24-70 II or 70-200 II

[gmrza]

If you don't already have the 5DIII, the cheaper option may be to get the 5DIII + 24-70 f/2.8II kit - that could save you up to $500 on the bundle. While that does leave you without the longer lens for a few months, but may save you a bit of money.

 

[Razor2012]

Indoors on 5D3? In my head 24-70 wins hands down unless you live in a palace with 100 ft long rooms

Actually before I picked up the 24-70 II, the 70-200 II did an incredible job indoors (and still does). There was a couple of shoots I did and never had to use flash the whole time (because of being paired up with the 5DIII). Was really impressed with shots @12800 too, can't say enough about this lens.

 

[rpt]

Indoors on 5D3? In my head 24-70 wins hands down unless you live in a palace with 100 ft long rooms

Actually before I picked up the 24-70 II, the 70-200 II did an incredible job indoors (and still does). There was a couple of shoots I did and never had to use flash the whole time (because of being paired up with the 5DIII). Was really impressed with shots @12800 too, can't say enough about this lens.

I am sure you got great shots. I hear it is a great lens. Could you post some photographs? We're you shooting at the 70mm end?

 

[Loswr]

Indoors on 5D3? In my head 24-70 wins hands down unless you live in a palace with 100 ft long rooms

^^ Indoor shot with the 600mm f/4L IS II on FF. I don't live in a palace...

I am sure you got great shots. I hear it is a great lens. Could you post some photographs? We're you shooting at the 70mm end?

Below are a couple of indoor shots with the 5DII and 70-200 II, the first at 115mm, the second at 200mm. But I do agree than generally, the 24-70mm would be more useful indoors. Of my indoor shots with the 70-200mm, many are at 70mm.

 

[Razor2012]

Neuro you have some heartbreakers there.

 

[rpt]

Thanks neuro! Wow, those are great. The 600mm shot blew me away.
I take back what I said earlier

 

[Loswr]

Thanks neuro! Wow, those are great. The 600mm shot blew me away.
I take back what I said earlier

LOL, and thanks. No - you were right...while the 70-200mm focal range can be used indoors (and longer lenses, obviously), I think the 24-70mm is a lot more useful. I've got a lot more indoor shots with my 24-105mm and 35L than with my 70-200 II.

 

[rpt]

Thanks neuro! Wow, those are great. The 600mm shot blew me away.
I take back what I said earlier

LOL, and thanks. No - you were right...while the 70-200mm focal range can be used indoors (and longer lenses, obviously), I think the 24-70mm is a lot more useful. I've got a lot more indoor shots with my 24-105mm and 35L than with my 70-200 II.

See, that's what I was thinking, but your 600mm shot blew me away
I have been using 28-80 on my AE1, the 17-55 on my 300D and now the 24-105 on the 5D3 for almost all of my indoor shots. I can see that one can use the 70-200 more or less near the 70 to 100mm zone and some candids near the 200mm zone. But that 600mm shot I would never have imagined

 

[billatthemovies]

I have a 70-200mm F4 IS on a 5D Mark II. It is a phenomenal lens and lighter than any of the 2.8s.

Now, having said that, I have been considering the 2.8 you are mulling over because my son plays hockey and not all the rinks are well lit. I purchased the F4 when the vast majority of my telephoto shots would be outside and my camera at the time was not FF.

 

[Razor2012]

I have a 70-200mm F4 IS on a 5D Mark II. It is a phenomenal lens and lighter than any of the 2.8s.

Now, having said that, I have been considering the 2.8 you are mulling over because my son plays hockey and not all the rinks are well lit. I purchased the F4 when the vast majority of my telephoto shots would be outside and my camera at the time was not FF.

I can't comment on the 70-200 F4 matchup with the 5DII, but on the otherhand, the 70-200 2.8II with the 5DIII is an awesome pair. With that combo I don't think you'd have a problem with indoor rinks at all.