Canon 200mm f2 L vs. 200-400mm f4 L

richiedodson wrote:

Victor Engel wrote:

Thanks partially to your post (although I've been considering the move for years), there has been a hit to my wallet. My 200mm f/1.8 (allegedly in like new condition) is in transit to my location.

I think you will absolutely fall in love with it Victor. The only negative thing I could say about it is the balance (of course we already expect the big weight) - a lot of people buy a long foot extender to centre the balance better

I've already been scheming on how to do this. Another option would be to manufacture an extender that connects to my camera, something that would make sense if I stick with one model of camera. Also on my shopping list now is a monopod. I've never owned one before, opting for a tripod or just my arms.

- but it might quickly become your favourite lens.

That honor currently goes to my 135L.

I'm certainly interested to hear your comments after a few days playing with yours.

I would say mine is about as sharp right across the (full) frame when at f/1.8 as a 70-200f/2.8ISII is in the centre at f/2.8 and even more noticeable when at f/2.0.

I don't own that lens, but borrowed one the last time I was hired for a wedding.

I have heard it is sharper than the 200f/2IS due to the lead glass. My 300f/2.8IS is sharp of course - but I certainly haven't noticed a sharpness difference between the 200 and much newer 300. I prefer the look of the images from the 200 which pop and have amazing colour. I just don't get much use with my 200-400 as I don't do big field sports much. I used my 200 for almost an entire conference in a dark auditorium last week (along with mixed focal lengths for varying angle supply to the client) and the images were great - almost paid for itself all-over-again!

My biggest worry so far has been the size of the lens - not because of the heft needed, but because of the distraction it would cause. I'm sure that would depend on the setting, of course. I'd considered renting one in order to test it out, but I decided that by purchasing one, I can take my time with it and should still be able to sell it if I decide I no longer want it. Probably cheaper, in fact, to do that than to rent one, if one is even available to rent. No, that would probably be a 200 f/2 IS.