p.2 #5 · Would you rather have the 70-200mk ii is or
The IQ is very close and you will only notice differences if you start shooting newspapers or brick walls. It basically comes down to whether you need an extra stop. I personally bought it but decided to return it because of the weight issue. Otherwise its a superb lens.
p.2 #6 · Would you rather have the 70-200mk ii is or
I started with f4. then 2.8 non IS then 2.8 ISvII. Like many others I should have just gone straight to the f2.8. Great lens if you require f2.8, don't mind the weight, require zoom with great IQ.
Weight for me is no problem. I take my backpack whenever I go for a walk. Don't see any difference carrying a photo bag than wearing lycra whilst riding a bike or running with electronic gadgets at every facial orifice carrying Gatorade.
PS. I ride a bike but hate running & Gatorade.
p.2 #9 · Would you rather have the 70-200mk ii is or
Like all these questions, the right answer for you isn't a matter of a popular vote, but totally a function of your photo-taking habits.
For me, the 70-200 II is the answer to any such question. It's an amazingly good lens at all focal lengths and apertures; it's f/2.8 (real, usable f/2.8), has a very useful focal-length range, and, for all uses to which I put a lens, prime-sharp. There is very little (nothing, probably) for which I would prefer a 135L to this lens at 135. But I'm not a professional, but a serious hobbiest who hikes/travels a lot.
p.2 #10 · Would you rather have the 70-200mk ii is or
Well, one more for the count. We have the 2.8L IS II and also the F4 L IS AND the 135L.
We've decided that we need another f2.8 so we're about to post the F4 IS and 135L on the Buy&Sell forum, so if any one in the UK is after a swap we can maybe come to some agreement
p.2 #12 · Would you rather have the 70-200mk ii is or
After trying different lens lineups I finally settled on using the 70-200/2.8 II IS in this range and getting rid of a few primes (including the 135L) and slower zooms. They're all great lenses and all have their +/- but this remarkable zoom covers a lot of situations allowing me to carrying less gear and do less lens changing. The size/weight thing is relative...after getting used to shooting handheld with the 500/4 IS by comparison the 70-200 seems small and light!
That said, I could see owning the 135L again in the future if things change...it's a fantastic lens.
