5DmkII or EF 70-200 f/2.8L IS: which one to buy first?

[scalesusa]

I'd also recommend the 5D MK II. Once you start using it, try it with some primes. I sold my 70-200mm F:/2.8 and kept my F4 version because its excellent to carry around, and, if i need a wider aperture,I use a prime.

[btaylor]

What's more important: landscapes or portraits? If the answer is portraits, go for the 70-200.

I personally find the 70-200mm too long for portraits on a crop body, certainly doesn't stop me using it but I'd like a little more flexibility at the wide end. I'll be purchasing the 24-70mm f/2.8 in the near future to account for this.


Don't discount the 70-200mm f/4L IS either - I am very happy with its performance. It'ssharper than the 2.8 and you really don't need thewider aperture for landscapes (might be nice for portraits though).You may benefit from having something a little more capable in low light.


I'm really not sure which way to advise you to be honest. I personally would love to upgrade from my 40D to a 5D mkII butI already have glass in that 70-200mm range(whereas you do not). I think for now you should go for the 70-200mm so you're covered a bit on the long end foryour inevitable switch to full frame.


Hope I didn't confuse you...I've definitely confused myself. []


Cheers, Ben.

[clemmb]

It is truely a tuff decision. When I switched to digital I started shooting portraits with a 350D and a Tamron 17-50 then upgraded to a 400D and a 24-105 and a 100 f2. I have since upgraded to a 5D just before the 5D mkII came out. For portraits I think the 70-200 is a better choice than the 5DmkII. I have played with a 450D and was impressed with it. For portraits a 450D and a 24-105, 100f2.8 and 70-200 you will be able to get great results.


Mark

[musickna]

I think you'll be happy with either choice (I own both). If it was me, I'd toss a coin. []

[Htet Kyi]

Thanks again for all your advices and logics..


I decided to go for the glass first then I'll see to buy between 70D and 5DmkII. Anyhow, I'll have both and it's a matter of time to complete my arsenal.


Even though 450D is somewhat limited in some functions, as clemmb said I should be ok with my previous 24-105 f/4L, 100 f/2.8L and forthcoming 70-200 f/2.8L for the moment.


Thank you all again!!

[tancanon58]

If I were you I would get the 70-200 f4 IS. It is lighter and cheaper and also a pro lens.


70-200 2.8 IS is an excellent lens for portrait but it is so heavy as compared to other 70-200 FL. The MKII is coming out and MKI still have same price which might be increased (?).


Besides I have also heard that Canon body will give you good results (not the lenses) whereas Nikon is vice versa.

[Sheiky]

Besides I have also heard that Canon body will give you good results (not the lenses) whereas Nikon is vice versa.

You better listen carefully on this forum [:P]

[btaylor]

Besides I have also heard that Canon body will give you good results (not the lenses) whereas Nikon is vice versa.
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And Fisheye lenses are designed to be used under water.

[tancanon58]

What I meant is someone statement not mine.


I have to agree with that since I always set on manual to my 5d2 but AF for lens. I could not do this on Nikon D700 and any Nikon pro lens before (14-24G, 24-70G...).

[henytran]

Welcome to the forum. This is a tough decision but I'd go with the 5dmk2. I have the 70-200 and love it but I honestly don't get to use it as much as I'd like. I end up going with the 24-70 f/2.8 but that's my own personal shooting preference. I think if you're more into landscapes you'll enjoy the full frame nature of the 5d. That said, the 70-200 does an excellent job for portraits.


So I would think about if you've been feeling a need for the extra length of the 70-200 or if you feel like you need faster glass then I'd go with the lens. I know when I had the 70-200 f/4 I could feel the limitation of the glass and needed to upgrade to the f/2.8 (I shoot indoors a lot). If you're feeling that pinch I'd go with the glass.


If you need video...well the lens won't help you much with that


Good luck with your purchase!