NEED HELP!!! 70-200 F/2.8L IS II USM vs. 70-200 F/4L IS USM

[canon23]

Ok fellow Photogs,

I know someone just posted a very similar post but he was comparing the f/4 IS w/the f/2.8 non IS.
Canon's having another rebate and I just purchased the 70-200 f/2.8 IS II USM for $2200. However reading some of the posts from the other similar question, I'm starting to think, should I return the 2.8 IS II & get the f/4 IS for a $1,000 less and use that to get my next desired lens, the 35mm f/1.4 selling for $1329 now at B & H. (total of these latter 2 options will be $2528, which is only $328 more than what I paid for the f/2.8 but at least w/this option, I have 2 lenses.

Now, I shoot w/the 5D Mark 2 w/grip and have the speedlite 430EX. I also currently have the 24-105L and 50 f/1.8 II. I do not shoot action, no sports, etc. I do portraitures, scenery, vacations, indoors, and assist w/weddings here and there. What's the better option for me:

1) stick w/the 70-200 f/2.8 IS II or
2) go w/the 70-200 f/4 IS & 35 mm f/1.4 (or something else/a prime you would recommend in this price range for what I'm shooting).

Please share you valuable insights
Thanks a lot!!

 

[Loswr]

For portraits, I'd stick with the f/2.8 IS II for the better subject isolation.

 

[Random Orbits]

I'd stick with the 70-200 II for portraiture and for assisting weddings. It is heavier, so a strap is helpful. The 35L is a great lens too, but I'd stay with the 70-200 II and save up for the 35L.

 

[DMITPHOTO]

I started with the f/4 to save money for other lenses I wanted, but then used a friends f2.8 and you can't beat the 2.8 the f4 is a good lens but in my opinion the 2.8 beats it!

 

[Halfrack]

Ignore your idea of returning the IS II and go have fun. You may not be shooting at all times at 2.8, but to have it will come in handy time and time again (auto-focus, reception lighting)..

 

[well_dunno]

+1 to previous posts - I have an f/4 IS which is by all means a great lens but unless weight or cost is the issue (I imagine they are not since you already own the f/2.8), f/2.8 IS II is the better option...

Cheers!

 

[bdunbar79]

I'm going to annoy everyone by saying it again. The f/2.8 lens is a Group A lens while the f/4 lens is a Group C lens.

 

[Loswr]

I'm going to annoy everyone by saying it again. The f/2.8 lens is a Group A lens while the f/4 lens is a Group C lens.

True...but how is that relevant to the OP?

I shoot w/the 5D Mark 2

 

[bdunbar79]

I'm going to annoy everyone by saying it again. The f/2.8 lens is a Group A lens while the f/4 lens is a Group C lens.

True...but how is that relevant to the OP?

I shoot w/the 5D Mark 2

It worked!

 

[Loswr]

Touché.

 

[Menace]

Keep the 70-200 2.8 IS II and save for the 35L.