Re: Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II - or - Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II
ShortestPath wrote:
The two lenses you mention are very similar in size, weight, price and sharpness (excellent). The question is, would you rather have one more stop of aperture than your 70-200 f4 or a lot more reach?
Yes this is the hard question. Really, I am happy as is. I really do not need one more stop very often, nor do I need more reach very often.
I can se myself having a lot of fun with both these lenses. Which lens brings most use and fun to me and my family? Perhaps more reach beats one more stop.
Since you mention your typical use is people/family/vacation and that you would need the extra reach only occasionally, the 70-200 2.8 II seems like the better choice. Your 70-200 f4 should also work pretty well for that though, with a much more travel-friendly weight. May I ask you what made you think of upgrading in the first place?
Very good question!
I have used my 70-200 f/4 IS all the time since 2007 and I really love it, fast, small and sharp.
The 70-200 f/2.8L IS II is even sharper than my 70-200 f/4 IS. It is also 2x the price and weight.
One reason for wanting one more stop is that my son plays tennis indoors in wintertime. ISOs are pushed to 3200-6400 or more. My son is not much into sports any more and it is likely he will stop playing tennis indoors very soon and then my primary need for a faster short tele lens goes away.
My other reasons wanting but not needing one stop more are:
- A faster shutter speed for freezing aktion, chasing kids running and sports.
- A f/2.8 lens makes my cameras AF works better and faster = a lot more keepers.
- It is essential in most low light situations in- and outdoors.
- For portraits with beautiful creamy bokeh. It adds more separation at all focal lengths
- I can use a lover ISO = Greater Dynamic range, less grain, better contrast, higher IQ.
As good as the 70-200 f/2.8L IS II is do I really need it? Perhaps it is better not to sell my 70-200 f/4 IS and add the new 100-400 f/4.5-5.6L IS II?
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Best Regards
Pietro M
Stockholm