p.1 #1 · 70-200 f/2.8 IS vI vs. II Bokeh Comparison
I've seen several threads and some review comments comparing the bokeh quality between the Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS version I and version II lenses. I've got both right now, so I thought I would post a direct bokeh comparison for everyone to check out. I figured that I would start a new topic rather than burying the images in an old thread so that more people could find them and make up their mind.
This was a relatively quick and dirty test. Not definitive for all shooting conditions but hopefully gives you an idea of the comparison.
For the first set of images it was shot in fairly diffused light, cloudy outside. I locked focus on a near field object (same for each pair of shots) using the AF-ON button, then composed/metered for the test scene. I used three different focus markers to give a consistent moderate background blur, focus target was closer for the 70mm shots than the 200mm shots with the 115/120mm marker somewhere between the two. Zoom was a little off for the middle pair, version II lens is zoomed in just a tiny bit more.
I shot RAW then equalized brightness for each pair of shots in Lightroom using the exposure slider only (in hindsight I should have shot manual mode). I also matched white balance for each pair of shots. No other post processing. All images are downsized full frame images from a 1Ds III.
The second set of images was done in the same manner, just on a day where there was direct afternoon sunlight and a more contrasty background. I also added a second 200mm comparison, one with more blur and one with less.
I'll let you draw your own conclusions. Hope you find it helpful!
p.1 #3 · 70-200 f/2.8 IS vI vs. II Bokeh Comparison
Thanks for the showing your test results. I compared in-focus images of the Mk I and Mk II last week, and the Mk II is remarkably better. In the past, I've defended the Mk I as being fine for most purposes (which it certainly is), but the Mk II is simply better. I sold my Mk I earlier this week. I'm trying to decide if I should also sell my 70-200/4L IS. The Mk II is better than it as well, it's just that the f/4L IS is so nice for travel.
p.1 #5 · 70-200 f/2.8 IS vI vs. II Bokeh Comparison
jcolwell wrote:
Thanks for the showing your test results. I compared in-focus images of the Mk I and Mk II last week, and the Mk II is remarkably better. In the past, I've defended the Mk I as being fine for most purposes (which it certainly is), but the Mk II is simply better. I sold my Mk I earlier this week. I'm trying to decide if I should also sell my 70-200/4L IS. The Mk II is better than it as well, it's just that the f/4L IS is so nice for travel.
Yeah, in the sharpness department it seems V2 is better, but V1 is certainly good in the bokeh comparison.
p.1 #7 · 70-200 f/2.8 IS vI vs. II Bokeh Comparison
The F stop value would be important in evaluation the bokeh. Also one shot showing how close you were focusing might also be useful. Thanks for the effort to share.
Mike K
p.1 #8 · 70-200 f/2.8 IS vI vs. II Bokeh Comparison
I'm seeing more contrast and pop in the Mark II but maybe thats due to exposure differences, subtle change in lighting or the straight up better optics? In comparison, th MK I looks a bit muddy. I'm not seeing too much difference in the actual drawing of the objects though... the only thing I can see is the MKI actually looks a bit more diffused but this is probably due to the lack of pop.
p.1 #10 · 70-200 f/2.8 IS vI vs. II Bokeh Comparison
They look the same to me. I'm not sure anyone makes the case the the MKII has better blur, but I could imagine that the perception of better background could result from a markedly sharper in-focus subject.
p.1 #18 · 70-200 f/2.8 IS vI vs. II Bokeh Comparison
Interesting results.
Based on the first test I have a slight preference for the mk.2, but in the second test I prefer the mk.1
I think this difference in results was influenced by slight variations in lighting conditions, averaging out over the two tests.
The mk.1 appears to have a slightly more roundish and softer oof highlight, the mk.2 has more of an edge and defined cat's eye near the edge -- which is contrary to my expectations. Overal slightly in favor of mk1 based on this test (alone). There is however more to buying a mk.2 than bokeh alone
p.1 #19 · 70-200 f/2.8 IS vI vs. II Bokeh Comparison
I actually like the bokeh of V1 better, but I agree that it makes sense that if the lens is softer and has less contrast, the bokeh will as well. The difference in sharpness is night and day from the tests that I've seen..... Not looking forward to dishing out the coin to upgrade...
Not looking forward to dishing out the coin to upgrade...