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RF 70-200 f/2.8 vs 4.0 decisions decisions!

Started 1 month ago | Discussions thread
ffabrici Senior Member • Posts: 1,352
Re: RF 70-200 f/2.8 vs 4.0 decisions decisions!
2

Basil Fawlty wrote:

I must have watched a dozen videos comparing these two lenses and I'm still struggling on which one to get to replace my EF 70-200 f/4 (non-IS).

From the comparisons I've seen, unless you're REALLY pixel peeping, the IQ on these two lenses is very comparable. Maybe a very slight edge to the 2.8 stopped to f4 compared to the f4 at f/4, mainly on the wide end (70mm). Most viewers are never going to notice a difference.

Points in favor of the f2.8: Obviously it's a full stop brighter than the f/4, which means better subject/background separation and bokeh. However, the f/4 isn't bad and the differences become less noticeable the more you zoom in.

The f2.8 would do better in indoor situations with poor lighting (such as our annual rodeo). However, the R5's ISO performance and today's noise reduction software like Topaz might make this a wash.

Points in favor of the f/4.0 version: The biggest difference of course is price. For the price of the f/2.8 I could buy the f/4.0 AND the 100mm f/2.8 macro lens.

The f/4.0 version would be much better for hiking and walking around town since it is lighter by almost a full pound.

Since I would be using this lens 80% of the time for landscapes, and only occasionally on portraits of family and friends (none professionally), or doing indoor events, I probably wouldn't need that extra stop very often. I'm thinking paying an extra $1000 for something that would be heavier to hike with and which I wouldn't really need very often, probably wouldn't be the best choice for me.

I'd be lying if I said I wouldn't love to have that 2.8 beast just because I know what a great lens it would be, but in the long run, given my shooting requirements, I'm thinking it makes more sense (for me) at this time to consider that smaller, lighter f/4.0 version and put the difference into something like that 100mm Macro lens. My heart says go for broke and get the 2.8, but my head says go for the f/4.

Anyone else having this same sort of struggle either with these two lenses or other lenses?

I can easily relate to your dilemma. I was debating 28-70 f/2 vs 24-70 f/2.8 and I bought the f2.8 that I objectively needed and it sounds to me like the 70-200 f/4 is the lens that you objectively need whereas it would of course be nice to have f/2.8.

Big and heavy lenses are good for studio and events like wedding but seriously tiring to use for trekking etc. I have a 24-240 for when I’m travelling ultra ligt, and I’m happy with its performance.

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