canon 70-200 f4 is vs 70-200 f2.8 is vs 70-200 f2.8 is II

[wildstraw]

Hey,

Im a Uni student studying a bachelor of photography and i have quite a keen interest in photography, and im pretty sure i want to pursue it as a profession. Im not yet 100% sure what area i want to specialise in, but would love to do plenty of sports photography (cricket) and possibly some wedding and portraiture photography on the side. Im currently looking very, very hard at buying a 70-200mm lens, but cant decide on which one to get. As I am a uni student, Im purely looking a the 2nd hand market and have a budget (that i could push a little) of around $1500-1800 maxish. My dilemma is: Will the f4 IS be a fast enough lens for the photographic areas im looking at, or is it inevitable that ill need the 2.8 IS? If the latter is the case, Is the mark I 2.8 still a worthwhile lens, or will i forever regret not saving up the extra money to get the mark II?

Im sure this is a fairly hot debate, and obviously the mark II is the best all round lens at the moment, but the f4 IS is still renowned for its excellent optics, I just dont yet have enough experience to know if its fast enough for low light indoors, or night time sports.

THANKS FOR YOUR HELP!

Will.

[bob williams]

Will the f4 IS be a fast enough lens for the photographic areas im looking at, or is it inevitable that ill need the 2.8 IS? If the latter is the case, Is the mark I 2.8 still a worthwhile lens

Wildstraw, welcome to the forums. This a good question but based on your needs I would try and find a used 70-200 f2.8 IS I. This is still a highly respected and very versatile lens capable of producing sharp hgh quality images. Many on the forums here have this lens and speak highly of it. If sports are your interest area then the speed will often be a factor and I think you may regret buying a slower lens even though they too have very respectable image quality. So, considering your budget and needs, I believe the the 70-200 F2.8 IS I is your best option if you can find one.

Good luck and lets us know what you decide.

[wildstraw]

Thanks For your advice! and thanks for the welcome! ive spent so many hours on this website i thought it should certainly be the first one i join. haha. such a good review and specs website!

[kingscurate]

What about a new 200mm 2.8. Believe me a super lens. I wish i still had this lens.

[Mark Elberson]

I believe the the 70-200 F2.8 IS I is your best option if you can find one.

I'd sell mine for $1,450 :-)

[clemmb]

Wildstraw,
Also, welcome to the forum. You should fill out the ABOUT on your profile page. Let us know some more about you.
I agree with Bob. I do not have any of these but tried the mark I 2.8 in the store. They let me mount it on my 5D. I did a hand held of my wife at 200 f2.8 with just the light in the store. I was very impressed with how sharp it was. This would be a good choice.

[neuroanatomist]

Definitely an f/2.8 lens (or an even faster prime like the 135mm f/2L) for the uses you mention. One more stop helps in low light, and you get more OOF blur for portraits.

[jrw]

The f4 might barely be enough to freeze outdoor sports action on an overcast day. Might! Certainly will cause you fits inside churches and reception halls.
Given that you have professional aspirations I'd suggest getting the f2.8 for cricket and initial portraits. Rent wide primes for weddings to get a feel for which ones work for you there, and you'll find that your portraits will benefit as you purchase the ones that fit your style the best.

[Sheiky]

I have the 70-200 F4L IS and it is an amazing lens. I use it for pretty much everything, even sports. However the f2.8 definitely has it's benefits for the aspirations you have so I vote f2.8. It's a little more cash, but it also has more options. What camera would you be using it with?

[wildstraw]

At the moment a 60D, but ill upgrade in the future (hopefully a 5D mkIII ) the 1.6 cropped sensor helps improve that zoom which is great for sports (on the 60D obviously). Thanks for everyones help! im looking hard for a 2nd hand 2.8 mk I !! and ill get around to doing my "about me" stuff soon, not much to tell yet though, haha.