Canon EF 70-200mm f/4 IS L USM vs Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L USM

[TammyG]

Hi There,
Im looking at buying a 70-200mm lens but I'm not sure which one, between the Canon EF 70-200mm f/4 IS L USM and the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L USM, would be the better buy? The faster one or the one with image stabilization?? Any thoughts??

[Bluenoser]

There is also a 70-200 f2.8 IS II USM new on the market.

[JeffSmith]

I have the 70-200 f/2.8 L IS II USM and it's awesome - my friend saw the results and immediately bought one and sold his 70-200 f/4.0 L USM and practically got his money back so it's a good investment too.

Regarding IS, it's all a matter of what you're going to use it for. If it's mainly tripod, you don't need IS and the extra stop will be useful for more shallow DoF.

The f/4 has some really great reviews and it's not too heavy either - the f/2.8 is a lot heavier.

On balance, I'd go for the f/4, great results and good value for money.

If you have the budget, go for the 70-200 f/2.8 L IS II USM - it's totally awesome, but it's around £2,500!

[TammyG]

Unfortunately Im on a budget so the 70-200 f/2.8 L IS II USM is a bit out of my price range. Thats why Im looking at either the f2.8 without IS or the f4 with IS. Ive read good reviews on both and just wanted to get a couple more opinions before making my decision. :-)

[RichardTaylor]

What do want to use it for, and what weight are you willing to carry?

[TammyG]

I want to use it for general portrait photography and I wont always be indoors/using a tripod so I would prefer something a bit more light weight

[lputman]

The f/4 version is an excellent lens, light weight (much, much lighter than the 2.8). If you don't think you will be shooting low light, go for the f/4 IS version. I almost traded my 2.8 for a f/4 based upon the weight alone; however, I need the 2.8 for football under the lights and pulled back on trading.

[JeffSmith]

Originally Posted by TammyG

I want to use it for general portrait photography and I wont always be indoors/using a tripod so I would prefer something a bit more light weight

Decision made, the f/4 it is

[MrJones]

I'm using the f/4 IS and it's a great lens.
keep in mind, taking photos after dusk without a flash is impossible if the object is on the move.
that said, if your portrait models keep still - you'll do just fine

[TammyG]

Thanks for the help everyone!!! I think the f4 is the way to go!