(70-200) f/4 vs f/2.8

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I am trying to acquire only those lenses that are integral for a good semi-professional wedding/portrait photographer. I have about $700, and thinking about buying Canon 50mm 1.8 + 70-200mm f/4 L = $700.

I know 2.8 L is the best out there, but I can not afford it. Saving-up is not an option in the forseeable future.
I can afford the f/4, but don't want to regret buying it.

My questions are:

1. How much of a difference is there b/w these two? How much more useful is 2.8 over 4?

2. I will also have to get the non IS version f/4. Does this make the lens pretty much useless?

3. Are there any other L lenses out there that are $600 and better than the 70-200 f4 L? (By "better", I mean the general lens quality for someone building-up their photo equipment collection).

Thank you.
 
I own the f4 L IS, and I have used the 2.8 IS.

Outdoors, I much rather have the f/4 L IS. It is apparently sharper, much smaller, and the IS is great.

However, as IS cannot stop action, I would imagine that indoors (wedding), the 2.8 is will show its true use.

You can always sell the one you get, once you have saved up for something faster. Thankfully, unlike cameras, lenses do not lose as much value.
 
I would look at the Tamron f/2.8 70-200.

With the 2X tele-converter, you would loose two stops, effectively making it a 400mm f/4 lens.

You would also have the benefit of having an f/2.8 lens for those low light, indoor shots where you need lens speed to allow faster shutters.

I am in the works of trading both my f/3.5 Nikkor lenses up to the tamron f/2.8 glass. I'd like the Nikkor, but I just can't afford it, and the Tamron from my experience so far is decent glass for the money.


That and $5 will get you a coffee at Starbucks.
 
My bad, lose two stops.

f/2.8-f/4-f/5.6

The f/3.2 and 3.5 in between are 1/3 stops.

The 1.4X would make the 200mm f/2.8 a 280mm f/4 and a 400mm f/5.6

Thanks for the catch Photog.
 
I'd say go for it. I own a non IS 70-200 f4.L it's a fantastic lens, super sharp and weighs a lot less than the 2.8 . I don't think you'll regret it.
 
As a wedding photographer I think you will have great regrets buying the 4 over the 2.8 lens.
You need a lens that will give you as much light as possible in dark churches and receptions.
Outdoors you can get a way with a 4 without problems because most times theres loads of light.
 
For weddings you will want the faster glass. F/4 is nice for outdoor photography but for indoor low light situations it is less than ideal.

For your specific needs, get the f/2.8. There are other more cost effective solutions offered by 3rd party lens makers as noted above.
 
Yeah, I'd agree with all here. The 2.8 for wedding is the one photographic scenario where the extra stop really matters... the extra light captured makes it that much easier to work with available light, and the resulting shallow DOF can be quite attractive if used well.

It's a heavy beast though, no doubt about it.

What body are you putting this on? If you have a good ISO performer, you can forego the IS.

Definitely evaluate third party lenses, too.
 
What body are you putting this on? If you have a good ISO performer, you can forego the IS.

Don't have a body yet, too scared to pull the trigger. Most likely a 50D.

Thanks to everyone for the replies!
 
Don't have a body yet, too scared to pull the trigger. Most likely a 50D.

Thanks to everyone for the replies!
The 50D is an amazing camera. You would be quite happy with the performance and features. I recently sold mine, but only because it was a 3rd body and it rarely was used given my other bodies... so I converted it into another lens. But I do miss it. :) The lady that bought it couldn't be happier.
 
If you can live with only using it in good light, then you can't go wrong with the f4 version. I regret giving mine up, and will probably get another one soon.

As many pro's attest to, it's quite frankly the sharpest lens Canon makes and offers up truly stunning results when shot with properly. (I'm not sure what properly means, but people always say it.)

I look at images I shot with mine when I got it, and I don't know what the hell I was thinking selling it. :(
 

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