should i buy this or th f 4 version
1130012
What are you going to be photographing? I would be the f/2.8 but I concentrate on low light and sports.
1130013
Your pocket should answer this question mainly.. I had f4 before getting the f2.8. For me , I love the 2.8 even though it is very expensive than the f4.The only thing I miss is the handy size of the f4....would not like take the the 2.8 when I go out to park with the children......
1130014
if you have the funds you purchase the f/2.8. if not, get the 70-200 f/2.8. with f/2.8 you can utilize the 2x extender to better capabilities (either 300 or 70-200) i hope you have a camera to match the exceptional qualities of the 300mm f/2.8 to maximize what this lens offers.
1130015
Besides being unbelievably sharp, I think this will be more flexible for you than the f4 version. If you mate it with the new 1.4 MKIII extender you get yourself a nice 420MM f4 (on a full frame body). You won't be able to extend the range of the f4 version like that.
1130016
I have both. The f/4 has only two advantages: it's much more portable, and it's much cheaper. But if you can afford the f/2.8, and if you can bring it where you want to use it (it's big, and you will probably want at least a monopod)--well, it's an amazing lens. Haven't regretted buying mine for an instant.
327893
I am thinking of purchasing the blue version and would love to have an answer to your question.
666201
The difference is larger than "adding an image stabilizer" to the IS model. In other words, the internal lens elements are not identical (in design or in quantity) between the f/4L and f/4L IS. Perhaps some of the glass elements are shared between the models, but the addition of IS technology requires the addition of more lens elements. Look at the Canon site and compare the number of "elements" and "groups" internal to each lens to see what I am talking about. If you poke around the internet you should find a graphic demonstrating the optical arrangement internal to each lens. I have owned the f/4L, the f/4L IS, and the f/2.8L IS II. If I had to rate these lenses on a scale from 1-100 for image quality: I'd rate the f/4L at 85 because it lacks a little sharpness and has a small amount of chromatic aberration. I'd rate the f/4L IS at 95 because it has a small amount of chromatic aberration toward the corners. I'd rate the f/2.8L IS II at 98 because it is almost perfect with no real flaws to speak of. The f/4L IS is noticeably better than the standard f/4L (but doesn't "blow away" the f/4L model). If you can afford the f/4L IS model it is definitely worth the price premium. If you can only afford the f/4L you won't find a better lens at the price point.
268156
From what I've heard, you can play it all right with the older editions. I'm wondering if it works with more than 4 people though, that's what I'm worried about.
402567
I happen to have an HF5., it depends on what you're going to use them for. I don't think the HF5 comes anywhere close to the 4P in terms of build or audio response.
418087
tysvm! your response has helped me so much deciding whether or not i was going to purchase it! ty for your help :)
789371
Its great, but there is a newer version out. If you don't need the newer version, then this is the best for the price($700)
1480833
You will definitely need a higher ISO to achieve the same results as f4 is a full stop slower than f2.8.
2041777
First, size. The 1.2 is huge! And the reason is also the second thing, optics. Unless you have a huge need, budget or ego, don't go 1.2. The 1.4 is amazing but the price may make you feel insecure, like it's not "good enough".
1585147
Buy #4. Despite the few glitches it is for much more the best one of all. I own it in pc version and every day i play is just an amazing new experience.
25996
If you are spending $439 USD for it, then it should be the Pro version, not academic. This looks like the full version to me. I say go for it!
91302
I love this lens, but yes... I DO think you should save up for the IS version. I wish I would have. I was just a beginner not knowing what I was purchasing at the time. I am totally kicking myself now. :( Its not terrible, but I think the IS would be much better. In my honest opinion
2227586
All I can tell you isvso got mine in December. I have the 4.3. I haven't done any updates that weren't automatically done. So im pretty sure you should get 4.3
2145734
So far, the game is good. If you want to save money then buy it used. If you are sceptical about if it is going to play good without skipping or freezing, I would buy it new.
678605
In my opinion it depends on what your main reason for using the lens is. If you don't NEED the 2.8 then go with the 4, I don't think IQ is dramatically better or worse. Unless there was ever a time while you were using the f/4 that you were like "man I wish I could stop down to 2.8," I would just stick to the f/4.Edit: Just saw on another reply you said something about portraits, if you are going to use the lens for portraits at all the 2.8 is amazing, the bokeh is simply stunning.
678610
I had the f4 version, and sold it to a friend to buy the F2.8II. Frankly, the increase in IQ is there but very slight. I would have no qualms about going back to the F4 version, it's a stunning lens. So unless you have a specific need for F2.8 (weddings for example as others mention), the added weight of the 2.8 to me is hard to justify. These are both exceptional lenses, the difference is like comparing a Bentley and a Rolls-Royce.
346746
F1.4 is a fast lens that's great at night or dark spaces. Good for capturing fast motion, very sharp. But my main reason was low lit area because I don't need flash.