Disappointment with 70-200 f2.8 - I -

Hello to all,


I been waiting for a long time to have it. Now, time has come.


I feel a bit unease to say it but, on my 5D mk II or 50D, I find it disappointing (sharpness, AF precision, IS efficiency), for various outdoor work (sport, etc.)


I get much better pics with the 17-40 or 100 macro IS (ok, it's a prime).


70-200 is as good as my 24-105 (which is ...so, so), but not much.


I send it back to Canon for control, and wait. But ...


Do someone had same impressions with this first class lens, or is there a special way to use it ??


Thanks for your impressions.

I basically had the same reaction...then I did a microfocus adjustment on my 50D. After the MF adjustment, my keeper rate went up significantly. Set up a controlled test (camera on tripod), and see if the lens may be front/back focusing just a hair. If so, you can dial it in to work precisely how you need it to.

I have a 50D and my 70-200 2.8 IS and my 17-55 2.8 IS are my sharpest lens, both excellent and both better wide open than my 24-70 2.8 even after micro adjustment with the 24-70. I would recommend you try micro adjustment, but if it is the same with two different cameras, maybe you should exchange it for another copy.


Chris

I know what you mean, I have it on my XSi and I don't have the money to upgrade to a body with MF Adjust (yet!!!), so I have to used at least at f/4.0 to get some really good pictures, which is a pain the butt if you're shooting in low light...but still, pictures it's better than no pictures, right?


Do the MF Adjust...see what happens ;)

Sean, where did you MF your lens? Long end? Short end? Did you notice a change on the other end, then, in terms of sharpness?

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Originally Posted by Alan

Sean, where did you MF your lens? Long end? Short end? Did you notice a change on the other end, then, in terms of sharpness?
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Actually, I assumed that if I was using the 70-200, I'd likely be using it on the long end, so I MF adjusted it to 200mm. Fortunately, the change improved focus for the entire focal range.

If you bought it new, send it back. If you bought it used, now you know why someone sold it. I've had 3 of the lenses, none were really sharp. Very good, but not outstanding like my 70-200mm F4L IS.


From what testing I've seen, the mark II version is now the sharpest zoom Canon makes. A tiny bit sharper that the F4L IS, and less CA too. with a 1.4 TC, it beats the F4L with 1.4 TC.

According to Bryan's second test of a second 70-200 MKII lens, looks like Canon has some inconsistancies with QC unless I'm reading wrong.

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Originally Posted by Tabazan

I find it disappointing (sharpness, AF precision, IS efficiency), for various outdoor work (sport, etc.)

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Tabazan,


You didn't tell us much. I have the old non-IS version and sometimes I think it's sharper wide openat f2.8 than stopped down to f4. It's a telephoto zoom and it has soft spots and sharp spots. It will never match the quality of a prime but will create some incredible images. It would be nice to know what focal lengths and what f-stops your're finding inadequate or sub-par. Can you post some test shots with exif, then the group here may be able to help you determine what course of action is best in your case?

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Originally Posted by Tabazan

I find it disappointing (sharpness, AF precision, IS efficiency), for various outdoor work (sport, etc.)

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Tabazan,


You didn't tell us much. I have the old non-IS version and sometimes I think it's sharper wide openat f2.8 than stopped down to f4. It's a telephoto zoom and it has soft spots and sharp spots. It will never match the quality of a prime but will create some incredible images. It would be nice to know what focal lengths and what f-stops your're finding inadequate or sub-par. Can you post some test shots with exif, then the group here may be able to help you determine what course of action is best in your case?

I've got the original 70-200 2.8 IS, and while I wouldn't say it equals a prime at all, I've never had any complaints.


I'd second the suggestion to check the focus accuracy for front/back focus. Personally, if I found a problem, i'd just send it into canon instead of rolling the dice again, with my body if I could spare it.


Of my collection, it's one of the last lenses I'd let go of.

I rented it for 2 weekswhile in the heat of the action I shoot. This picture opitimizes what I love to shoot, and the 70-200mm lens wastoo long for the majority ofwhatI needed Loved it large, but lowered it on my list of must have lenses. Got the 24-70mm instead.[img]/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.33.03/larry.jpg[/img]

I just got this lens today, with a new 7D. Took it out and got some really crisp shots. I had to deal with ducks at the pond, because I only had 15 minutes andthat's right across the street. I'll post some pics tomorrow when I'm not illegally using the internet at work :)


In the mean time, Ifound the picture clarity to be outstanding.

I agree, it is extremely difficult to build a lens like this, thats why we don't see cheap Chinese knockoffs that match or almost match the sharpness.Individual lenses have their own slightly different characteristics, and as long as they meet the manufacturers tolerances, they are shipped.


I've never has a bad one thatI bought new, but I have bought used lenses that were very good, but not tack sharp. Thats probably why they were sold.

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Originally Posted by 2slo

I rented it for 2 weekswhile in the heat of the action I shoot. This
picture opitimizes what I love to shoot, and the 70-200mm lens wastoo
long for the majority ofwhatI needed Loved it large, but lowered it
on my list of must have lenses. Got the 24-70mm instead.

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Stunning !


Where can I see more of your pics ??

I juste received the lens back from Canon (Switzerland, where I live) : less than one week and back, covered by guarantee.


Perfect sharp after correction.


Worth the control, now let's have fun !

You will come to love this lens. Enjoy![;)]


Chris

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Originally Posted by Chris White

You will come to love this lens

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I already started :-)


One question though, is there a way to remove the tripod collar. I tried to unscrewed it at max, but it doesn't seem to work.

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Originally Posted by Tabazan

One question though, is there a way to remove the tripod collar.

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Of course. You can only remove the collar if the lens is not attached to the camera body - it slides off the mount end of the lens. Loosen the knob, and turn the collar until the red dot on the collar is in line with the red dot on the lens and you can slide the collar off.