Should I choose the 70-200 2.8 II?

[sunnyVan]

I think you should wait and have fun with the 100L first. Then borrow or rent someone's 70-200 2.8 and make a decision.  If you ask whether this is a great lens the answer is yes.  If you want to know whether this is for you, only you know that answer.  I'd rather have the f4 version plus a 135L. Now that I have 100L I may not even need my telezoom.  Again everyone is different and you need to decide for yourself.  I once borrowed the 2.8 from a friend.  I think it's wonderful for events and pretty impractical for travel and hiking. 

[Quasimodo]

I think you should wait and have fun with the 100L first. Then borrow or rent someone's 70-200 2.8 and make a decision.  If you ask whether this is a great lens the answer is yes.  If you want to know whether this is for you, only you know that answer.  I'd rather have the f4 version plus a 135L. Now that I have 100L I may not even need my telezoom.  Again everyone is different and you need to decide for yourself.  I once borrowed the 2.8 from a friend.  I think it's wonderful for events and pretty impractical for travel and hiking.

+1

Sunnyvan makes a lot of sense here. I have it, and as everyone agrees upon, it is a superb lens, ... but so are other lenses. I use it less and less, and tend to have more fun with my primes, eg. 35, 85, and especially my favorite lens the 135L. The latter, once you´ve tried it never leaves you

[mwh1964]

Have both the 70-300L and 70-200 v2 as I could not decide. I still can't and tend to bring both. I would live happily ever after with either if I could choose only one.

[TexasBadger]

You should consider the 70-200 f2.8 v1.  It is a great lens and a good used one will not only save you money, it will hold it's value if you decide to resell it later.  I am very happy with mine and have no desire to go to v2.

[Pixel]

The EF70-200 2.8L IS II and the EF24-70 2.8L II are the two FINEST zoom lenses EVER MADE. The literally have no equals or competition. They're worth their weight in gold. I can't recommend either of them any higher. I used to love shooting with my fast prime L lenses for their amazing IQ. I literally can't tell you the last time I used any of them.

[FTb-n]

Best advice I ever got was "never buy a lens until you actually need it."  So, do you need the 70-200 range? Do you need the 2.8 speed?  Do you need IS?  (Can you afford it?)

Now, the 70-200 is a very versatile range on full frame.  The 2.8 offers great subject seperation.  And the IS further extends its versatility for both creative slow shutter speed shots and hand holding during low light event work.  This is my most used lens and will likely outlast my 5D3.  If you have a need for the 70-200 range, get this lens.

[cyclrraw]

As almost everyone has mentioned the 70-200 2.8 II is an AWESOME lens.  I also USE TO own the 70-300 but was so disappointed with the image quality I sold it.  The 70-200 II with a 1.4tc is sharper than the 70-300.  Go for the right lens the first time, I wish I would have.

[AudioGlenn]

yes, you should buy that lens.

+1

[Grumbaki]

They're worth their weight in gold.

Was that pun on purpose?

[CarpetFeet]

Dear all,
How difficult life can be. This afternoon I want to make a decision. I will visit the shop and go for the Mark5dIII.
There is a little voice in me whispering why not the 6d? Well, I think go for the 5dIII because you neer know what to shoot in the future.
I've read so much about the 70-200 2.8 (new version). Heavy, but sharp. I know this will be my longest zoom and, visiting Scotland and Shetland, in the nearby feature I will buy extenders to give it a bit more reach.
Should I buy this lens, because the lens will be fast enough with the extenders or should I pick the f.4?
Or is the lens really to heavy and will stay at home too much?
Thank you for reading!

Jack56, if you want to see what a 5Diii and 70-200 f4L IS look like together in Shetland, check out my flickr set from a trip there this July.

Good luck deciding and have an awesome trip!

[arbitrage]

For over 2 years now, I've had the 70-200 f/2.8 II IS sitting in my shopping cart at various retailers but I never pulled the trigger....always talked myself out of it.....well 3 weeks ago I finally took the plunge.....long story, short.....lens is friggin awesome.  I now go out with a dual BR strap....5D3 70-200 on one side, 1DX and 300II on the other side.  It is my hiking for wildlife/landscape setup.  I prefer tighter landscape shots over the wide angle stuff so 70mm is enough for me on FF.  I also bring along both my TCs for added versatility.  I love this lens and how well it compliments my high-end longer glass.

Now the only problem is the 24-70II is now sitting in my shopping cart!!!!

[Smurf1811]

I've sold mine yesterday after sleeping 6 months in my cupboard

Since i've got my 200mm 2.0 i never used the Zoom again 

+1 for the 135mm for trevelling (and for anything else)

[Vivid Color]

As almost everyone has mentioned the 70-200 2.8 II is an AWESOME lens.  I also USE TO own the 70-300 but was so disappointed with the image quality I sold it.  The 70-200 II with a 1.4tc is sharper than the 70-300.  Go for the right lens the first time, I wish I would have.

I wonder if the above poster is talking about the 70-300 non-L lens because the 70-300L yields fantastic image quality.

[Menace]

Now the only problem is the 24-70II is now sitting in my shopping cart!!!!

I hope you won't wait another two years to get the AWESOME 24-70 2.8 II 

[Jack56]

Thank you all for your advices. I think I will try to get friends with my new camera the next few weeks.
I will use my 100mm L, I know the limits, but I still got my 60d.
From that point onwards I will make the next step.
Thanks again!