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Archive 2008 · 80-200 F2.8 L (Magic Drain Pipe)

  
 
Gi11ies
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · 80-200 F2.8 L (Magic Drain Pipe)


I'm wondering if anyone can give me more information on the old Canon 80-200 F2.8 (Magic Drain Pipe), as I may have a chance of picking one of them up ... what I am wondering is ..

I currently shoot with a 70-200 F4 L, and find it a great lens ... but sometimes wish I had F2.8 for low light indoor shots when I don't want to use a flash, all in all how do owners find the 80-200 fairs in low light situations?

I read the image quality from this lens at 200mm is superb, how do people generally rate it for portrait or action shots?

Is the 80-200 weather-sealed?

All in all ... is it worth me looking into picking one up, or should I just stick with my trusted 70-200 F4 L

Any help or information would be great ...

Gillies



Dec 09, 2008 at 11:39 AM
DynaSport
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · 80-200 F2.8 L (Magic Drain Pipe)


I don't know about the 80-200 specifically, but I find 2.8 border line for indoor shooting. It really depends on the amount of light available, the focal length, and the action you are shooting. Also, depending on what you are shooting, 80 may be a bit long indoors. Still, I understand it is a great lens.


Dec 09, 2008 at 11:49 AM
docnlaw24
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · 80-200 F2.8 L (Magic Drain Pipe)


Consider 135L for low light and 1.4x tc for additional reach at 2.8



Dec 09, 2008 at 11:52 AM
Ian.Dobinson
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · 80-200 F2.8 L (Magic Drain Pipe)


I have a pipe.
its not sealed.
its great for portraits and action.
I have no problems about shooting wide open as its as sharp as I could want wide open.
AF on mine is great, its not ring USM but has a very good motor in it.
Love it to bits but be aware that its not serviced by canon anymore so you could end up with a paper weight if it goes wrong.
And also its not compatable with the canon TC's (and some others) as the rear element is flush with the rear mount.

Befor I bought mine I asked a few questions about it as I was worried about AF etc but was pushed in its direction by a few on here (thanks guys )
Its a much better buy than the Sigma 70-200



Dec 09, 2008 at 11:57 AM
mike reid
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · 80-200 F2.8 L (Magic Drain Pipe)


I've used mine in the rain....its strikingly sharp wide open and has been around the world. I got it here on FM for around $600.

Here are some samples, wide open and all handheld....


Canon EOS 5D | ISO: 200 | Exp. Time: 1/160s | Aperture: 2.8 | Focal Length: 200.0mm (=200mm)


Canon EOS 5D | ISO: 500 | Exp. Time: 1/250s | Aperture: 2.8 | Focal Length: 200.0mm (=200mm)


Canon EOS 5D | ISO: 500 | Exp. Time: 1/500s | Aperture: 2.8 | Focal Length: 143.0mm (=143mm)

Edited on Feb 02, 2009 at 07:18 PM · View previous versions



Dec 09, 2008 at 12:03 PM
Stuart Bell
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · 80-200 F2.8 L (Magic Drain Pipe)


It's good, very good. But whether it's worth swapping out your f/4 for it, I'm not sure. If you can afford it, keep the f/4 and add a fast prime in the range, like the 100/2 or 135/2.

Stuart



Dec 09, 2008 at 12:14 PM
neuro
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · 80-200 F2.8 L (Magic Drain Pipe)


I had the 80-200 and tested it against my 70-200 2.8 IS before I sold it. In my unscientific test, I compared these at various focal lenghts and at various aperatures. I pixel peeped and found them too similar to make a clear winner, which is why I had no problem selling it. (It is also not sealed)

If you didn't have a 70-200 already, I would tell you to consider the 80-200 as a cheaper alternative to the 70-200 2.8 (either IS or non). However, since you already have the f/4, I can also recommed a prime for when you can't use flash (85 or 135). But if you want to stay light and not carry extra lenses, getting a 2.8 zoom is the way to go.



Dec 09, 2008 at 12:40 PM
Clayphish
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · 80-200 F2.8 L (Magic Drain Pipe)


indoor low-light shooting is going to be pretty tough unless you're using a flash or if you're not exceeding 80mm.

Its a great lens, however, but do know that the parts stocks have run dry in a lot of areas making it difficult to repair. The AF switch, which mine broke not long ago, is now pretty difficult to find unless you're willing to pay for another lens to pick parts from.



Dec 09, 2008 at 03:11 PM
fixedgearmike
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · 80-200 F2.8 L (Magic Drain Pipe)


I have one, and I sold my 70-200 4.0 when I compared the results. Far, far better quality IMHO, it's a beautiful lens. Quite fragile though - the manual / auto focus switch on mine snapped off last year

I took it to a service centre and ask them fix it, but all they could do was lock it into 'auto'. I dont use it much now, it's also very heavy.



Dec 09, 2008 at 03:39 PM
mike reid
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · 80-200 F2.8 L (Magic Drain Pipe)


TSA in New Jersey thought mine was a pipe bomb one time...


Dec 09, 2008 at 06:58 PM
Ulff
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · 80-200 F2.8 L (Magic Drain Pipe)


I found it very sharp, has great colors and is very good wide open. I also liked its black color. Focus was fast enough for me.

I sold it because of the weight (feels much heavier than the f4) and the not so good minimal focus distance. Now I use a combination of 135L (for low light) and 70-200 f4 IS for everything else. Both lenses are at least as good as the 80-200.



Dec 09, 2008 at 07:41 PM
Jman13
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · 80-200 F2.8 L (Magic Drain Pipe)


It's a fantastic lens...nothing to complain about. Wonderfully sharp at any aperture with great colors. The AF isn't quite as fast as USM, but it's quite quick...you won't be waiting for it. I sold mine for the f/4L IS because I wanted something lighter with IS, which suits my needs better. However, if I had needed f/2.8 more often than I needed light weight, I'd still own mine. It's great!


Dec 09, 2008 at 07:59 PM
Gi11ies
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p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · 80-200 F2.8 L (Magic Drain Pipe)


Thanks for all the information everyone, it seems a really really good lens, and I am very tempted - the example images posted were great, thanks. I especially liked Mike Reids one of the leaf falling.

I think I shall err on the safe side just now, and not pick up the lens ... knowing me, I would probably break it within a week, and be left with a useless lens. I find the 70-200mm F4 L a truely great lens for my needs, but just sometimes want a little more reach indoors when I can not use a flash ... I may look at an 85mm F1.8 and/or a 135mm F2 L.

Thanks for the replies everyone !!!!!

Gillies



Dec 10, 2008 at 10:54 AM
fixedgearmike
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p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · 80-200 F2.8 L (Magic Drain Pipe)


you should... it's an amazing lens. I just looked back through my files and dug it out of the drawer. I want to do stuff like this:

https://www.fredmiranda.com/hosting/showphoto.php?photo=68396&sort=1&cat=500&page=1


(crap, I dont know how to post images.. follow the link!)



Dec 10, 2008 at 12:18 PM
GRM
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p.1 #15 · p.1 #15 · 80-200 F2.8 L (Magic Drain Pipe)


If you're looking for a quality lens to take great, contrasty pictures, then buy it!
If you mostly shoot walls, bills, rulers and are afraid it might break on you one day and no one will be able to fix it, then better stay away. A much cheaper 80-200 4.5-5.6 would just do the job.



Dec 10, 2008 at 01:15 PM
David Churn
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p.1 #16 · p.1 #16 · 80-200 F2.8 L (Magic Drain Pipe)


I have the "Drain Pipe" and will never sell it. It produces tack sharp photo's wide open through the zoom range. Take a look at some of the pictures i have on my website that are taken with that lens. If your looking for a cheap L lens that in my opinion should be worth a lot more then don't hesitate to get one, you won't be disapointed.

David



Dec 11, 2008 at 05:52 PM





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