Hey all. This is partly a bit of fun, as I'm well aware you shouldn't let a forum make big decisions for you. However, that being said, I'd like your input...
The question is, is the 200 f/1.8L a good choice for someone who *doesn't* do much portraiture?
I've lusted after it for many years. The other lenses I dreamt of, one by one, I have bought - some of them I subsequently sold. I'm not sentimental and will happily sell something I haven't used enough. The 85L was dreamy but got too little use - a little too bulky, too much CA, and above all, too valuable to keep, when I could spend that on other things. On the other hand, my MP-E will be with me forever.
Last year I got the Sigma 180mm f/2.8 OS macro. It was lovely, but my copy was faulty, so I returned it and got the Canon 70-200 f/2.8 IS II. It's good, but not nearly as sharp wide open at 200mm as the Sigma, in my opinion. I have used it for astro work though (and this is ongoing).
I could sell it and get a new Sigma with cash to spare. But I'll always dream of the Canon 200L f/1.8L. I can't afford its f/2 IS replacement in the foreseeable future. I know the 1.8 has been used for some high end astro projects, and is a superlative portrait lens. But what about the rest of the time? It's front-heavy, and big, but how is it for other uses? Flowers, landscapes, insects, architecture. With an extension tube if necessary.
All thoughts welcome. Thanks!
PS I'm well aware the 1.8 is no longer supported by Canon, and runs the risk of being useless if the AF motor fails (although it can still be sold for parts). But the difference between it and the f/2 is around £2k at present prices.
The question is, is the 200 f/1.8L a good choice for someone who *doesn't* do much portraiture?
I've lusted after it for many years. The other lenses I dreamt of, one by one, I have bought - some of them I subsequently sold. I'm not sentimental and will happily sell something I haven't used enough. The 85L was dreamy but got too little use - a little too bulky, too much CA, and above all, too valuable to keep, when I could spend that on other things. On the other hand, my MP-E will be with me forever.
Last year I got the Sigma 180mm f/2.8 OS macro. It was lovely, but my copy was faulty, so I returned it and got the Canon 70-200 f/2.8 IS II. It's good, but not nearly as sharp wide open at 200mm as the Sigma, in my opinion. I have used it for astro work though (and this is ongoing).
I could sell it and get a new Sigma with cash to spare. But I'll always dream of the Canon 200L f/1.8L. I can't afford its f/2 IS replacement in the foreseeable future. I know the 1.8 has been used for some high end astro projects, and is a superlative portrait lens. But what about the rest of the time? It's front-heavy, and big, but how is it for other uses? Flowers, landscapes, insects, architecture. With an extension tube if necessary.
All thoughts welcome. Thanks!
PS I'm well aware the 1.8 is no longer supported by Canon, and runs the risk of being useless if the AF motor fails (although it can still be sold for parts). But the difference between it and the f/2 is around £2k at present prices.