Lenses - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM

10/31/2012 09:34:42 AM · #1

So its been a while since I've used my Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 IS USM. this was actually my first lens purchase. but after adding the 50mm f/1.4 and the 100mm f/2.0, I haven't used it much... until yesterday.

I fell in love with the lens all over again. :)

a question for those of you who have used the non-L version of this lens and the L version...
does the L produce that much of a noticable difference to justify the $1000+ price difference?
I know L glass is much better quality, but I thought I'd get some advice/comments from those of you who have tested it out firsthand.

Cory

Canon EOS-1D Mark IV

10/31/2012 09:50:13 AM · #2

Is the 100-400 IS L close enough to answer? If not, ignore me.

I think it's a personal call, sure the IQ is pretty darn great out of my 100-400, and I am a pixel-peeper, so I think it was worth the price (nearly 20x more than my first lens, the 80-200)...

However, this is a big chunk of money for a bit of IQ improvement, my advice is that if you love the lens, stick with it, and put the $1k into something more creative like lighting equipment.

Otherwise though, glass is always a good buy, especially used L glass, as it tends to hold it's value fairly well.

Mike

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD Canon Mount

10/31/2012 09:58:14 AM · #3

depends. these tests show it is clearly superior at longer lengths at the edges and corners. however these shots were done on a Full frame so most of the aberration most likely will be clipped off on your camera. IMO i think L class is more important of full frame sensors than it is in cropped sensors where the ability of the lens to produce edge sharpness is important.

//www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=358&Camera=453&Sample=0&FLI=4&API=3&LensComp=738&CameraComp=453&SampleComp=0&FLIComp=4&APIComp=0

unfortunately these test dont have a cropped sensor test for the 70-300L.

Message edited by author 2012-10-31 09:59:36.

Bear_Music

Samsung Galaxy S24, S24+, S24 Ultra

Sony 24-70mm F4 Vario-Tessar T* FE OSS

10/31/2012 09:58:50 AM · #4

It's more than just image quality that's at stake with L-glass; the construction's more robust, and they are mostly weather-sealed; this last part doesn't mean much on your rebel, but if you move up to a 7D or a 5D, then it starts to make a difference.

Cory

Canon EOS-1D Mark IV

Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM

10/31/2012 10:06:59 AM · #5

Originally posted by Bear_Music:

But, is it worth $1k more - I think that was the real question.

Message edited by author 2012-10-31 10:07:10.

Spork99

OM System OM-1

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

10/31/2012 10:09:13 AM · #6

Generally, L glass performs as advertised. It's better overall. Especially for zooms. For primes, the differences in IQ are generally less noticable, but the L lenses are faster and built like tanks...also heavier. In some cases slower to AF.

Spork99

OM System OM-1

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

10/31/2012 10:15:24 AM · #7

Is it worth it? That depends on you. Clearly it is to some people and not to others. Why not rent the lens in question for a week and decide for yourself?

Message edited by author 2012-10-31 10:15:41.

10/31/2012 10:15:26 AM · #8

Denielle, I actually think you answered you own question :-)
What I mean is, if you are satisfied with the quality the lens produces, then no, the upgrade will not be worth the relatively large investment. At some point you may become dissatisfied, for instance if you start to do work that requires a larger aperture, or faster AF, or you move to a camera with a full 35mm frame, or...
At that point, you can consider whether an upgrade will be worthwhile. Until then, enjoy! Sometimes, budget glass is it's own reward!

10/31/2012 10:17:35 AM · #9

this def wouldn't be a purchase anytime in the near future... but perhaps a replacement to the current lens down the road.
first, I will be replacing my current camera body...
then it'll be a wide angle lens, followed by a macro, and probably a few other investments before replacing my current lens.

thanks for all the input! definitely some things to consider. eventually I'd like all L series lenses... but that'll be many, many years in the future. lol

10/31/2012 10:20:03 AM · #10

Originally posted by Denielle:

...eventually I'd like all L series lenses... but that'll be many, many years in the future. lol

Ruh-roh, raggy, she's showing the initial stages of "L disease."

Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS

10/31/2012 10:30:04 AM · #11

Originally posted by kirbic:

Originally posted by Denielle:
...eventually I'd like all L series lenses... but that'll be many, many years in the future. lol

Ruh-roh, raggy, she's showing the initial stages of "L disease."

not a disease yet... once I purchase the first one, I'm sure I'll be hooked! lol

vawendy

Sony Alpha 1

10/31/2012 10:30:32 AM · #12

I loved my 70-300. But I really love the wildlife photography.

The one thing that hasn't been mentioned yet, other than the good glass, quality, etc, is the extended reach. The extra 100m is really, really sweet.

The 100-400L weighs a ton. It's hard for me to hand hold, because I'm not all that steady. But I am incredibly disappointed when I have to go back to using the 70-300 lens. (for street photography, to be less obvious, or when the weight just doesn't make sense.)

I think the 100-400 is well worth it because nature photography is my passion. Although I haven't done hardly any of it in the last couple of months. :(

10/31/2012 10:47:41 AM · #13

Originally posted by Denielle:

not a disease yet...

L disease is like rabies; once symptoms show, it is too late!

Samsung Galaxy S24, S24+, S24 Ultra

10/31/2012 10:59:28 AM · #14

Originally posted by kirbic:

Originally posted by Denielle:
not a disease yet...

L disease is like rabies; once symptoms show, it is too late!

then I was infected quite some time ago. lol

Bear_Music

Sony 24-70mm F4 Vario-Tessar T* FE OSS

10/31/2012 11:12:32 AM · #15

Originally posted by Denielle:

Originally posted by kirbic:

Originally posted by Denielle:
not a disease yet...

L disease is like rabies; once symptoms show, it is too late!

then I was infected quite some time ago. lol

Nah... You're not infected until you actually OWN some. You are currently a member of the "at risk" population. The only vaccine proven to be effective is to switch to Nikon...

Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM

10/31/2012 11:18:28 AM · #16

Originally posted by Bear_Music:

Originally posted by Denielle:

Originally posted by kirbic:

Originally posted by Denielle:
not a disease yet...

L disease is like rabies; once symptoms show, it is too late!

then I was infected quite some time ago. lol

Nah... You're not infected until you actually OWN some. You are currently a member of the "at risk" population. The only vaccine proven to be effective is to switch to Nikon...

def not switching

Cory

Canon EOS-1D Mark IV

10/31/2012 01:03:55 PM · #17

Originally posted by Bear_Music:

Dunno, I think I've ran across a few Nikonians who have white lens envy.