p.1 #1 · I finally got the Eye of Sauron...Canon EF 200mm f/1.8!
UPDATE:
Changed the Title since now I actually own one
Hi!
I am trying to decide between those 2 lenses and was hoping someone may somehow have BOTH and can do a quick test for me.
All I need is a simple photo showing a hopefully not too far backdrop or foliage so I can see which one has smoother bokeh,
I would expect the 1.8 to come on top but I have read comments that those older lenses may not have as smooth bokeh as newer models...
I am about to pull my trigger on one of them so that test is very important for me
Thanks!
p.1 #2 · I finally got the Eye of Sauron...Canon EF 200mm f/1.8!
From the I-Net. I've read reviews that basically said the same thing.
Jim
The Canon EF 200mm f/2.0 lens generally produces smoother bokeh than the EF 200mm f/1.8 lens. This is primarily due to its optical design and the quality of its lens elements. The f/2.0 lens features a rounded aperture blade design, which contributes to a more pleasing out-of-focus background. In contrast, the f/1.8 lens, while still capable of producing good bokeh, may not achieve the same level of smoothness due to its different construction and aperture shape.
p.1 #3 · I finally got the Eye of Sauron...Canon EF 200mm f/1.8!
But the blades have nothing to do when the lens is wide open so that seems like an odd remark.
Thanks for the reply though
jgoetz4 wrote:
From the I-Net. I've read reviews that basically said the same thing.
Jim
The Canon EF 200mm f/2.0 lens generally produces smoother bokeh than the EF 200mm f/1.8 lens. This is primarily due to its optical design and the quality of its lens elements. The f/2.0 lens features a rounded aperture blade design, which contributes to a more pleasing out-of-focus background. In contrast, the f/1.8 lens, while still capable of producing good bokeh, may not achieve the same level of smoothness due to its different construction and aperture shape.
p.1 #4 · I finally got the Eye of Sauron...Canon EF 200mm f/1.8!
GabrielPhoto wrote:
But the blades have nothing to do when the lens is wide open so that seems like an odd remark.
Thanks for the reply though
The 1.8 version can show cat's eye distortion in certain highlights near the edges of the frame when shot wide open, and it becomes more apparent when stopped down...
Either lens is more than capable, but I would put my money in the newer glass. YMMV.
Jim
p.1 #5 · I finally got the Eye of Sauron...Canon EF 200mm f/1.8!
GabrielPhoto wrote:
Hi!
I am trying to decide between those 2 lenses and was hoping someone may somehow have BOTH and can do a quick test for me.
All I need is a simple photo showing a hopefully not too far backdrop or foliage so I can see which one has smoother bokeh,
I would expect the 1.8 to come on top but I have read comments that those older lenses may not have as smooth bokeh as newer models...
I am about to pull my trigger on one of them so that test is very important for me
Thanks!
I doubt that the 200 2.0 can be repaired as it was apparently discontinued in 2021.
I have both, and doing a test shot probably isn't likely right now, but in my opinion, the 200 2.0 is noticeably sharper wide open than the 1.8.
It's also noticeably lighter.
Undecided as to whether or not I will keep the 1.8, I have had mine for a long time. The EF mount lens prices have kind of crashed and part of me says keep it.
p.1 #6 · I finally got the Eye of Sauron...Canon EF 200mm f/1.8!
danski0224 wrote:
I doubt that the 200 2.0 can be repaired as it was apparently discontinued in 2021.
I have both, and doing a test shot probably isn't likely right now, but in my opinion, the 200 2.0 is noticeably sharper wide open than the 1.8.
It's also noticeably lighter.
Undecided as to whether or not I will keep the 1.8, I have had mine for a long time. The EF mount lens prices have kind of crashed and part of me says keep it.
Yeah I get the 2.0 is shaper but from shots I have seen a good copy of the 1.8 is sharp enough for me..mainly the bokeh rendering overall is crucial for me.
I sent you a PM
Thanks
p.1 #8 · I finally got the Eye of Sauron...Canon EF 200mm f/1.8!
Maybe not the answer you're looking for, as I get hints that you want the 1.8 to be a better choice.
I shot with the f/2 IS and I've shot with a LOT of Canon lenses. This lens in my opinion gives the nicest bokeh of all of them.
You can't go wrong with it.
Canon EOS-1D XEF200mm f/2L IS USM lens200mmf/2.01/500s400 ISO0.0 EV
Canon EOS-1D XEF200mm f/2L IS USM lens200mmf/2.01/500s200 ISO0.0 EV
Canon EOS-1D XEF200mm f/2L IS USM lens200mmf/2.01/500s500 ISO0.0 EV
p.1 #9 · I finally got the Eye of Sauron...Canon EF 200mm f/1.8!
Max_Pain wrote:
Maybe not the answer you're looking for, as I get hints that you want the 1.8 to be a better choice.
I shot with the f/2 IS and I've shot with a LOT of Canon lenses. This lens in my opinion gives the nicest bokeh of all of them.
You can't go wrong with it.
Well I would prefer the 1.8 because is cheaper and its legendary status
But if the 2.0 has smoother bokeh, then that is where I will go.
It seems I will finally get the comparison photos to make my decision.
Thanks!
p.1 #10 · I finally got the Eye of Sauron...Canon EF 200mm f/1.8!
There are plenty of legendary lenses that are not so good in modern times.
I have bought several types (not the 200/1.8 in particular) and found them to be mediocre at best.
If you must then buy from KEH, MBP or somewhere else with a return policy.
p.1 #11 · I finally got the Eye of Sauron...Canon EF 200mm f/1.8!
EB-1 wrote: There are plenty of legendary lenses that are not so good in modern times.
I have bought several types (not the 200/1.8 in particular) and found them to be mediocre at best.
If you must then buy from KEH, MBP or somewhere else with a return policy.
EBH
I totally agree with EBH on this.
I have the 200 F2 IS and super pleased with it for what I do.
p.1 #12 · I finally got the Eye of Sauron...Canon EF 200mm f/1.8!
EB-1 wrote:
There are plenty of legendary lenses that are not so good in modern times.
I have bought several types (not the 200/1.8 in particular) and found them to be mediocre at best.
If you must then buy from KEH, MBP or somewhere else with a return policy.
p.1 #14 · I finally got the Eye of Sauron...Canon EF 200mm f/1.8!
My Canon 200mm f/2 lens is incredible. I'm getting older and the weight is the only issue for me. It's impossible to not get great images from it, no matter what the subject or the context. Truly a classic in its own right.
p.1 #15 · I finally got the Eye of Sauron...Canon EF 200mm f/1.8!
Here's some example images from my EF 200/1.8, which I sold about ten years ago. All are taken on a 1DSIII, and all were taken at f/1.8, except for the earring photo at f/2, and the second vine photo at f/9 (in my next post).
The third example set (p3a and p3b) are pretty uninspiring, but the 100% view of the left-most power transmission tower shows pretty good detail, for an image shot through leaves and at f/1.8, on a humid day.
p.1 #16 · I finally got the Eye of Sauron...Canon EF 200mm f/1.8!
...and here's the last batch of examples.
In the last example (p5a, p5b), the pine branch sticking up at nine o'clock is about 12 feet behind the focus point, and the trees in the further background are about 50 feet away.
p.1 #17 · I finally got the Eye of Sauron...Canon EF 200mm f/1.8!
GabrielPhoto wrote:
Hi!
I am trying to decide between those 2 lenses and was hoping someone may somehow have BOTH and can do a quick test for me.
All I need is a simple photo showing a hopefully not too far backdrop or foliage so I can see which one has smoother bokeh,
I would expect the 1.8 to come on top but I have read comments that those older lenses may not have as smooth bokeh as newer models...
I am about to pull my trigger on one of them so that test is very important for me
Thanks!
This is an interesting area at the moment considering that Sigma and Laowa both released 200/2 lenses recently (though the Sigma is not an option for Canon R users).
But IMO more interesting is the Sigma 135/1.4 as it's also a ~100mm entry pupil size lens and when cropped to 200mm equivalent, has virtually identical bokeh amount to that of a 200/2. While of course with cropping you're giving up pixels, with the 45-50MP cameras, this still allows a pretty healthy ~20MP file to work with. The big downside of the Sigma 135 for your consideration is no Canon compatibility.
For some nice photos and 'food for thought' about this approach, see this review by BastianK:
He includes comparisons against a 200/2 (he likes the Nikon) for reference. It would also be worth digging into his 200/2 reviews and opinions, perhaps starting with the Laowa 200/2 review where he has links to his other 200/2 and 200/1.8 reviews:
p.1 #18 · I finally got the Eye of Sauron...Canon EF 200mm f/1.8!
Well, after getting some comparison shots from kind members, I decided to go with the 200mm F/1.8
As expected the 1.8 did make a difference in a bit smoother bokeh and slightly larger bokeh balls while keeping the same overall quality of bokeh as the F2.
It was not harsher at all as someone thought it could be.
It arrives tomorrow...cant wait!
