70-200 2.8 Should I buy? Reliability seems ???

MatthewBrush · #1 04-22-2005, 08:09 PM

I have been debating the purchase of this lens for quite some time now. I have rented it a few times and haven't had any of the problems mentioned on other forums about this piece. Ie: lock up, error 00, loose mounting on the body. I have a 1dmk2 and need a telephoto zoom, preferably this one. But after reading so many things on this lens the reliability seems questionable. I shoot alot! and have to rely on my gear. I love the quality of my images when using it, but I don't want to have to send stuff into service. I've done that before. Is there any alternatives to this lens that would be more reliable yet still maintaining the high quality performance? I open to suggesstions

Thanks,

Matt

DanAddison · #2 04-22-2005, 08:30 PM

It is perhaps the best lens in my bag, although I don't have the IS version (that's on order) Many folks have said it may be Canon's best lens for image quality.

I've never had a problem with mine and I've used it on several different camera bodies. Canon used to make a 200 f/1.8 that was a fantastic lens (don't know why they stopped making it.)

Anyway, I can't think of any real choice that will give you that same quality. They make a 100-400 but I've heard mixed reviews. The zoom is push not turn (I believe) and it is much slower f/4.5-5.6 and still costs $1,300. Here's a link to a few reviews: check out the 70-200 reviews too.

http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/s...&cat=27&page=2

The problem might not be a widespread as it seems from posts on here.

Asher_Kelman · #3 04-22-2005, 08:50 PM

Hi Matt,

Great people in great cars sometimes get lost, get delayed or plain crash! "Things" happen! Shouldn't, but do!

I always have a lens and camera for backup.

The 70-200 IS is THE best Canon lens I have for most of my work ....(except the Zeiss 21mm Distagon, for landscapes and interiors).

I keep a 700-200 4.0 L as backup and it is always in my pocket when traveling. this lens is the greatest bargain at about $500 used and is spectacular: sharp, great contrast and color to the edges, never a lost shot for ant reason out of perhaps 3,000 shots or more. It is every bit as great a lens as the 70-200 2.8L IS but f4.0 and no IS.

I wouldn't be worried about the 2.8L IS locking up or at all with the 70-200. The advantage of IS is so great that I'd take the risk.

Mostly the 00 error can be corrected by reseating the lens and/or removing and reinserting the battery. It is rare but if it occurs, like a road accident, it is infuriating!

If you don't really need the IS and you shoot in enough light or can use hiher ASA settings, the 70-200 f4.0 will deliver all you could wish for, even a perfect bokeh at f4.0!

Asher

Craig_Hartley · #4 04-22-2005, 09:14 PM

It's a bread and butter lens, tack sharp and the IS is definitely worth the extra bucks. Buy it.

Yeah, I've had the dreaded lockup on occasion, usually when I kinda torque the lens while shooting. This also happened on the old 1D cameras and even the EOS film cameras, so I doubt Canon will ever fix the problem.

I've learned to turn off the camera, pull and replace the battery, and power back up in about three seconds. It's an annoying, but mercifully rare problem that hasn't cost me any important pics yet.

Will_Perlis · #5 04-22-2005, 10:30 PM

"I have rented it a few times and haven't had any of the problems mentioned on other forums about this piece."

I've got one and I've tried very hard to get it to lock up the camera. I haven't been able to do it.

So far, no twisting, rapid shooting, high ISOs, IS on or off, chimping, or combinations of the three have done it. The next thing to try is letting the battery drain to the bottom.

And in general, you can't take a sample from the internet as an indication of real-world statistics. That the 1DsMk2 lost file problem is fairly easy to duplicate makes it a different animal entirely.

Greg_Ferguson · #6 04-23-2005, 12:54 AM

I have the IS and non-IS versions of the lens. I see my 1D and 20D lock up with the IS when it is on. It appears to be tied to how long the shutter release is held down and the IS is running. It eventually goes clunk and I get the error.

I bought the non-IS as a backup and to tide me over while I send in the IS for repair. The IS is not overly useful for the action sports I shoot; It gets in the way of panning actually. And, IS adds weight. The backup lens is as fast to focus and as sharp, so I reach for it first now.

If you shoot handheld and your subject is in lower light and is stationary, then IS will work great for you. If you shoot nature and landscapes it will be good. Just don't feel like it is a must have. For the majority of what I shoot it is not essential.

PhilShaw · #7 04-23-2005, 10:06 AM

If you buy the 70-200 IS it seems to be a matter of luck whether you get a good one, or a lens that is prone to locking-up. I got one that is prone to locking-up, but I have borrowed this lens from another photographer and used it without problems. If I was buying again, I would make a point of discussing this problem with the dealer and getting their assurance that they would replace the lens if any problems occurred.

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