p.1 #1 · Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM vs f/2.8L IS USM
Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM vs Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM
I do alot of portrait work and I shoot a lot of concerts
and I'm starting to do weddings as well. I was looking
at purchasing one of these lenses and would like some
input from those that frequent the forum.
The 4 stops of IS with the f/4 vs f/2.8 IS...
which will perform better in a low ight situation?
Any other comments, caveats, warnings or other info that is
helpful to know?
The money is not the issue in this situation but getting
the best L for the multiple and different uses.
Which one would be a better and more versatile lens?
I appreciate the expertise that resides here...
(I am going to cross post in Weddings and People since I'm
striving to do both and want a consensus)
p.1 #2 · Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM vs f/2.8L IS USM
Hi PatRat,
The one thing I will point out for you is that the extra stop of IS on the f4 still won't stop subject motion. Keep that in mind being that you shoot bands and weddings. I am recalling from my own experience that when shooting with an extremely slow shutter speed at 200mm any subject motion will blur your subject. If you get the 2.8, you actually gain light and thus would not need to go that extra stop slower.
p.1 #3 · Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM vs f/2.8L IS USM
get the 2.8 IS, best zoom in the range out there and i know you won't be disappointed.
i would rather have something and not need it than need it and not have it.
p.1 #5 · Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM vs f/2.8L IS USM
2.8IS is the gold standard here. f/4 only if you have some fast primes like the 135L to back it up. For portrait & wedding work, you'll appreciate the 2.8 DOF options as well.
p.1 #6 · Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM vs f/2.8L IS USM
I could never get comfortable with the f/4 indoors. The f/4 might be OK on wider lenses, but it just never worked for me. The f/2.8 is much more capable, perhaps more than mere numbers would suggest.
p.1 #7 · Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM vs f/2.8L IS USM
elader wrote:
I could never get comfortable with the f/4 indoors. The f/4 might be OK on wider lenses, but it just never worked for me. The f/2.8 is much more capable, perhaps more than mere numbers would suggest.
+1
I will shoot with a Sigma 2.8 70-200 before the Canon f/4 with IS any day. The Sigma is a great workhorse with great results. If you have to have IS don't make it the f/4.
p.1 #11 · Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM vs f/2.8L IS USM
elader wrote:
..... when shooting test patterns or pixel peeping in good light.
I'll bet you have the 2.8 IS version
But in a way you are right. When printing small to medium sized prints there is also no visible difference in output between a 70-300mm and 70-200mm lens. And most differences between lenses can be made equal in PP these days... So why bother anyway?
p.1 #13 · Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM vs f/2.8L IS USM
Hi,
i have the f/4 IS and although I like it (usable indoors at higher iso when subjects are not moving, very sharp and light to carry), I'm thinking of replacing it with the 2.8. One reason is the extra stop. It is much heavier though, and bigger too, but I'm sure you wouldn't be dissapointed.
p.1 #14 · Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM vs f/2.8L IS USM
I switched from the f4 to the 2.8 and found that the autofocus on the 2.8 kicked ass over the f4 in low light situations. LOVE this lens - even when my shoulder aches from the weight it just reminds me how well this thing is built.
p.1 #16 · Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM vs f/2.8L IS USM
Had purchased the old 70-200 f/4 non IS years ago - moved up to the f/2.8 IS about 2 years ago. Both are sharp - the f/4 is half the weight. If I were buying stuff today, I'd seriously consider purhase of the f/4 IS and a 135mm f2.0. for not much more than the f/2.8 IS alone. By the way, my wife HATES this f/2.8 IS monster - way to heavy for her to use for extended time periods(read...weddings).
p.1 #17 · Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM vs f/2.8L IS USM
i am mainly a concert photographer, and the 2.8IS is the holy grail of concert lenses. even more so on a full frame body. you will be hard pressed to shoot concerts with the f4 copy. the 2.8 is a work horse and a must have in any serious music photog's bag.
p.1 #19 · Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM vs f/2.8L IS USM
Make sure you get the 2.8 IS version. I had the non-IS version and it works great for sports or action photography, but you really want the IS when it comes to doing weddings. The IS has made so many more shots possible without a monopod.