Quick Q - Canon EF 2.8 or Older 1.8? (or even 2.0!)

[Billy Mead]

Hey there...we are building the Canon EF rental sets a few lenses a week and are wrapping up the primes with the 200mm.

Ketch or anyone else... what are the advantages of the f/2.8L II USM over the classic 200mm f/1.8? Or should we get them both? Some of the most beautiful still images I have ever seen were shot with the 1.8 but I’m not sure that necessarily means it will translate to the RED…or will it?

And then there is the EF 200mm f/2.0L IS… decisions!

Thanks,
Billy

 

[Billy Mead]

I think we'll go with the EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM based on comments found since here (the II model for sure).

Billy

 

[Ketch Rossi]

Hey there...we are building the Canon EF rental sets a few lenses a week and are wrapping up the primes with the 200mm.

Ketch or anyone else... what are the advantages of the f/2.8L II USM over the classic 200mm f/1.8? Or should we get them both? Some of the most beautiful still images I have ever seen were shot with the 1.8 but I’m not sure that necessarily means it will translate to the RED…or will it?

And then there is the EF 200mm f/2.0L IS… decisions!

Thanks,
Billy

Hi Billy,

definitely go with the EF 200mm f/2.8 II, in the 200mm focal length is the sharpest one of all, not considering the EF 200mm f/2.0 IS, as this last one is an absolute marvel and Canon truly did outdid them selves, simply a fantastic lens.

The EF 200mm f/2.8 II is extremely light, has the same 72mm diameter front element as many other "L" lenses and will be great to swap filters, and the current price tag makes this lens even more so the one to have in your kit, great deal!!

Good decision to go with this lens Billy, but if you ever get to Vegas stop by KETCHFRAME, and I'll let you play with the EF 200mm f/2.0 IS, you will fall in love with this one in no time, I used on the Sirens of TI shoot and is just a beauty on low light.

ciao

 

[Billy Mead]

Wow, wow and wow....

Just now researching the EF 200mm f/2.0 IS... I cannot believe how many incredible reviews I have read/heard. Considering the rental aspect, the 2.0 is $5300 on B&H and the 2.8 is $700. We are 5 lenses away from having the 14 you recommended but is $4600 going to be wise money to spend getting the 2.0?

The initial question regarding the old 200mm 1.8 was the available speed. This is a classic and is still getting anywhere between $4000-5000 used!

Ketch, on a different but related topic, have you gotten your Canon EF lenses geared? We'll probably have them done by Carl @ Cinetech as he has done a great job on all of our still converts.. but any special considerations? I imagine most of the zooms will need double gears.

Many thanks in advance,
Billy

 

[Ketch Rossi]

Yes Billy,

the EF 200mm f/2.0L IS and absolute animal of image quality, stabilization and king of Bokeh, only lens I consider next to this one as far as Bokeh is the EF 85mm f/1.2L which I use WO all the time asI do for the 200.

It is not worted to me getting the old 1.8 asthis lens really shines in comparison and well worted the difference in price.

No, I don't intend to have any of the EOS EF Canon glass geared or converted as it will be use both by my Canon Still cameras as well as one of the RED's with the Birger mount. I will have other RED cameras with PL mounts.


Love the lens, and I made few adjustment to the HOOD and to the handle this is not a light weight lens and need support, both, for shooting and for carrying around!

ciao

 

[Sarah C.]

Ahhhhh bokeh indeed. I love the 200mmF1.8.. it almost made me cry the first time I used it. After talking with several Red experts this past weekend and watching a Red T3.0 be a little inadequate.. might want to consider the high value of having the fastest lenses possible for your kits--within your budget of course. IS is good for handheld.

~Sarah

 

[Ketch Rossi]

Yes in deed the fastest the better, at list for me and how I like to see the world around me, or better said how I like to isolate subjects and things from the world around them!!

This Angel's shot was taken in my California House's garden handheld WO with the 200 IS set on 1.

ciao