Those of you who follow this blog will remember that a couple of weeks ago I sold my beloved 70-200 2.8 L IS lens. The lens that has shot the majority of my ski photos for the last few years. I replaced it with it’s smaller and lighter brother the 70-200 f4 L IS. Having spent a couple of weeks using it now I thought I would confirm my initial suspicions. I LOVE this lens. As I sold my old lens I have no way of doing any direct comparisons but if that’s what you want to see then check here.
At first I just couldn’t believe how small and light this thing felt compared to my old one. It weighs 760g compared with the 1470g of the 2.8 version but it feels even lighter and is fully half the diameter. The difference in the weight of my pack feels considerable and everything fits inside much better now since i don’t have to carry the frustratingly large hood for the 2.8. Below is a shot taken with this lens just yesterday in Whistler along with a 100% crop of the skier in the shot (Riley Leboe). Just take a quick look, it holds plenty of detail. So far no regrets, I have also picked up an 85mm 1.8 lens to fill the short tele large aperture gap that I had by selling the 2.8 and i’ll put that to the test very soon too. For now though, this is my new favorite lens!
oh and yes that really was the color of the sky. This was shot at about 5 in the afternoon, nice low sun.
Beautiful colours! I own 70-200/4 too but the hon IS version. I was thinking at one stage i’m gonna upgrade for 2.8 , but I see there is no need to that and I can save some money for couple flashes. Thanks Dan, you are an awesome photographer, and this is very helpfull blog! thanks again. Michal
WOW Dan! I have heard that the 4 is sharper then the 2.8 but that link to the comparison test was pretty profound. At f4 and 200mm the difference is amazing! Congrats on a smart gear change, keep up the good work love your photos!
Hi – great pic, impressed with the colours and the sharpness.
Have you felt the IS is required as I would imagine much of your shooting is with high shutter speeds, or is it, the F4 IS reviews were so strong in comparison to the F4 non-is?
Thanks!
I dont use the IS that much but the sharpness of the IS version is considerably better than the non-is version hence my choice.
Dan,
I used the 2.8 version when covering for a photographer friend at an ecent. It was so heavy both in the pack and in use. The decided it for me and I went for the F4 version and I am so happy that I did.
It may loose a stop, but it’s tack sharp, even at F4 and so much more easy to carry in my travels. I use just two lenses when travelling this and the 24-105L.
Been looking at reviews from many photographers now on this lens and it definitely seems to be the way to go. And that 100% crop pretty much just sold it too me!
1st time posting here but you have some fantastic photos – I can only hope to get somewhere close! Looking forward to seeing more of last winters stuff. The film trailers that are coming out look amazing!!
Ben
thanks Ben ! yes such an awesome lens. Especially for keeping weight down in your pack. love it.
Hey Dan,
Super helpful blog. Have you shot the 70-200 4L IS without a tripod? And if so how does it compare. Am interested to know as I would like to shoot whilst on the move. Wildlife/Travel photog. Also any idea on the 70-200 4L IS vs the 70-200 2.8L (Non IS)?
Cheers.
yes i very rarely use it with a tripod and its great. the IS works very well. Better than the original 70-200 2.8 IS but not as good as the newer 70-200 2.8 IS II. Im afraid I have not used the non -IS before.