I'm looking to get the Canon 70-200 lens by Sunday, when the rebates expire. I shoot mostly portraits and have never needed this much of a zoom, but have been assisting at weddings lately. I have rented both the 2.8 and the 4 (both IS versions) but STILL I can't decide!

Ironically, the images from the f4 seemed to come out sharper, (but they were 2 different events with different lighting conditions) and I love that it was so much lighter, but I fear some day regretting that I did not get the 2.8.

I'm not even sure that I will expand into weddings, so that is making it harder, but I don't want to rent every time I need it.

Any advice? Thanks!

Search OSP.

You'll find that the 2.8 IS will prevail. Don't bother with the 4.0.... it's kind of a piece of junk, it's slow, and you'll find that it limits you in many ways.

Make the smart decision and get the 2.8 IS version. You won't regret it.

Don't even debate it...get the 2.8 you'll be glad you did.

2.8 for realz. Its the only way to go!

I have the 2.8is

I finally broke down after over a year of renting the stupid thing (I have a love/hate relationship with this lens) and I'm glad that I did. I pretty much only use it for ceremonies, and my husband uses it while I'm shooting portraits, but you will definitely be glad you have the extra low light capabilities if you get the 2.8.

F/4 is sharper in a lab setting, or in bright sun/well lit area. However a couple stops of light in a dark church is priceless. Get the 2.8is

Well that was easy.

Thanks guys

I bought the 4.0 because of the weight of the 2.8 and because I shoot mostly outside (families at the beach, etc.). I love it, but I am wishing I'd just decided to lift weights or something and get myself into the 2.8. Partly because I've been asked to shoot a few events (not weddings) in churches, etc. and I am really struggling with not being able to open up as far as I would like.

2.8is, we absolutely love it. I know they are bit more expensive, but if you continue to wedding work you will eventually find that "dark" church where the extra stops will save you. We use it all the time and love it, its crisp and we love how it throws out the background.

Just my 2 cents.

Absolutely! I love the 2.8is. I use it all the time for portrait work, extended to 200 at 2.8 the subject just jumps out of the photo. It's perfect for low light as well.

(my fave low light lens is the 85mm 1.2, and I can't pass up my 50mm 1.2 either! )

Another vote for the 2.8

I vote for the 2.8 as well... I absolutely love that lens.

When I first got the 2.8 I couldn't take a steady shot, I found it difficult to hold that and my MKII. But after a few weeks I just got used to it. Now I don't even have to think about being steady, I guess it's just like learning how to ride a bike, once you get it you never forget it or have to think about how to do it again.

I hear that the 2.8 is about as sharp as the 4.0 when stopped down to f4.0. So yeah, without a doubt the 2.8 rules.

Both lenses can shoot at 4.0. One day you'll wish you could stop down to 2.8!