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Archive 2017 · Thinking about selling my 70-200 II

  
 
StarNut
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Thinking about selling my 70-200 II


Hi,

The first really fine Canon lens I bought was the 70-200 f/2.8L IS II, to replace a very nice Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 I'd used for years.

It has been my favorite lens all these years; everything one might want in a lens--sharp; excellent AF, and robust.

It probably has only taken a few thousand images, but it never disappoints.

BTW, I'm not a professional photographer; I don't do events, and I have never used this lens indoors.

When gathering information for our Africa trip, it became clear that I would be happier with the new 100-400 than my 70-200 with a 2xIII. So I bought one.

And it really is a fine lens.

I essentially never use the wide aperture of the 70-200, since I rarely take photos indoors or during dawn/dusk times. I generally use the lens for landscape and wildlife photography.

Most photos I've taken with the lens have been at f/5.6 or slower. And I haven't used the 70-200 since I bought the 100-400 II.

So, to the issue at hand. Although I am sentimentally attached to the 70-200, it seem like I will rarely (if ever) use it again. Is there any compelling reason I should keep the lens, rather than selling it to someone who will use it?

Thanks.

Mark



Sep 04, 2017 at 12:07 AM
Paul Mo
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Thinking about selling my 70-200 II


Do you really need the money from selling it?

If not then let it sit for a while longer.



Sep 04, 2017 at 12:32 AM
tsangc
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Thinking about selling my 70-200 II


I suppose you know your subjects and scenarios better than anyone else. I personally would never sell my 70-200mm. It's simply too useful for the kind of event and travel images I like to take. I've had one for eleven years, first a v1 then a v2, and consider it one of two key lenses I think every shooter should have.*

(* Well that's a personal opinion admittedly

But that's as someone who shoots indoors and in varying conditions on many different types of subjects.

If it's not something you use a lot and you know for sure you wouldn't miss it, you could sell it off. It sounds like you've done a good assessment of what you do and how it doesn't fit. What brought you to the (Sigma or Canon) 70-200mm to begin with? Was it the wrong focal length or have your needs changed since then?



Sep 04, 2017 at 12:38 AM
Johnwocher
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Thinking about selling my 70-200 II


Remember, the 100-400 hits f/5 at about 300 and and 5.6 at 400, so if you are shooting any low light, consider that. If you like f/5.6 and you will not shoot any low light/dusk photos in Africa, it will serve you well. Resale on the 70-200 should be pretty good, but if you do not have a f/2.8 portrait lens, that lens will do the trick very nicely. Agree, getting the 70-200 to 400 with a 2X is not the answer. You will get 400 at 5.6, but image quality will suffer. Ditto on the 100-400 and I'd not use a 2X on that lens for two reasons. Slow f/stop and no autofocus on a Canon body beyond f/8.
Envy you going to Africa.
John




Sep 04, 2017 at 12:56 AM
TeamSpeed
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Thinking about selling my 70-200 II


If you don't shoot low light, nor shoot anything close where you want a thin DOF, then why keep it?


Sep 04, 2017 at 05:44 AM
dmahar
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Thinking about selling my 70-200 II


I did just what you are proposing and have no regrets. For my purposes - wildlife- the 100-400II wins.


Sep 04, 2017 at 07:24 AM
RobertLynn
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Thinking about selling my 70-200 II


It all depends on what you shoot. I used to think that I absolutely HAD to have a 35 1.4. I have one and I use my 35 f/2 NON IS Older than dirt lens 1000% more than the 1.4.

I thought I'd never use the 100-400 for baseball because I'd be crippled with the f/5 and f/5.6 at the long end. Nope, I look for reasons to use it. I thought I'd be devastated that I don't have a 135 f/2 or 85 f/1.2. Nope, I have an 85 1.8 that I never use to make up for it.

To be honest, I'm only on the fence on selling my 35 1.4 I, and 16/35 f/2.8II because I don't want to take a bath on the price but I'll have to just get over it and do it. I know I'd rather have the f/4 16-35 and I know I don't care about the 1.4 of my 35.

Do whatever makes you happy. That's what the rant above is about. If you're getting great images with your 100-400, then I'd consider selling the 70-200 if you never use it. The 100-400 will be infinitely better than the 70-200 with a 2X.



Sep 04, 2017 at 08:40 AM
evertdoorn
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Thinking about selling my 70-200 II


the 70-200 can have it's place in wildlife (in particular low light option) but if you only shoot good light and don't use it a lot, sell it!


Sep 04, 2017 at 09:17 AM
stevesanacore
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · Thinking about selling my 70-200 II


Well if you have a 100-400 then all you need is say a 24-70 and you should be covered on a trip. Although I've loved my 70-200, I too have thought about carrying a 100-400 as an alternative, as long as it wasn't for low light shooting.


Sep 04, 2017 at 09:29 AM
therealthings
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · Thinking about selling my 70-200 II


If you only can have one lens for wildlife, 100-400 yes. But if you can keep it, keep it. I did a safari trip last year, and having a new one planned in december i won't leave without a 70-200 2.8. That lens wide open is what brings home pics that make the difference. The subject isolation (3D look if you will) can make images pop. And not only for wildlife, but landscape as well. Having said that, again if you only take one lens... 100-400 it is.


Sep 04, 2017 at 10:43 AM
Mar73
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · Thinking about selling my 70-200 II


For what I shoot the 70-200 is a critical piece of gear. Based on your use and your other gear I'd probably sell it.


Sep 04, 2017 at 10:47 AM
JaimitoFrog
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · Thinking about selling my 70-200 II


I will be bringing both to safari next month. Depends if you have two or more bodies, and how they perform at higher ISO. With 100-400II/1.4x, I will use 1DXII since it is a slower combo, and need f8 AF. I will have the 70-200II 2.8 on a 5DsR. We do have other bodies to use a wider angle lens if needed, like 11-24 or 24-70 since we do not want to change lens in the field.


Sep 04, 2017 at 01:14 PM
dgdg
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p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · Thinking about selling my 70-200 II


Similar to you, I sold my 70-200 (f4) for the 100-400 II. Never looked back.


Sep 04, 2017 at 03:29 PM
mudlake
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p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · Thinking about selling my 70-200 II


I bought the 100-400 II last summer. I have used it for wildlife, portraits, family, macro, flowers, landscape...you get the picture. My 70-200/4IS is now my wife's lens for her SL1. I'll probably never use the 70-200/4 again because the 100-400 II is the perfect lens. Your 2.8 is more versatile than the f4, but based on your post you may never use it again. Sell it and pick up a good 85mm f1.4 (I'm saving up for the new Canon 85/1.4 with image stabilization. Can't wait!) or the Canon 85/1.8 (which I own and is incredibly sharp and wonderful). Keep using that extremely versatile 100-400. It is truly a special lens. Canon outdid themselves on this one.


Sep 04, 2017 at 04:18 PM
StarNut
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p.1 #15 · p.1 #15 · Thinking about selling my 70-200 II


Thanks; this is helpful!


Sep 04, 2017 at 07:58 PM
Jon Joshua
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p.1 #16 · p.1 #16 · Thinking about selling my 70-200 II


I'd sell the 2x III


Sep 04, 2017 at 09:58 PM
Michael White
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p.1 #17 · p.1 #17 · Thinking about selling my 70-200 II


Do you have kids it's a great portrait lens for proms. And such also it will do something the 100-400 will not do. Using the faster aptures will give you better bokea ence better separation from the background. It's paid for and assume the 100-400 and teleconverter is also so unless you need the cash then hang on to it.


Sep 05, 2017 at 05:24 AM
OntheRez
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p.1 #18 · p.1 #18 · Thinking about selling my 70-200 II


Bread and butter. One of the 10 best lenses Canon has ever made. (Perhaps even top 5.) Can't image anyone not using it as I've found it indispensable for landscape, sports, BIF, plein air portraits, even macro. If you never want to be wider than f/2.8, I guess getting rid of it is fine, but what if you want to try something new, grow into something else?

Can't tell you what to do, but perhaps food for thought.



Sep 05, 2017 at 11:01 AM
Daan B
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p.1 #19 · p.1 #19 · Thinking about selling my 70-200 II


...and then at some point in the future you need it again and realize you have sold it...


Sep 05, 2017 at 11:23 AM
scalesusa
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p.1 #20 · p.1 #20 · Thinking about selling my 70-200 II


I'd take it with you to Africa along with the 2X III. Things happen, lenses get damaged, cards fail, and so do cameras. Take the lens and use it with a backup camera. It can be vary handy to have a second camera / lens at the ready. Put a 1.4X TC on the 100-400 and leave it there, it works well.


Sep 05, 2017 at 10:35 PM
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