Which 70-200?

[HarryWintergreen]

to my mind the 70-200 f/2,8 non-IS version is a bit overrated, it's very good but not stellar. However, it has a very decent bokeh. Except for the bokeh it doesn't go any better than the 70-200 f/2,8 II.

[Razor2012]

Agree with the comments for the MKII.  I'm buying new gear and the first one I'm going to get is the 70-200II, and maybe the 24-70II.

[cliffwang]

I upgraded to MK2 from MK1 when MK2 just released because my friend's F4 IS was sharper than my F2.8 IS MK1.  I really love my MK2.  It's almost perfect for any environment.  The only complain for me is the weight.

[KreutzerPhotography]

I dont think that weight is going to be a problem. I normally have a pretty heavy kit. 2 bodies with grips 16-35 and 430exii and the other with 70-200 and 580exii. So it couldnt be too bad.

I may beg and pleade with my wife to get the 70-200 2.8L IS II. Just gotta get it all figured out...

[vuilang]

just saved for the II..
buy&sell will only get you more things to do (and possibly headache)

[re:k photographie]

I could not be more happy with the IQ of my 70-200 f2.8 IS, especially for the $1400 I paid for it used.

I will admit however that I have kept my head buried in the sand by not renting a mkII for a side by side comparison. L glass envy is a terrible disease indeed.

[jabbott]

With a 70-200 f/2.8isII in your kit straight away you'll probably take better wedding images. That usually means more business. You have only got to pick up ONE extra wedding and you've more than covered the upgrade cost of your lens. In the meantime you have an extra 12 months using a lens you always wanted and will inevitably love.

+1  Exactly the truth.

I have a 70-200 f/2.8L II and have to agree that it can take absolutely stunning photos.  I brought it to our friends' wedding and got a photo of them smiling right after the ceremony, and IMO the photo looked much better than anything their wedding photographer captured that day... and I'm just a photo enthusiast, not a pro.

FWIW, I've messed around with the 70-200 f/4L and the blue color rendition seemed really off to me.  I do like the weight savings though and am still considering getting one or the 70-300L for long hikes.