Review - Canon EF 70-200 f/2.8L IS II

[Viggo]

A small update so far.

No, the seller wouldn't take it back. I have his adress, phone number , name of parents etc so I have a few more cards to play if it doesn't work out : No, I will not accept a $2000 paperweight.

The lens is still under warranty so I have shipped it to Canon, arrived there today, so within the end of next week I will probably know what the damage is. The seller said he would split the bill if the fix isn't covered by the warranty after all, I however thinks he will pay the whole bill.

I went to my local shop and tried two other copies of the lens and they were both SERIOUSLY nice and VERY equal, so when it works I think I'm going to use it a lot.

On a side note I shipped away my 85 L today for the third time in 6 years. I miss it already... :

 

[MojoDK]

I'm going to order this lense (70-200) ... show I wait? I see it's almost 2 years old - is Cannon to release a new version?

Thanks!
Mojo

 

[Viggo]

I'm going to order this lense (70-200) ... show I wait? I see it's almost 2 years old - is Cannon to release a new version?

Thanks!
Mojo

You'll have to wait at least 12-15 years...

 

[JVLphoto]

I'm going to order this lense (70-200) ... show I wait? I see it's almost 2 years old - is Cannon to release a new version?

Thanks!
Mojo

Yah, this *is* the update. Nothing to replace it any time soon.

 

[fotonunta]

Prior to purchasing the mark II 70-200mm canon lens, I own and have experience with the canon 200mm 2.0L, 300mm 2.8L and the Mark I version of the 70-200mm canon lens and yes - they are amazing. After reading the rave reviews on this new lens, I was sold on upgrading my Mark I lens with this new version. Unfortunately I am not as pleased as some of the other reviewers. It's a nice lens and has benefits, but it is not the ultimate lens as some reviews suggest.
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Foto Nunta Brasov | Fotograf Nunta | Foto video nunta

 

[Khalai]

Prior to purchasing the mark II 70-200mm canon lens, I own and have experience with the canon 200mm 2.0L, 300mm 2.8L and the Mark I version of the 70-200mm canon lens and yes - they are amazing. After reading the rave reviews on this new lens, I was sold on upgrading my Mark I lens with this new version. Unfortunately I am not as pleased as some of the other reviewers. It's a nice lens and has benefits, but it is not the ultimate lens as some reviews suggest.
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Foto Nunta Brasov | Fotograf Nunta | Foto video nunta

Bad copy/bad body-lens combo perhaps? Mine is as sharp as 100L macro (and that is one sharp lens), never complained about sharpness with this white marvel...

 

[Viggo]

Prior to purchasing the mark II 70-200mm canon lens, I own and have experience with the canon 200mm 2.0L, 300mm 2.8L and the Mark I version of the 70-200mm canon lens and yes - they are amazing. After reading the rave reviews on this new lens, I was sold on upgrading my Mark I lens with this new version. Unfortunately I am not as pleased as some of the other reviewers. It's a nice lens and has benefits, but it is not the ultimate lens as some reviews suggest.
_______________________________
Foto Nunta Brasov | Fotograf Nunta | Foto video nunta

Bad copy/bad body-lens combo perhaps? Mine is as sharp as 100L macro (and that is one sharp lens), never complained about sharpness with this white marvel...

There is quite the epic difference between the 100 L and 200 f2 and the other super tele.

I think you're disappointed because you are comparing the 70-200 to a lens that costs 2.5x the money and that the 70-200, at least of the 4 copies I have had, was weakest at 200mm where the 200 f2 is by far the worlds best.

I had the 70-200 and the 200 f2 at the same time, and while it's a fantastic zoom lens, it got sold because of the 200mm. And I have always said , buy the focal you need not the IQ you want, but for me I can live with running a bit more back and forth with the 200 than buy yet another 70-200.

I just have to add I was never disappointed with the 70-200, the IQ and the AF and small size and weight was REALLY good. But it's just not in the same league as the 200 f2. It lacks that wide open magic. People keep telling me you can get the 135 f2, the 200 f2.8 or a 70-200 for a fraction. As often as I can I lend them my 200 for 5 shots, they always say the same, mind blown, I get it now, you've made the right choice.

 

[canonrumorsbug]

I love this lens. Canon 70-200 IS II. I am an experienced photographer and since I have had this lens my photos have become awesome
And my speciality is photographing fidgety kids

1) Almost all of my photos are sharp. I think the IS on this lens is too good
2) I love the bokeh on this lense. 160 to 200 is where 99% of my shots are.
3) You get low light photos that you could never get before

When I look in the computer I just say Wow each time. No other lens has made me say that. I liked 85mm but I think the IS is where it amazes you. Every strand of hair is sharp. No wonder Canon saw this and is charging a lot for it. Got it on sale for 1717.

I don't notice the weight any more.

Never used the 135 though I have seen really good images from it but it has no IS.

 

[alexanderferdinand]

I own and love this lens since January 2011. Double the price of the non-IS, but sharper and the incredible image stabilizer was and still is priceless in many situations!

 

[mcfoto]

After reading the rave reviews on this new lens, I was sold on upgrading my Mark I lens with this new version.

 

[mariuspavel]

Best all round portrait lens from Canon, no doubt.

 

[Talys]

It's one of my favorite lenses, and the price is pretty good now, with lots of used stock floating around, too. It is much nicer than the Mark 1.

Congratulations! You'll love it, I'm sure.

 

[Ah-Keong]

One of the must have lens!

:

 

[martti]

I just bought one second hand for 1300 euros, a well used item with immac focus, no scratches or mold.
I liked the third shot I took (which is over-everythinged for viewing on Facebook and Instagram):

 

[chrysoberyl]

I intend to sell my copy. My Sigma 180 2.8 is noticeably sharper and is what I go to when I need a tele.

 

[Ozarker]

My copy is very, very good and very sharp. It will be interesting to see what the new III version will offer up.