C200: Lenses for C200

[fhammond]

That’s interesting. Do you find the 70-200 f/4 faster or quieter - or both - than the f/2.8 version? I’ve got the 2.8 bit I’ve been thinking about getting the new f/4 because of the weight saving. I’m wondering if there are other benefits.

 

[puredrifting]

That’s interesting. Do you find the 70-200 f/4 faster or quieter - or both - than the f/2.8 version? I’ve got the 2.8 bit I’ve been thinking about getting the new f/4 because of the weight saving. I’m wondering if there are other benefits.

The F4 version is sharper. Not by much but it is sharper. I have the 2.8 and have shot handheld with it. It's do-able but the F4 version is much easier. I use mine for stills a lot too so needed the 2.8 version but the F4 costs a lot less, weighs less and is sharper. But slower. If you need the speed, you need the 2.8.

 

[brettsherman]

That’s interesting. Do you find the 70-200 f/4 faster or quieter - or both - than the f/2.8 version? I’ve got the 2.8 bit I’ve been thinking about getting the new f/4 because of the weight saving. I’m wondering if there are other benefits.

I have both and I use the f/4 version a lot more frequently. It's just more manageable. Handheld and it balances on the tripod easier. I'm a little uncomfortable hanging the weight of the 2.8 on the lens mount without additional support. But I do it. The only time I use the 2.8 now is if I need to put an extender on it. I've not noticed a quality difference, maybe the f/2.8 has slightly better contrast. But I have the older version of the f/4, I think they've improved that with the newer version.

 

[puredrifting]

I have both and I use the f/4 version a lot more frequently. It's just more manageable. Handheld and it balances on the tripod easier. I'm a little uncomfortable hanging the weight of the 2.8 on the lens mount without additional support. But I do it. The only time I use the 2.8 now is if I need to put an extender on it. I've not noticed a quality difference, maybe the f/2.8 has slightly better contrast. But I have the older version of the f/4, I think they've improved that with the newer version.

Why would you not use rods and a lens support? There seems to be some kind of contest from people who try to mount heavy, long lenses on cameras to see if they can get away without using a lens support. The 2.8 is way too heavy/long to not use one. The F4 probably no problem. When I shoot with the 2.8 with the lens support on it handheld, I can place my hands on the 15mm rods and it spreads out the load for cradled shooting. If you mount the 2.8 to an EOS C camera without support, from the side view, you can see that the whole lens sags about 1/8". Sure, you don't HAVE to have a support but when you can buy all of this stuff dirt cheap now, why would anyone not support their expensive lens on their expensive camera? I don't get it? All it takes it tripping, almost dropping or heavily bumping and you could destroy your lens and or camera mount.

 

[Jim Feeley]

I rented an 18-35 for a bit to play with and will likely just buy one. It's a great little lens. I was using it on a C300 Mk II, but I'd imagine it'll work the same on the C200. AF isn't as "snappy" as a Canon lens (especially STM) but it does the job.

Have you tried adjusting the AF speed with Sigma's USB Dock and software? Seems like there's a fair range of adjustment available. Not sure if you can make it as fast as an STM, but you can adjust it beyond (or below) the default.

 

[Jim Feeley]

I have both and I use the f/4 version a lot more frequently. ... But I have the older version of the f/4, I think they've improved that with the newer version.

Just so I'm sure: Are you all using the AF version of the 70-200 f/4?

And has anyone here compared the older and newer f/4 lenses?

Thanks!

 

[jb.]

Have you tried adjusting the AF speed with Sigma's USB Dock and software? Seems like there's a fair range of adjustment available. Not sure if you can make it as fast as an STM, but you can adjust it beyond (or below) the default.

It wasn’t my lens, so no. However I just ordered one that includes the dock in the package, so I’ll give it a try on my own.