70-200mm f/2.8 vs 200mm f/2.8

[koffiejunkie]

I wanted to avoid derailling the timelaps thread, so excuse the cross-thread posting

I may have the opportunity to exchange my 13" for a 15" of my choice but I'm not sure I want to give it up. First things first though, a 400mm f/2.8.

Speaking of f/2.8 lenses: price and size/weight aside, is there any reason to buy the EF 200mm f/2.8 L USM prime over the new EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM? It seems to me like there's little to choose between the two in terms of performance.

 

[Edduck]

uh versatility? Have you ever shot with a prime telephoto lens? It's quite an adjustment if you come from zooms..... And price IS a consideration seeing as the 70-200 is R13k and the 200 R7k.... Not even speaking about the 70-200 II which is ~R22k.... Also look at the Sigma 70-200 2.8 EX HSM. Quality/performance on par with the canon for only R9k!

 

[koffiejunkie]

uh versatility? Have you ever shot with a prime telephoto lens? It's quite an adjustment if you come from zooms..... And price IS a consideration seeing as the 70-200 is R13k and the 200 R7k.... Not even speaking about the 70-200 II which is ~R22k.... Also look at the Sigma 70-200 2.8 EX HSM. Quality/performance on par with the canon for only R9k!

I think you misread my question. I asked is there any reason to buy the 200mm prime over the 70-200mm.

 

[Edduck]

No i understood its just the 200 2.8 is almost a niche lens. Too short for BIF/sports and too long for studio, unless u want to do model shoots from a distance for tight framing! What I should've asked is what ur going to do with it? What camera do you have? If you have APS-C canon then the 1.4X teleconverter will give you an equivalent 448 mm F4 and the 2X teleconverter a 600mm F5.6. NOW then you have a versatile lens

 

[Edduck]

OK i withdraw any comments made, just checked out ur flickr pics, excellent photos!!! I see you enjoy live performance/low light. For that I would def choose the 70-200! versatility versatility name of the game!

 

[koffiejunkie]

I'm thinking live music. I don't really see a reason to get the 200mm prime, I was just wondering if I was overlooking something.

 

[bwana]

200mm f/2.8 - I'd get one tomorrow if they just weather sealed the thing.

Inexpensive (R8k vs R24k) and lightweight, it would suit me to a T for sports. Not sure I'd want to use it for shooting concerts though.

 

[Juggy]

I see Orms have 2nd hand 70-200 F2.8 non IS lenses for just over 8K. I'm considering one of those.

 

[bwana]

I see Orms have 2nd hand 70-200 F2.8 non IS lenses for just over 8K. I'm considering one of those.

That seems pretty good - just keep out of the rain!

 

[Juggy]

That seems pretty good - just keep out of the rain!

Which is strange as well because Canon claim that one of the features of the L series white lenses is that it's weather proof.

 

[koffiejunkie]

Which is strange as well because Canon claim that one of the features of the L series white lenses is that it's weather proof.

As far as I understand that wasn't always the case. The 70-200mm f/2.8 L USM is a fairly old model. That said, I spent four days, standing in the rain for 14 hours with it - it survived just fine...

 

[bwana]

Which is strange as well because Canon claim that one of the features of the L series white lenses is that it's weather proof.

Only the IS models in the 70-200 range are weather sealed, which of course is all academic if the body isnt.

 

[Juggy]

Ah yes, that is true. Best to wrap it up I suppose. I don't think my 50D is weather sealed

 

[bwana]

Ah yes, that is true. Best to wrap it up I suppose. I don't think my 50D is weather sealed

I use those cheap plastic showercaps they give away at hotels for the 7D and I fashioned a plastic cover out of a heavy duty plastic bag for my 70-200 that seems to do the trick nicely.

 

[koffiejunkie]

Ah yes, that is true. Best to wrap it up I suppose. I don't think my 50D is weather sealed

The xxD has a bit of dust and water sealing, but it's not fully sealed. It's enough to protect against the average kind of wetness. The four days I spent in the rain with the 70-200 was with the 50D attached. I've also spent a few hours in absolutely pouring rain - got caught in the crowds at NY halloween parade, didn't have my camera bag on me. I was absolutely soaked and so was the camera. Still clicking over fine.