Archive 2007 · 70-200 4is verssus 2.8is???

EveningSky
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p.1 #1 · 70-200 4is verssus 2.8is???

I am trying to decide between these two lenses.
They both appear to be very good.
I envision nature/landscape photography and portrait photography as my main applications for either of these lenses.
I am having such difficulty making my decision.
I would greatly appreciate FM user opinions, especially from those who have used both lenses.
Thank you,
ES

Jun 30, 2007 at 06:26 AM

Cryptos
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p.1 #2 · 70-200 4is verssus 2.8is???

Use the "Search", you'll find A LOT of posts about this.

Jun 30, 2007 at 06:34 AM

Chris Lavina
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p.1 #3 · 70-200 4is verssus 2.8is???

Portraits: I have the 70-200 2.8IS and the 85mm 1.8 on a 5D.

Hands down the 85mm is my choice for portraits. The 70-200 2.8IS is way too heavy in my opinion. Also it looks quite intimidating, I feel the 85mm is a stealthy, non-threatening lens for portraiture. Anything to relax my subject.

I got the 70-200 2.8IS with wedding ceremonies in mind.

For landscapes, this is mostly a very methodical application. I think you can opt for the f4, lighter and more portable. You would close it down most of the time anyway etc etc

This is a popular 'VS' topic so I'm sure you'll find lots of opinions floating around.

Jun 30, 2007 at 06:51 AM

trenchmonkey
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p.1 #4 · 70-200 4is verssus 2.8is???

The f4 is nice for portraits

(30D 70-200 f4 IS w/ 1.4 II)

Jun 30, 2007 at 07:10 AM

dlibrach
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p.1 #5 · 70-200 4is verssus 2.8is???

Chris Lavina wrote:
Portraits: I have the 70-200 2.8IS and the 85mm 1.8 on a 5D.

Hands down the 85mm is my choice for portraits. The 70-200 2.8IS is way too heavy in my opinion. Also it looks quite intimidating, I feel the 85mm is a stealthy, non-threatening lens for portraiture. Anything to relax my subject.

I got the 70-200 2.8IS with wedding ceremonies in mind.

For landscapes, this is mostly a very methodical application. I think you can opt for the f4, lighter and more portable. You would close it down most of the time anyway etc etc

This is a popular 'VS' topic so...Show more →

I agree. I use the 85 1.8 mainly for portraits the the F4 IS for landscapes and other stuff (and the occasional portrait too).

Also, as everyone mentioned, try searching around. This topic has been beaten to death.

My best advice....go out buy the F4 IS. If you find you need the extra stop, then sell it and get the 2.8 IS. The f4 is such a good lens that you would have no problems selling it for almost what you paid.

Cheers,
D

Jun 30, 2007 at 02:19 PM

seanbolton
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p.1 #6 · 70-200 4is verssus 2.8is???

Yep, both lenses are very good. I own the 70-200 F4 L IS.

It is very, very sharp, even at F4, and at all focal lengths.

I use it a lot for portraits (although I agree the 85 or 135 prime are better in the studio).

If you shoot a lot in extreme low light conditions and need to keep the shutter speed high then the f2.8 version is for you. (Mainly sports use).

Otherwise the F4 is cheaper, lighter, and sharper.

I shoot lots of handheld low-light portraits at around F4, ISO 800, 1/60th, with the 70-200 on my 5D and the results are superb.

cheers

Sean

Jun 30, 2007 at 03:08 PM

EveningSky
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p.1 #7 · 70-200 4is verssus 2.8is???

Thank you to all respondants.
Yes indeed, I found multiple relevant previous posts.
Thank you.

One last question, only to those who owned/own/used both:

IF YOU COULD ONLY OWN ONE, WHICH WOULD IT BE

IF YOU OWN BOTH, WHICH DO YOU USE MORE

Thank you,
ES

Jul 01, 2007 at 06:27 AM

EveningSky
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p.1 #8 · 70-200 4is verssus 2.8is???

PS Will, who is the beautiful female subject of your "portrait"?

Jul 01, 2007 at 06:29 AM

trenchmonkey
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p.1 #9 · 70-200 4is verssus 2.8is???

EveningSky wrote:
PS Will, who is the beautiful female subject of your "portrait"?
Ah, another face in the crowd. I use my f4 IS copy 90% of the time. The 2.8
will get the call come Bosque time for it's light gathering abilities and faster AF
for those 'fly in/fly out" sessions.

Jul 01, 2007 at 06:36 AM


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