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Canon EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM
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Review Date: Mar 21, 2005
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Recommend? yes |
Price paid: Not Indicated
| Rating: 10
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Pros:
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Sharp. Solid construction. Good finish. Lightning-fast AF. Did I mention sharp?
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Cons:
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Nothing yet
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Well, the 200mm f/2.8 arrived this morning and I had a hard time waiting until lunchtime to take some test shots. From earlier reviews I had expected a superb lens, nor was I disappointed.
Physical construction is solid with a practical crackled paint-type finish. The lens definitely looks the business, but how does it perform?
AF is lightning fast with a 20D body and focusing on fast-moving birds was easy.
The following links are to a full-frame handheld shot of a starling at about 2m distance ( http://www.utting.org/images/nigel/Canon/starling.jpg ) and a 100% crop of the bird's head ( http://www.utting.org/images/nigel/Canon/starling-head.jpg ).
12 hours' ownership is hardly an in-depth test, but first impressions are that the 200mm f/2.8 is worth it's not insubstantial cost.
This is my second L series lens (the other is a 17-40mm) and I doubt on experience to date that it will be my last.
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Sigma 105mm f2.8 EX Macro 1:1 Lens
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Review Date: Dec 13, 2004
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Recommend? yes |
Price paid: Not Indicated
| Rating: 8
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Pros:
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Sharp, good value for money, front element well shielded (lens hood almost superfluous!).
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Cons:
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Slow AF with a tendency to hunt, but for a macro lens this is an inconvenience not a fatal flaw. Required re-chipping to use with my 20D.
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My EOS-fit Sigma 105 was purchased s/h as-new and has been a good performer. An excellent lens for the price. I feel no need to change to a Canon-made macro lens. A re-chip was required before the lens would work with my 20D, but that's technology for you. Overall, I have no hesitation in recommending this lens.
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