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Is the Canon 70-200 2.8L IS sharp wide open?

Started Apr 2, 2014 | Questions thread
AOKH
AOKH Senior Member • Posts: 2,675
Re: Is the Canon 70-200 2.8L IS sharp wide open?

Kruegs wrote:

I really want to upgrade my telephoto before this summer but the MkII is outside my budget of $1500. I've heard the MkII is super sharp at 2.8 and I'm wondering if the MkI also performs well wide open at all focal lengths? I'm able to find used copies of the MkI around $1399-1499 at well known dealers and used copies of the MkII are running around $2k in the rare instances when I can find them available (unfortunately I was not one of the lucky ones to snag a MkII for $1599 in the first few seconds of the recent Canon refurb sale). Thanks for your help!

I had the v1 for several years but have since upgraded to v2. As others have said, there is a very clear improvement in wide open performance (sharpness/contrast), especially on the long end. Nevertheless, I found the v1 OK wide open after some post processing. Apparently, the non-IS version is better wide open. You might also want to take a look at the new Tamron, which has received very good reviews. Good luck!

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Regards. Anders

 AOKH's gear list:AOKH's gear list
Canon EOS 5D Mark II Canon EF 35mm F1.4L USM Canon EF 70-200mm F2.8L IS II USM Canon EF 24-70mm F2.8L II USM +14 more
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