Canon 70-200 f2.8 IS MK1 OR Tamron 70-200 f2.8 VC

hman982 wrote:

I recently upgraded camera bodies (6D) and am looking for a good 70-200 f2.8 lens. My photography is strictly for fun, although I am shooting a wedding as a favor towards the end of the summer. I was centering my search between the Canon 70-200 F2.8 IS MK1 or the Tamron 70-200 F2.8 VC. I've heard great things about both lenses, and I've also heard horror stories about both.

Currently, I have in my cross hairs a used Canon 70-200 F2.8 IS for $1500, while the Tamron is currently $1400 after rebates.

Please note that I am currently only looking at these two lenses. I understand that the Canon 70-200 f2.8 IS MK2 is significantly better, but at this time, its still an $800-$900 price difference that I can not afford.

Advice? Opinions?

I only have experience with the two Canon IS versions, and both are great. As you already pointed out, the new version is noticeably better (especially wide open sharpness and contrast around 200mm). I have heard good things about the new Tamron. Wide open sharpness is supposedly closer to the Canon II version, and AF much faster than earlier Tamron versions (which have been known to be slow). If you shoot wide open a lot, I would take a close look at the Tamron. Nevertheless, I don't think you'll be disappointed with the Canon. As it has been out of production for a number of years already, it might be difficult to get replacement parts down the line (if you plan on keeping the lens for many years).

Below are a couple of shots with the older Canon IS version wide open at 200mm (supposedly its weakest point). Still very usable IMHO! Good luck.