Since we have one of these threads for every other lens it seems, let's do it for the Canon 200/2L IS. I bought mine for portraiture.

I have only used it for one session so far, but I'm editing sessions 2 and 3 right now and will post later:

I've lately been using this lens to photograph my daughter:

very beautiful, did you try taking any of those shots @ 2.8? I am asking because I am curious to know if F2 is worth all the extra money over the 2.8 lens.

Thanks

The 200 f/2 is a gorgeous lens and its definitely one of my favourites. Its very sharp wide open and by about f/2.8-f/4 its critically sharp right into the corners of a 21mp FF body. It has very little CA and the bokeh is wonderful, kinda has that 85L quality to it but without all the CA. The focus is blindingly fast too.

However, is it worth the price tag? The 70-200 f/2.8 IS is softer in the corners and has more CA but has IS. The 200 f/2.8 is a gem but doesn't have IS. There are alternatives but they require compromises. Sadly, if you want it all, you really need to pony up the $$$. I don't shoot for money so there's no business justification for me.

Here are some landscapes taken on a 5D2 at f/5.6. I really like this lens for landscapes too, mostly because its very sharp even at the corners and has no CA:

abdul10000 wrote:
very beautiful, did you try taking any of those shots @ 2.8? I am asking because I am curious to know if F2 is worth all the extra money over the 2.8 lens.

Thanks
If you shoot handheld in low light conditions, the IS and extra stop together are worth it.

Contrary to popular belief, it works at infinity, too

.

Love the lion shot! I laughed out loud at that one!

I like your bird shots Nick!

I also like your "bird" shot, Stan

Another shot from when I had this lens last spring (1/60 sec handheld):

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CA? What CA?!?

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If you want to see more samples, you have a few here:
http://www.onepointeight.com/info.php?id=192

Here you go.

PetKal wrote:
Here you go.

Love that last duck one PK, can't wait for mine to arrive

bmstudios wrote:
PetKal wrote:
Here you go.

Love that last duck one PK, can't wait for mine to arrive


Thank you Brian....late evening sun provided the golden light.
I hope you will live long enough, after your wifey finds out what the damage is, to shoot at least a few 100 shots with the lens.

PetKal wrote:
bmstudios wrote:
PetKal wrote:
Here you go.

Love that last duck one PK, can't wait for mine to arrive


Thank you Brian....late evening sun provided the golden light.
I hope you will live long enough, after your wifey finds out what the damage is, to shoot at least a few 100 shots with the lens.

, no worries ...it's all good now PK...even bought another 5dII..now I have 2 of them

Picked up a 45 TS-E in the mean time and am loving that lens and even pre ordered the new 17mm TS-E so we'll see when that arrives