Canon 70-200 f2.8L USM-which one??

[bribears]

I'm looking for some points of view on an upcoming purchase.

First some background: I have been shooting with a DSLR (Canon T1i) for 8 months. I am finding that I LOVE photography especially what the technology can do (I am also a gadget geek). Primarily my photography has been focusing on my family (6 yr old twins), sports, and wildlife\nature. I have the stock lens and a 70-300 Canon lens (the $800 one). In October I had the opportunity to shoot a football game from the sidelines. I shot the first quarter with my 70-300 and the second quarter with a friend's 70-200 IS USM (version 1). Needless to say between the construction, usage, and results I immediately started saving and researching for my own 70-200. I found that there now is a 70-200 f2.8L IS USM II.

My quandary is this: I have been saving with the plan to purchase the version 2 lens. I have enough money to purchase a new, version 1 70-200 f2.8L IS USM. The sense of having money burning a hole in my pocket and having the ability NOW to upgrade my equipment is causing me to wonder "should I just buy the version 1 of the lens?" For the next 2 years I only envision shooting as I have in the past, nature, some recreation sports, family, casual photo excursions, etc. I would like to develop my photography to a point where I could charge people and of course shoot more. I have intentions of shooting some professional sports in the spring (purely for my own enjoyment) as well as helping a friend with a couple weddings next summer where my shots will only be used to compliment the primary photographers work (I am helping merely to learn the business and be the gopher).

Any experience and or opinions from my fellow DPSers is greatly appreciated.

[RichardTaylor]

I would buy the "older" 70-200 F2.8 IS lens and put the money saved towards another lens and or flash gear down the track.

I don't own a Canon 70-200 F2.8 lens.

[inkista]

While I agree with Richard that the Mark I is probably the better buy, you may want to think about renting a Mark II just to see if it's worth the additional expense to you.

But I'd actually say, until you turn pro, the Mark I is probably just fine (it's what pros were using up until this year when the Mark II came out , and that the cost of equipment will seem a little different when you can write it off on your taxes as a business expense...

[sk66]

For a user with a crop sensor camera I would recommend the "last version" (not current version) as the "best buy". Almost all of the negatives that are "fixed" by the current version will not show up on a crop body and most "improvements" are relatively minor....This holds true as a general rule for all lenses.

I'm a Nikon user....