Author Topic: What is the best lens? (Read 5746 times)

ikostudio · « **on:** April 08, 2008, 18:23 »

Hi

This month i want to buy a new lens, i was thinking in a 70-200 F2,8 L USM or the new 70-200 F4 IS USM.

I want opinions, what´s the best?
The price is almost the same.

Thank you!
Erik

Alatriste · « **Reply #1 on:** April 08, 2008, 18:31 »

There are very good reviews for the f4 is. Its better than the f2 in sharpness, weight and the "IS"
I have the f2.8 IS and Im very happy with it but I find it a little bit heavy.

If you dont need the f2.8, go for the f4 IS

stokfoto · « **Reply #2 on:** April 08, 2008, 18:42 »

I have the f4 IS and I am very happy with it.as stated above if f2,8 isn't vital for you f4 IS version would be a better choice imo as it is smaller,lighter and is said to be sharper.

le_cyclope · « **Reply #3 on:** April 08, 2008, 20:33 »

I tried the 2.8 IS but I found it too heavy. The f4 is almost half the weight of the f2.8. And believe me, when you carry it with all your stuff for a long walk, you will appreciate the «light» weight of the f4. So I just bought last week the f4 IS and I really appreciate it. Photo quality really impress me, but I have to use it a little more to really evaluate it.

I red many places that the image quality of the f4 is better than the f2.8. Can't tell...

(and since Canon Canada has a rebate that doubles if tou buy a second lens, I also bought this afternoon the 100mm f2.8 macro.)

Claude

ikostudio · « **Reply #4 on:** April 09, 2008, 15:25 »

Well, thank you everybody!

You really help me make my choice...

I will buy the F4 and still waiting for the new 5D... $:-\$

common · « **Reply #5 on:** April 09, 2008, 15:47 »

Definitely go with the newer f4. I've used both and now just own the f4 version as it seems at least as sharp, as well as being. cheaper and lighter.

Am also being left high and dry waiting for the new 5d...

vonkara · « **Reply #6 on:** April 09, 2008, 18:03 »

(245mm f/1.2)

I don't know if they still produce it?

Freezingpictures · « **Reply #7 on:** April 10, 2008, 01:36 »

lol, what a lens :-)

Personally I would favour the 70-200 2.8,because of the much better bokeh. If you take photos of people I so much more prefer a larger aperature. The non-IS 2.8 is BTW sharper than the 2.8 IS version and not as heavy.

Seren · « **Reply #8 on:** April 10, 2008, 01:45 »

Personally I feel very restricted using an f4 lens. I wouldn't spend my money on anything less than f2.8 anymore. It's just not worth it to me.

However, it largely depends on what type of photographs you want to take. For instance, the 24-70mm f4 is considered a bit of a modern classic for fashion photographers, and of course a long f4 lens would be the preference for nature photographers and the like, where lens length is more important than aperture.

Mormegil · « **Reply #9 on:** April 15, 2008, 04:09 »

One thing to consider is you'll get better AF performance with the f/2.8 lens. Of course if you're shooting in darker situations, the 3 or 4 stops of IS outdoes the extra stop of aperture (as long as your subject is still).

The AF with f/2.8 lenses is not only faster due to the larger aperture and narrower DoF, but the camera goes into "High-Precision" AF mode with the center AF point - getting focus within 1/3 DoF, compared to 1 DoF with an f/4 lens. So that's 3 times more accurate AF (though most consider 1 DoF accurate enough).