The
1st version was my favorite zoom in my bag which had the 16-35mm 2.8L and the
24-70 2.8L because it was so much sharper than the other two. I was really
happy with the 1st version and wouldn't have replaced it if this never came
out. Now that the price has come down, about $130 from the original price, that
should pay for a good B+W 77mm UVA (Ultra Violet) Haze MRC Filter #010. Don't
gimp this lens with a plastic coaster from Ritz. The image stabilization
improvement is noticeable! Before I sold the 1st version for $1,550 (June
2010), I compared the two indoors handheld. I couldn't believe how 1 stop of IS
really improved the quality and sharpness of the photos in low light.
With
a crop sensor camera Canon EOS 7D 18 MP, Canon EOS 50D 15.1MP, or Canon EOS
Rebel T2i 18 MP, this lens is effectively: 112mm - 280mm. It works great with
the Canon EF 1.4X II Extender Telephoto Accessory, it brings the max aperture
down to f4, but it is still pretty sharp. Paired with a 7D or any other 1.6
crop lens, it will become a 156mm - 448mm lens!
I
use with this lens with my 7D or the Canon EOS 5D Mark II. It works perfect for
both and did not feel like I had to Micro Adjust the focus.
Cons
It
is expensive - but you get what you pay for
It
is heavy, especially if you never owned L glass, but to maintain a fixed
aperture at f2.8 throughout the zoom range requires lots of glass! Just stop
being a wimp already.
 |
| Canon EF 70-200mm |
Tips:
There
are two modes of Image Stabilization: I rarely take it off Mode 1, but use Mode
2 if you plan to pan left or right (to follow a car or someone running)
The
focus distance selector is handy, be sure to use if you find that it isn't
focusing indoors, it could be that you selected 2.5m - infinity.
Take
off the tripod collar if you hand hold it a lot - it just gets in the way
sometimes.
