Ready to place my order!

[Liz]

Well, it's been about a month since I started looking at the Canon 200mm/f2.8L lens. I once purchased this lens, and unfortunately sold it about a year later because I thought I didn't use it enough. However, I missed it a lot after I sold it because I have no long lens - my longest is 85mm/f1.8. It's amazing how we miss things we got rid of for whatever reasons.

I've been going back and forth with the pros and cons of getting it - or not. I thought I could use my P&S - the Panasonic Z3 for my long zoom. It's a nice little camera, but nothing like the 200mm lens! Since using the 17-40 and the 200mm I'm spoiled with these nice "L" lenses. However, these 2 are the least expensive of the "L" and there is a $25 rebate that ends tomorrow!

Just wanted to share my thoughts on a new purchase of equipment with my photography friends! ;)

Liz

[another view]

Funny effect those rebates have on us, don't they! You've had the lens and know what you're missing - so I'd say go for it!

I've had that happen - I sold my Nikon 20 f2.8 AF-D and really missed it. Shooting with the sun in the frame didn't even give much ghosting. It was sharp and as distortion free as you're gonna get with a 20. Almost bought another one, but I'm kind of working my way out of 35mm.

[Lionheart]

as I found on my Maui vacation and trip to Oregon. The long end of the Lumix camera really suffers for clarity and sharpness. At first I thought that I had exceeded the ability of the built in IS to compensate for camera shake, so I shot at ISO 200 and 400 at f3.3 at 1/500 and faster, and still the images were just awful. The ospreys were out in force in Oregon and the best I could do were the ones I posted earlier. ISO 200/400 quality is just awful on the Lumix, even with noise ninja post processing. I say go for the 200 Liz, you will not be disappointed-is anyone ever disappointed with an "L" lens? ;)

[paulnj]

GET IT..... or a 300f4 IS L and start chasing birds ;)

[Liz]

Thanks Steve,

Now I'm getting excited! I'm still wondering why I was so irrational to sell it. I was recycling my lenses at the time. I guess I'm still recycling them.

Have a great day.

Liz

Funny effect those rebates have on us, don't they! You've had the lens and know what you're missing - so I'd say go for it!

I've had that happen - I sold my Nikon 20 f2.8 AF-D and really missed it. Shooting with the sun in the frame didn't even give much ghosting. It was sharp and as distortion free as you're gonna get with a 20. Almost bought another one, but I'm kind of working my way out of 35mm.

[Liz]

I say go for the 200 Liz, you will not be disappointed-is anyone ever disappointed with an "L"

I love the "L" lenses. I'm hooked actually! I wish I could afford the 135 - I might have gotten that instead, but the 200mm is fine for me.

Liz

[Lionheart]

I say go for the 200 Liz, you will not be disappointed-is anyone ever disappointed with an "L"

I love the "L" lenses. I'm hooked actually! I wish I could afford the 135 - I might have gotten that instead, but the 200mm is fine for me.

Liz

The 135 f2 is worth twice its price. Absolutely my favorite short tele prime. Works well with the 1.4x extender too. It is a little more expensive than the 200, but it is absolutely terriffic. my favorite shot with this lens is this...

[Liz]

What an awesome image! Hmmmmmmmm. I don't know how you manage to even "look" at the Lumix. Just kidding!

I'm green with envy. I'm nervous about spending $600 for the 200mm......couldn't even think about the 135mm on my budget.

But I'll enjoy your photos!

Liz

The 135 f2 is worth twice its price. Absolutely my favorite short tele prime. Works well with the 1.4x extender too. It is a little more expensive than the 200, but it is absolutely terriffic. my favorite shot with this lens is this...

[almo]

Well, it's been about a month since I started looking at the Canon 200mm/f2.8L lens. I once purchased this lens, and unfortunately sold it about a year later because I thought I didn't use it enough. However, I missed it a lot after I sold it because I have no long lens - my longest is 85mm/f1.8. It's amazing how we miss things we got rid of for whatever reasons.

I've been going back and forth with the pros and cons of getting it - or not. I thought I could use my P&S - the Panasonic Z3 for my long zoom. It's a nice little camera, but nothing like the 200mm lens! Since using the 17-40 and the 200mm I'm spoiled with these nice "L" lenses. However, these 2 are the least expensive of the "L" and there is a $25 rebate that ends tomorrow!

Just wanted to share my thoughts on a new purchase of equipment with my photography friends! ;)

Liz

Life is short and God only gives us one shot. I say if you have the opportunity then go for it. Just don't sell it this time...

[Liz]

I don't have the patience and perseverance for bird photography. It's a gift - and you have it. But not me. I enjoy viewing your images.

Liz

GET IT..... or a 300f4 IS L and start chasing birds ;)

[Liz]

Just don't sell it this time

I won't make that mistake again!

Liz

[paulnj]

Liz,

thanks for the compliment, but I know you have shot a HAWK already with a 200mm. So why was it you COULDN'T do it again?????

[Liz]

Paul,

I have an idea. I think.

Why don't you start a bird thread. Since you can name just about any bird in the world (no comments please), it would be natural for you to begin it.

We could post any bird we want being that most of us aren't real bird photographers. I think that would be fun - we could post anything from a hummingbird or sparrow to an Eagle - or whatever. No contest. Just fun.

What do you say?

Liz

Liz,

thanks for the compliment, but I know you have shot a HAWK already with a 200mm. So why was it you COULDN'T do it again?????

[paulnj]

FOR YOU...... Ia will stasrt one ASAP!!!!!

But US birds are what I can ID..... THE OTHER 13000+ are hit and miss ;)

[Liz]

and I don't have the lens...............yet.

I have wanted this lens (again) for a while. I've also been looking at less expensive shorter lenses as I don't have a low light lens below 50mm. I have the 17-40, and it's my favorite - but it's not great to do small groups in low light.

I thought long and hard........and just couldn't put out the money for both. I really want that 200mm, but decided the money is not in my budget right now. I have to save a little more because realistically it's a lot of money - altho I can try to rationalize getting it.

However, I did get the Canon 35mm/f2.0 which has good reviews. For $229 at B&H, this is a very nice lens. Really - surprisingly nice quality, good color - and it's sharp. I'll post some pics. I just took a few in the city to try it out on the way home.

I feel better about spending $200 vs $650 right now. That's the good news!

Also, I take a lot of "snapshots" of my friends family, lots of kids, and don't always get them all in with the 50mm in their house. So feel this is more practical. I don't always like to be practical - so I had to practice a bit of discipline.

Liz

[Lionheart]

Definitely post some pics from your new lens. I've been thinking about adding a short prime to my EF prime lens lineup, and that was one of the lenses on the list. I agree, the 200 f2.8L and the 135 f2L are pretty expensive, especially since they're not the most practical everyday lenses around. The 35 f2 and 50 f1.4/1.8 are very practical ranges for everyday use.