options. Thanks!

[Marina Scarr]

Now, you're making it really tough. I think that your new 70-200 with or without a TC would probably be great for photographing youth sports. I personally feel that a zoom would be better suited to shooting youth sports. If you are going to keep either the 5D2 or the 7D, it would probably make more sense to keep the 7D b/c of the crop factor and faster frame rate.

Good luck in your decision.

[Julie Brown]

Now, you're making it really tough. I think that your new 70-200 with or without a TC would probably be great for photographing youth sports. I personally feel that a zoom would be better suited to shooting youth sports. If you are going to keep either the 5D2 or the 7D, it would probably make more sense to keep the 7D b/c of the crop factor and faster frame rate.

Good luck in your decision.

I am complicating things aren't I? I was thinking the same thing regarding the crop factor of the 7D. And yes, zoom is better for sports, so I carry two cameras when I'm doing outdoor games. The 600mm focal length is necessary when I am way downfield or can't get close to the action. I once shot a middle school football game from the stands for an individual client because I had no access to the sidelines. The 300 f2.8L IS + 2xIII on my 5D MKII allowed me to get what I needed for that game. Won't the 70-200 f2.8L IS II also be useful with or without the 1.4x III in Florida with the big waders?

Thanks, Marina

[Marina Scarr]

If I were at Fort Desoto, for instance, I would opt for the 300 and TC's. The 70-200 with or without TC's is what I would use for shooting at Gatorland or the Alligator Farm, and also rookeries or birds in flight from a boat...that type of thing. It really depends on the venue.

[Julie Brown]

If I were at Fort Desoto, for instance, I would opt for the 300 and TC's. The 70-200 with or without TC's is what I would use for shooting at Gatorland or the Alligator Farm, and also rookeries or birds in flight from a boat...that type of thing. It really depends on the venue.

I value that advice, because my next springtime trip to Florida just might include at least one, if not all of those destinations. I have not been to any of those places, but have been wanting to.

Thanks, again!

[arash_hazeghi]

What is the maximum weight you can handhold?

If I were you I'd sell everything except for the 5D3 then buy a 300 f/2.8 MKII. It will cover 300mm to 600mm (with 2X III). The sharpness is great and superior to any combination of your current lenses, AF is quick and most accurate with the 5D3 module, the new gen 4 IS system compensates up to 4 stops. Carrying two cameras is a bad choice IMO, it gets cumbersome, you mix up the settings and of course you always have the wrong one in your hands

[Julie Brown]

What is the maximum weight you can handhold?

If I were you I'd sell everything except for the 5D3 then buy a 300 f/2.8 MKII. It will cover 300mm to 600mm (with 2X III). The sharpness is great and superior to any combination of your current lenses, AF is quick and most accurate with the 5D3 module, the new gen 4 IS system compensates up to 4 stops. Carrying two cameras is a bad choice IMO, it gets cumbersome, you mix up the settings and of course you always have the wrong one in your hands

Wow, that is an idea! For some strange reason, I have not considered upgrading the 300 f2.8 IS I to II because of the price, but if I got decent sale prices for my gear, it just might work. The appeal of new technology is powerful. I resisted getting the 5D MKIII for almost two years, but finally decided to get it because I am renting a 600 f4L IS II for an upcoming trip to Nebraska at the end of March.

Would you keep the 5D MK II or the 7D as a backup?

[arash_hazeghi]

Wow, that is an idea! For some strange reason, I have not considered upgrading the 300 f2.8 IS I to II because of the price, but if I got decent sale prices for my gear, it just might work. The appeal of new technology is powerful. I resisted getting the 5D MKIII for almost two years, but finally decided to get it because I am renting a 600 f4L IS II for an upcoming trip to Nebraska at the end of March.

Would you keep the 5D MK II or the 7D as a backup?

No I would sell them to help fund for the 300 f/2.8 MKII. Bodies, specifically lower end ones lose their value really fast, lenses hold their value. A lens like the 300 MKII is a great long term investment too. You will make lots of great photos for free because the lens will hold its cash value .

[Julie Brown]

No I would sell them to help fund for the 300 f/2.8 MKII. Bodies, specifically lower end ones lose their value really fast, lenses hold their value. A lens like the 300 MKII is a great long term investment too. You will make lots of great photos for free because the lens will hold its cash value .

That makes perfect sense. Thank you for all of the great advice, Arash!