Canon EF 70-200 2.8 IS USM i vs ii Comparison (With download files)

[@WatermelonSaurus]

I really enjoyed your video. I just found the exact lense Ver.1. from 2006 haha. Your video helped me out making decision whether I should upgrade or not.

[@sethc.art.wright]

Awesome glad you got it!

[@HeadlessChickenTO]

I just got v1 non-IS a week ago for my daughter's dance gala/show, which had difficult-ish lighting. I run an R7, and my only wide range lense is a Sigma 18-300 f3.5-6.3 with an AF motor that seems to miss focus a lot. My results were fantastic. I've never had such sharp shots. But the best part, I got it used in good condition...$850(CAN). I did a little shopping around, I can only find it for around $1100. The only thing I'm missing is the lense hood and cap.

[@sethc.art.wright]

Nice man!

[@khanscombe619]

Beautiful lens. I’m coming from older 70-200L so IS is an upgrade for my live events handheld. Good job Seth

[@classikviewproductions]

Thabks for this comparison. Im currently shopping for a used 70-200 and wasnt certain if theres much of a difference. Thanks to you I know! Great job

[@sethc.art.wright]

Thanks!

[@NS-cd7jn]

I think stabilisation should be turned off when on a tripod right?

[@jonathangonza]

It fucks up with the sharpness if you don't.

[@jasonmays1844]

Same thing I’ve heard

[@Twobarpsi]

Great video! I have version III, and it is such a great lens! II and III are optically very similar.

[@sethc.art.wright]

That's good to know! That's what I've heard! So I'm going to stick with the second version :)

[@Twobarpsi]

@@sethc.art.wright 👍

[@Cinebon]

I got my hands on the v2 of this lens. I’m using a Sony a6600 with an adapter and I absolutely love it, it’s sharp down to the pixel even wide open at f/2.8. Great video!

[@IwasKiddinggg]

hows the autofocus in photo and video?

[@denisetiadi.17]

adapter??

[@sadeqsegaraga8766]

May i know what k8nd of adapter on the a6600?

[@DanCThorpe]

Thanks Seth, I'm weighing these two up at the moment so this is really useful.

[@fleischliebe430]

Thanks that is exactly what i was looking for! :)

[@sethc.art.wright]

For sure man!

[@andjames]

Thanks for this comparison! It's time to upgrade my 70-200 2.8 v1, it's seen one too many dings and there's a handful of 2.8 v2s on sale near me for about $900-$1200, which would be nearly the same as getting the v1 refurbed. I haven't been able to compare v2 and v3 (2.8) but my experience with the v3 was stellar from the v1, but I knew to expect that. Thanks again, this is helpful in figuring out my next step.

[@sethc.art.wright]

For sure James! Thanks so much! And yeah I also found my 2.8 v2 for $900 and I haven't regretted it one bit.

[@y.a7794]

@@sethc.art.wright where do you guys find them for that price cause ive been searching

[@connormcknight1815]

Great video! I’ve been looking for a video comparing these two. One thing I would have liked to have seen is a comparison between backlit subjects getting some loss in contrast, because I heard that was a big difference between the two.

[@sethc.art.wright]

Oh that’s cool! Yeah I didn’t think about that but have several remote flashes I could have used. I sold my first version unfortunately, but I’ve used the second version for several weddings and portraits since making this and I have to say, it’s kicks so much more ass than the first version! Especially in color. It’s weird to think a lens changes color, but it does. It looks so much better.

[@Janet_Airlines802]

I'm looking to upgrade from my f4, the price difference between version 1 and 2 is substantial. Thanks for the video.

[@sethc.art.wright]

For sure man! The F4 is great, but the 2.8 II is just phenomenal if you can save up for it!

[@MarttiSuomivuori]

I have the EF 70-200 F/2.8 L v.2 and an adapter for Sony. Why change?

[@Alensbove]

I’ve shot at nighttime from windows and was stunned at how well the 70-200MM performed

[@CreativelyJeff]

Thank you!!! Finally a good comparison of the two!

[@sethc.art.wright]

Thanks Jeff!!

[@thereseellefsen4733]

Thank you so much for making this I really needed it☺️

[@sethc.art.wright]

Of course! Glad you like it!

[@jeffdeal1162]

Thanks for the review. Had the non IS original, then the IS, and will be replacing it with the IS II. The III and RF models cost way too much.

[@sethc.art.wright]

For real! And I’m a little skeptical of the RF not being weather sealed. I think this EF version II is the best 70-200 to get.

[@joshuahoggard583]

I love the version 1 non is lens, personally. For myself, I don't see a reason to get an is lens for my application.

[@austinberner31]

Thanks so much for making this! I’m trading in my old stuff with KEH, and I’m making the choice for which 70-200 I’m looking for…I’ll see if there’s a V2 that is priced well!

[@sethc.art.wright]

Awesome you should definitely do it!

[@amiguirigillo]

Thanks for you video, what you said about use f4, this help me a lot for think I could get a lens canon ef 70-200mm f4 for I'm thinking really use it in races trailtunning, usually environments are a lot sun lights, so I;m not worry about darkness and actually are people running, I think is better F4 for get focus all their bodies.

[@kellyakakells]

Great review. My Version II is on the way 😀

[@sethc.art.wright]

Sweet!!!! Congrats!! I'm thinking about getting the RF 70-200 already, even though it's WAYYYY more expensive! If I do, I'm going to do a comparison between the version II EF and the RF. I kind of want to rent it to do the comparison too just to really see that it makes sense to buy it before I do.

[@InoPaul]

Hello! I'm relatively new to photography, so i didn't get the part where you transitioned to F4? Could you explain? Would really appreciate it.

[@sethc.art.wright]

I switched to F4 because it creates less depth but a sharper image on the subject. So I just wanted to see how sharp they were at F4

[@phutranxuan1463]

I think you should do a test in a sunny day Turn off IS when using tripod Take higher shutter speed, more than 1/200s Care fully check for the forcus point of each picture

[@iancurrie8844]

I agree. This wasn't a very useful comparison. Use a mirrorless R body and focus manually with the red indicators to check for exact focus.

[@ken830]

I think leaving stabilization on while on a tripod will explain a big part of the difference with the version I lens. The earlier generation stabilizer is going to introduce too much movement. I ordered a II from B&H and they sent me a I, so I'm also going to do some comparisons when the II gets here tomorrow. I'm using it on an R7 with a speed booster, and I saw a huge amount of CA and vignetting on the version I. Hopefully, II will be an improvement.

[@WOLFTICKVIDEOS]

Can you give an update? I'm dying to know how the mark 2 did.😧

[@ken830]

@@WOLFTICKVIDEOS Mark II had hugely improved focus accuracy and the CA was nearly completely gone. Either Mark I has very poor CA performance or there may be some issues with this particular copy of the lens I got from B&H. Moderate vignetting at telephoto range seems about the same. Not sure if that's an issue with using a speed booster or it's the normal amount of vignetting expected for the lens. I don't have a FF body to test.

[@tyroneparker8399]

@@ken830 what I find funny is we always find ways to justify spending money. When the v1 first came out it was the greatest lens ever made… A lot of photographers say (including me) it’s not the gear it’s what you do with it… especially with the post processing that you will do anyway. It will make a v1 look like the v2. 🤷🏾‍♂️

[@BlackStar-ol4hw]

@@tyroneparker8399 What I find funny is people who thought an 80 GB hard drive in a 1999 computer is more than you'll ever need, same with a 150 HP engine in a 1940's car, or a 480P DVD player in 1997

[@MyMarketingGuy101]

@@tyroneparker8399you read my mind. Most people (including myself) can get the v1 to look like a lens that’s far more expensive with just a little time in that good old software called photoshop. Shoot in RAW and than editing possibilities are endless.

[@Lamidnightsss]

Awesome. I just bought version 2. I thought it looked a bit soft at 2.8. I’ll need to start shooting at f4.

[@sethc.art.wright]

Thanks!

[@anthonyrock5039]

is it soft on your version at 2.8? And when you say "soft". Is it soft as in doesn't seam to be in focus? Is it that it is lower contrast? Smeared? Fuzzy? or glowing? Curious.

[@Brando90198]

I can respect the time and effort that goes into making this. However IS shouldn’t be on when mounted on tripod monopod only when handheld. Additionally sharpness is really meaningless anymore. That meaning both of those lenses are professional grade. For 99.9999999999% of the people there’s no return on investment. People care more about the moment. And have been brainwashed thinking they need to have the newest most megapixels camera and sharpest lens.

[@sethc.art.wright]

Agree to disagree, but I appreciate the comment 🙂 every tool and spec serves a purpose. The difference is knowing why you want that tool rather than blindly buying it because someone else tells you it’s needed.

[@alosanz]

Thank you! Very useful information!!

[@sethc.art.wright]

For sure Alvaro! Glad it could help!

[@MrRenoman2011]

great video I have the first version but love it. your video was awesome for sure

[@sethc.art.wright]

Thanks Ronald I appreciate that! And I just bought the 70-200 RF 2.8 so I'm trying to get a video comparing these two lenses up soon! :)

[@enlightenment6278]

THANKS, you helped me immensely!

[@sethc.art.wright]

Sweet man I'm glad I could help!! Keep killin it out there!

[@Alensbove]

Now you know why no one did this video the lenses are both amazing

[@richardgardner4252]

Hi there. Why did you have your IS set to on during a tripod test?

[@sethc.art.wright]

It doesn't make any difference, I just chose to have it on. Why not?

[@richardgardner4252]

@@sethc.art.wright Hi Seth, thank you for replying. I was just pointing it out because it didnt make any sense to me that since your camera is stable, and since IS element is still active, it is better to turn the IS off. Here is what Canon representative have to say about having IS and tripod: "First off, let's be clear -- any discussion about Image Stabilization on a tripod refers ONLY to a truly rock-solid tripod, on a totally firm surface without vibrations from passing traffic and so on. In many real-world situations, we're using tripods and other supports in conditions that really aren't totally solid. A good test, before discussing the question any further: the next time you're mounted on a tripod, turn your camera's Live View on, and magnify the LCD monitor image to its greatest setting. It's sometimes amazing how much shake and movement there really is, even on a tripod. The point is pretty clear. In any situation where you're not truly rock-steady, whether you're mounted on a tripod, or certainly a monopod, using Image Stabilization normally makes a great deal of sense. However, since the launch of the first Canon Image Stabilized lens (the EF 75-300mm IS zoom lens, from 1995), Canon engineers have recommended switching IS off if and when you're mounted on a tripod. Again, this pre-supposes it's a truly rock-solid tripod. Canon's optical Image Stabilization has definitely evolved since its launch in 1995, and there are now different versions for lightweight, less-expensive lenses (like the EF-S 18-55mm standard zoom for compact cameras) than the more advanced IS units we see in (for example) L-series super-telephoto lenses. Basically, current Canon EF and EF-S lenses can detect when there's a total absence of "shake" (in other words, solidly tripod mounted), and internally disable the Image Stabilization if it's left on. But in some lenses -- and it varies, depending on the IS design in the lens in question -- the moveable IS lens elements aren't locked and centered when the IS is disabled this way, and can sometimes be susceptible to slight movement during exposure. On such lenses, physically switching IS off with the switch on the lens allows the lens to lock and center these elements. Again, there are variables -- too many to get into here, since it depends on which lens model, which version (in other words, how old is the lens in question), and so on. But the bottom line remains pretty simple. It's safer to just switch IS off if you know there will be a complete absence of camera and lens movement during exposure. One other thing... Canon's optical Image Stabilization is designed as a tool to get sharper pictures at "normal" shutter speeds. While the slow-speed limits may vary slightly from one lens model to another, Image Stabilization is disabled if the system detects a shutter speed longer than roughly one full second. So for longer night-time exposures, expect to just turn IS off, because it won't have an effect in your final pictures. Hope this helps clarify the questions about Canon's optical Image Stabilization when cameras are tripod mounted."

[@bngr_bngr]

@@richardgardner4252 I keep IS on all the time. Especially if I’m taking the lens on and off the tripod. Or using it on a monopod.

[@nataliebaker6464]

This was great! Thank you!

[@sethc.art.wright]

Thanks! You're welcome!

[@crazypersonlol34]

This comparison was exactly what I needed. Thanks sir

[@sethc.art.wright]

I didn't know you were getting into photography, Ted Nugent! Hahaha

[@crazypersonlol34]

@@sethc.art.wright Lol, i wish i was ted. I'm def his biggest fan!!

[@MishaRGB]

Thanks for the review, now I am confidently buy verstion II

[@sethc.art.wright]

You should! It's awesome!

[@MishaRGB]

@@sethc.art.wright Just got it, I am freaking shocked how awesome it is

[@sethc.art.wright]

@@MishaRGB Dude so glad I could help! And yes it changed my whole experience using the lens! Hope you get some amazing pictures with it and can see the difference!

[@MishaRGB]

@@sethc.art.wright I had the same feeling when I got 85 mm, 1.2 MK2

[@sethc.art.wright]

@@MishaRGB Oh no way? I've never owned an 85mm just because I love the 50 1.2 and this 70-200. Together I get a lot of what I want. I've been considering saving to buy the RF 85 though. But maybe after a few other things haha.

[@sandyrane_stargazer]

I'm good at version i for now. May i know which lens hood support version one as i got it used with no hood. Thanks!!

[@sethc.art.wright]

Sorry I don't know about lens hoods at all haha. It probably says on Canon's website somewhere.

[@mraz1017]

Thanks so much , very clear.....

[@sethc.art.wright]

Of course, thank you :)

[@carnal032]

I wish I could have lenses like that ❤️

[@sethc.art.wright]

You will get there!! Get the 75-300 while you wait, that lens is pretty fun and only cost like $100 or less :)

[@stephencosta6814]

@@sethc.art.wright nice recommendation. I just picked up version one from OfferUp $350 in mint condition.

[@carnal032]

​@@sethc.art.wright too expensive here

[@alexbormanbou]

Great video. Thanks

[@sethc.art.wright]

Thank you! :)

[@FluidSurfing]

Amazing!

[@ImpulsLive]

Merci pour ce test !!!

[@sethc.art.wright]

You're welcome!

[@luigibro2340]

Im getting the version one soon and I think it'll be good for me since im relatively new what do you think?

[@sethc.art.wright]

Yes dude! The version one changed the whole way I shoot and set me up for the future. Learn to use it, then when the time comes, get the next lens if you think it will benefit you :)

[@luigibro2340]

@@sethc.art.wright thank you and I will get it this fridayyy

[@sethc.art.wright]

@@luigibro2340 Sweet man you're gonna love it!!

[@stephencosta6814]

I just bought version one in mint condition on OfferUp for $350..👍👍🙏🏻

[@wertz987]

Didn't your mama teach you to not play in the streets 😂 jk good review but I just picked up vIII for the first time and I love it😊

[@jackmen4]

……….but what about the version ii vs iii

[@malinak0578]

There's literally a full detailed comparison of the version I vs version II already on youtube (from November 2021 I think, channel called MiDtones). I decided for my purchase on that two months ago but your review rocks too! :)

[@sethc.art.wright]

Yeah I actually just saw his video yesterday! I do think he put more effort into his haha. But I did mine shortly after and hadn't seen his yet, and compared mostly what I thought was important and practical for my uses of the lens.

[@mrcross5716]

Shame you missed focus on the first photos

[@071Engie]

Images on first version 70-200 2.8 IS shoud not be that soft. I used 70-200 f4 without IS and there was very sharp images start from f4. Then i used 70-200 f2.8 IS, image was sharp too even with f2.8, but there was a little CA, but that is not problem. Then i try to use 70-200 f2.8 II IS, but i cant see no difference in image sharpeness or image quality, they 90% the same, a bit improvement with CA on second version. On video there is some problems with first 70-200, its must be much sharper. Sometimes there was some problems on first version with using IS on tripod and IS is not stopping and there some tilt of image.

[@sethc.art.wright]

F4 will always be extremely sharp. I show it in this video. 2.8 can be sharp but not always at every distance. That's where newer lenses do better. They focus better and quicker, they are sharper across more distances, and they have closer focusing distances. The first version of the 70-200 is sharp, but not as sharp as the newer lenses.

[@BackboneNF]

Maybe your Version 1 is worn out. It is not normal that this is so unfocused.

[@sethc.art.wright]

I don't have it anymore, but maybe? You can't argue with the colors though. There was a significant difference. The version 1 isn't unfocused, it just isn't as sharp as the version 2. I'm zooming in quite to examine these photos. And as you'll see at F4 both lenses are comparable in sharpness. The second version just does a better job at 2.8.

[@BackboneNF]

@@sethc.art.wright thanks!

[@sethc.art.wright]

@@BackboneNF For sure man! I think the version two is a great upgrade if you can get it!

[@golferpro1241]

The III. I LOVE IT!

[@ritrattoaziendale]

The sharper is the very first one, without IS

[@WiFuzzy]

There used to be reviews on it. But youtube refuses to show you them now. No idea why. But I remember watching them when I bought mine. You used imige stabilization on a tripod? That makes this all pointless.

[@omfmedia4488]

More vids like this bro

[@sethc.art.wright]

Coming at you soon!! With beautiful models!

[@billy9506]

Kinda - stuff - umm - like - holy crap.... Amazing.

[@sethc.art.wright]

😂😂

[@christopherleecowan]

Who cares which one is sharper they are both flat as hell with no 3d image coming out of them. They are for convenience only not for quality. Yes I still have a few modern zooms only for certain situations but not for making the best image.

[@sethc.art.wright]

What? Haha.

[@stephencosta6814]

They are not bad at all. They are excellent. Yes, the primes are very expensive. One is phenomenal, but so is the price tag.