As mentioned in a previous thread, I purchased a Canon 70-200 f/2.8 IS II.
I originally planned to thoroughly test it using ISO 12233 charts and the like, afterall - it wasn't inexpensive.
The first issue I noticed is that compared to, say, my 24-105 lens, it attaches to the camera with virtually no resistance at all. In fact, if it wasn't for hearing and feeling the click of it being secured, I'd question if it was attached at all. Despite this, I don't feel any real play in any direction, it seems attached fairly well. I searched on this topic and found threads describing slight rotational play with the lens, but not specifically this. Considering that the rotational play threads list that as normal, is this loose feeling normal too? With my 24-105, I can feel friction as I turn the lens while mounting it. With the 70-200, I feel almost none. Verdict?
Second, the weather seal/ rubber gasket towards the mount end doesn't make contact with the camera. I don't see what purpose it serves if it doesn't. Is it supposed to?
Third, as mentioned I planned on testing the heck out of this lens using a proper ISO 12233 chart, but for a combination of reasons, it turns out that I won't have the ability/opportunity for at least a few months. What can I do instead to test that the lens is performing as it is supposed to. Keep in mind that all of my studio lights are almost 3,000 miles away so I'm somewhat limited. My original plan is fried and I only have 2 weeks to decide if I'm keeping this lens or not. What's really bugging me is that this lens is supposed to be unbelievably sharp, but I look at photos taken with my 24-105 and, at least wide open, it doesn't strike me as tremendously sharper. Perhaps I got a really good copy of the 24-105, or my expectations were too high as far as difference.
Is this lens known for there being a large number of bad copies, or a large amount of variation in quality between copies (like the 24-70 f/2.8 II)?
I love the bokeh quality though. That's undoubtedly an improvement. Thanks for any help you can give me.
The only thought I've had so far is to see if perhaps Best Buy will allow me to take a few snaps with their floor model of the lens, and then duplicating those shots with my copy. Although I have no idea if they'd allow me to do that, especially if they know I already own that model!
I originally planned to thoroughly test it using ISO 12233 charts and the like, afterall - it wasn't inexpensive.
The first issue I noticed is that compared to, say, my 24-105 lens, it attaches to the camera with virtually no resistance at all. In fact, if it wasn't for hearing and feeling the click of it being secured, I'd question if it was attached at all. Despite this, I don't feel any real play in any direction, it seems attached fairly well. I searched on this topic and found threads describing slight rotational play with the lens, but not specifically this. Considering that the rotational play threads list that as normal, is this loose feeling normal too? With my 24-105, I can feel friction as I turn the lens while mounting it. With the 70-200, I feel almost none. Verdict?
Second, the weather seal/ rubber gasket towards the mount end doesn't make contact with the camera. I don't see what purpose it serves if it doesn't. Is it supposed to?
Third, as mentioned I planned on testing the heck out of this lens using a proper ISO 12233 chart, but for a combination of reasons, it turns out that I won't have the ability/opportunity for at least a few months. What can I do instead to test that the lens is performing as it is supposed to. Keep in mind that all of my studio lights are almost 3,000 miles away so I'm somewhat limited. My original plan is fried and I only have 2 weeks to decide if I'm keeping this lens or not. What's really bugging me is that this lens is supposed to be unbelievably sharp, but I look at photos taken with my 24-105 and, at least wide open, it doesn't strike me as tremendously sharper. Perhaps I got a really good copy of the 24-105, or my expectations were too high as far as difference.
Is this lens known for there being a large number of bad copies, or a large amount of variation in quality between copies (like the 24-70 f/2.8 II)?
I love the bokeh quality though. That's undoubtedly an improvement. Thanks for any help you can give me.
The only thought I've had so far is to see if perhaps Best Buy will allow me to take a few snaps with their floor model of the lens, and then duplicating those shots with my copy. Although I have no idea if they'd allow me to do that, especially if they know I already own that model!
