70-200 mm --new releases

[Kayaker72]

So, new lenses are always fun and Canon recently announced the 70-200 f/4 IS II and 70-200 f/2.8 III. I consider both the lenses these updates are replacing to be classics, among the best Canon has to offer. The update to the 70-200 f/2.8 III sounds like it is more about coatings (maybe there is more, but so far, coatings...and a slightly different color of white), the 70-200 f/4 IS was updated with a new optical formula.

Bryan just released his first take on the IQ...I have to say, I see a bit of an improvement to contrast (most prominently at 135 mm), but this is very slight.

@ 70 mm:
https://www.the-digital-picture.com/...mp=0&APIComp=0

@135 mm:

https://www.the-digital-picture.com/...mp=2&APIComp=0


@200 mm
https://www.the-digital-picture.com/...mp=3&APIComp=0

Granted, that is the issue with trying to update a classic lens, it is already so good. And a bit better contrast could actually result in a noticeable improvement in some pics.

I do not own the 70-200 f/4 IS, but I own and I really do like the 70-300 L....you can see the improvement of comparing the 70-200 f/4 II and 70-300 L at 200 mm:

https://www.the-digital-picture.com/...mp=3&APIComp=2

While the 70-200 f/4 IS II and 70-300 L are similar in my mind (compact, light weight telephoto lenses), the 100-400L II and 200-400 f/4 are bigger and much bigger, but still, it helps to compare IQ at 200 mm:

https://www.the-digital-picture.com/...mp=2&APIComp=2

https://www.the-digital-picture.com/...mp=0&APIComp=0

Overall, it is not hard to see why the 70-200 f/4 IS was a classic. I am all set, but looks like a nice lens.

[Sheiky]

I own a 70-200 F4L IS and I really cannot see a good reason to upgrade to the new version. Maybe I'm overlooking things, but I have no complains at all on my 50MP camera.
If the new version was black though....I would have swapped without a doubt. I would look less professional and people would have less expectations. (which would reflect the reality of most results somewhat more )

[Dave Throgmartin]

The lenses are good enough now that upgrades are a harder sell. I find my 6D and 80D image quality plenty good enough so lenses that are marginal improvements are clearly not worth the money. I haven't bought a lens in a few years now.

Dave

[apersson850]

The technical reason for the lenses being white is that the fluorite lenses inside are sensitive to heat. A bright color keeps the lens cooler.

[peety3]

Late to the party, but the 70-200/4IS II does add one more stop of stabilization than the prior model. I'm surprised that the 70-200/2.8IS III is so marginal of an "upgrade" compared to vII, but as a vI user I guess it means I'll upgrade to the vIII someday. The question now is which of these two new 70-200s do I buy first?