So I havnt been able to fully field test this guy yet, Weddings coming up in March will be the real test. However my initial impressions of this lens are so positive, Id figure I would write something up now.

Here it is next to the 24-70 f2.8 L for sizing reference.



This is the top end of Canons 70-200 series lenses. Its brothers include the F4, F4 IS, and F2.8. This is the tallest and heaviest of the bunch.

Whats in the Box.

-The lens of course.
-Hard lens carry case.
-Lens hood.
-Tripod Collar.
-Manuals.

So far the lens has been great. The focusing motor is faster than the 24-70 from what Ive seen thus far. The lens itself ive found to be very sharp. The addition of IS makes this even better for low light conditions. I am really surprised with how well the IS works. I like Ben, was also disappointed a bit with the performance of the IS in the the 28-135. This is a considerable difference. Granted it should be, but a nice surprise.

The IS is a bit noisy, but If you know what it is, you wont think twice about it. This is a touch different from other IS lenses, in that it has an array of functions along with it.

If you look below, There are two stabilizer modes. 1 is for general IS use such as handheld and lowlight conditions. Mode 2 is specifically there for panning shots. Very useful for sports and auto racing.

There is also a focus select switch, which allows you to choose from 1.4m to 2.5m. This is important, as the AF will be much faster if you have the selection on the range your working. for example, if you are shooting an object that is 1.4-2.5m from the front element, the 1.4 is the selection you want to use. Anything 2.5m away and up, 2.5 to infinity is the selection to use.



IQ wise its tick tack sharp. If you read reviews there is alot of discussion on how the regular 2.8 version is sharper than this. This is plenty sharp, not to mention the fact this will really shine in low light situations where the IS is truly beneficial. The difference between getting the shot and missing the shot outweighs ANY minute difference is sharpness IMO.

This will be the primary telephoto I use at weddings. On the 30D it is an effective 112-320mm range, perfect for Candids.

So... Is it worth the $$$? For my uses, absolutely. For someone else maybe an outdoor shooter, Id say the F4 or F4 IS is the way to go. With the IS performance in this lens, Id actually say the F4 IS, will work better than the 2.8 non-IS, but thats just theoretical.

More of the lens.






Some sample shots over the weekend.

Bokeh at F4!!!


F8


Ill be adding more after this weekend when I can really test it out.

I know Ted has this guy as well, so im sure he can chime in with his thoughts.

Nice shots!

The only thing I'll add concerns the focus select switch. You hinted at it, but its practical everyday application is for shooting through fences. Get the lens right up against the chainlink with the setting on 2.5m and the camera will never try to grab the fence to focus on. In motorsports this is invaluable, since your subjects are whizzing by and you are already limited on how much time you have to focus on them, this little switch drastically shortens the amount of time required to lock on.

And I agree, this lens is absolutely worth the money. I'd say that with the f4 non-IS I was getting about 3/10 keepers, and with the 2.8 IS that ratio is easily 9/10. It is big and heavy, and there's no being subtle with it, but that doesn't bother me because it's an absolutely amazing lens.

F2.8, 1/30. Ignore the noise from the action.

Handheld 180mm. I <3 IS.

1/20 @ 200mm!!!

Nice, but after a few you won't be able to hand hold at 1/20th at 200mm

Originally Posted by jacobsen1

Nice, but after a few you won't be able to hand hold at 1/20th at 200mm

Id say after a few, it wouldnt be a good idea to be holding the camera.

rookie!

Originally Posted by jacobsen1

rookie!

oh I can hold my liquor. Just wait til the summer when you come to shoot a wedding. We can go drink for drink then!

who said I was talking about drinking?

Originally Posted by jacobsen1

who said I was talking about drinking?

what were you talking about then... Now im totally confused!

rookie shooter?

Originally Posted by jacobsen1

rookie shooter?

IS is ridiculous.

Don't know how to save with exif in CS3.. 1/80th, f/2.8, 200mm

neighbor:

Brian! you got one too?! Fantastic isnt it.

Originally Posted by BCinMB

IS is ridiculous.

Don't know how to save with exif in CS3.. 1/80th, f/2.8, 200mm

It is ridiculous and you're not even pushing it...
Not sure what "generation" IS these have -vs- my 300, but with the 300 I can shoot at 1/15th... Longer lens, but FF so very similar focal lengths. But yeah it's insane what's capable with it.

And Brian, to save with EXIF, just Don't use the "save for web". Anything else leaves it intact (which it is in your example).

Another sample @ 200mm

the version of IS that is in the 70-200 is good for 3 stops. The newer 70-200 f4 IS is 4 stops

1/30 @ 200mm

So I have noticed in some of my photos, using one of my Custom in camera settings. After adding the frame action it does tend to oversharpen the images. Def. a good thing, just glad I picked up on it. I have recently been shooting at 0,0,0,0 just to see. Ill report back after this weekend.

more samples.

Hey Matt, I was surprised to see the first one @ f8, about how far away were you from her?

great pics matt... I believe this will be my next lens

Originally Posted by tardypizza

Hey Matt, I was surprised to see the first one @ f8, about how far away were you from her?

probably about 5 ft. why? the bokeh?

Originally Posted by subimatt

probably about 5 ft. why? the bokeh?

yep, figured you had to be fairly close to do that at f8.

Originally Posted by tardypizza

yep, figured you had to be fairly close to do that at f8.

its one on my shots, it has to have some bokeh!

Hi Ben!

the f4 IS does have panning mode. And yes, it is EXTREMELY awesome. I have panned as slow as 1/30 at 200mm with it.

First time using the lens, 1/20 at 75mm:


and I was trying to find my recent examples but flickr is no longer working for me
though if it works for you just go to the link in my sig and half of my sets are panning shots with this lens

but basically the IS is amazing

lowest I ever used without it was 1/100 and I got far less keepers than I do at 1/60 using IS.

Originally Posted by edgephoto

Question - does the IS 'panning' mode really work? How well?

Does the 70-200f4L IS have that mode?

yes, it works, and yes the f4 IS version has it. Actually, the f4 version has 4 stop IS to the f2.8s 3 stop. So technically it's got better IS... If you don't need f2.8, the f4 version is considered the better lens (smaller, lighter, sharper, $600 less, and better IS).

As for how well it works, it's 4 stops. So take whatever you're getting consistent results at w/o IS, and go 4 stops slower. I can shoot at 1/90th w/o IS and have maybe 50% keepers if I'm lucky. At 1/125th I'd say I'm good (again w/o IS). So with 4 stops that goes to 1/6th... That's crazy slow. Personally, what I do with IS, is I'll shoot one or maybe 2 slower than normal, so like 1/90th, but know that I'll have a significantly better keeper ratio. I'll go slower only if the light makes me.

Some more samples.

nice shots, how's the arm.

Is this thing really that bad to shoot with weight wise? It looks like a beast and it seems like it would get old quick. I am thinking about renting one for a wedding next month, but may not if it will become an issue.

its definitely heavy and tiring if you are carrying it around all day, however the images it produces are worth it.

It's for an outdoor late afternoon wedding, so having the 2.8 would help.

I'll look into the f/4 also though, I'd much prefer smaller and lighter.

Gah...now I want to buy this lens.

Good that I set my CC limit really low, otherwise I'd have been really tempted

Originally Posted by Occytron

It's for an outdoor late afternoon wedding, so having the 2.8 would help.

I'll look into the f/4 also though, I'd much prefer smaller and lighter.

bear in mind, the f/4 IS had one extra stop of IS. So if you're shooting people and are worried more about camera shake than motion blur (them moving) the f/4 will get there. With something like sports every single shutter is crucial (1/250th -vs- 1/500th), with people outside in the afternoon, you could be OK with the f/4 IS version.

all 70-200s have amazing IQ, but the f4 IS is the best.
but if you need 2.8 you need 2.8 and you have so suck it up.

It's so pretty at $2300

$1,997.95, but ****, when'd it go up?

Originally Posted by Stoopid_Girl

It's so pretty at $2300

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...8L_IS_USM.html


its a steal for $1899.