70-200 f2.8L IS (the L stands for LOVE)

[Brewyet]

Hello to all! Yesterday after hugging the UPS driver and putting my new lens on the camera, I went hunting for subjets to try my new lens on. Since my boys didn't run, I shot em! This is one HEAVY lens! Let me know what you think, I have to go eat my Wheaties.....Chris

[Jandybean]

I have that lens too and it will give you a workout. I like the composition of your pics but the focus looks like it is off a bit. Were you shooting at 2.8? I had the same problem and started shooting at 6.4 and it has made all the difference. Look forward to some more pics. Enjoy your lens!

[condorman11]

I have the same lens in an F4 version and it is not nearly so heavy, however I have a bad back so I use a harness:

Amazon.com: Op/Tech Bino/Cam Harness, Elastic Version for Cameras & Binoculars - Black: Electronics

It works amazing well. A few weeks ago I got to try out the F2.8 version at a Canon workshop and the weight of the lens didn't bother me too much with this strap. However I did find it more comfortable to hook the tripod mount onto my belt when I was walking and I could hardly tell I had a camera with me. My best friend who works at the Grand Canyon has the F2.8 and he wears a back pack with a chest buckle and he hooks the tripod mount over that and has no problems. That is one truely outrageous lens, have a blast!

The strap comes in elastic and non-elastic versions.

[felix.reichardt]

Sounds and look like you will have a lot fun with that lens. I have the f4 like condorman11 and I think all 4 70-200 are just amazing lenses.

[harryd]

You are in real trouble, not only does L stand for Love it also stands for LUST! L fever is not a bad thing just expensive. I have that lens and love it, one think I have found is if I am using it for a long time use a monopod. I shot hand held it at a wedding for several hours, the next day my arm and shoulder's were killing me. Hope you have a blast with it, love #2, 3, 4 & 6.

[Photog4U]

I just received the 2.8 Non-IS version yesterday and can't wait to try it out...I couldn't justify the IS.

[condorman11]

>I couldn't justify the IS.

I simply couldn't afford it. But since this is a Canon system when the light goes down and the IS is needed I simply jack up the ISO. Here is a 1600 ISO shot hand held with no IS well after the sun had set. You know what they say, "Once you go L you will never go back".

[Photog4U]

Or buy a really good tri-pod for half the price of the IS...JKT

[Brewyet]

Thanks for the replies. The 2.8 was a need, the IS was a want. I figured that if I didn't get the IS, I would always want it. So, I saved a little longer and got it. 17-40f4 is next on the list!! My piggy bank's ribs are showing. Thanks...Chris