Buying a new lens

Hey everyone! I've finally decided on my next lens purchase: the Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L USM.

Does anyone happen to have one of those lying around that you've been wanting to sell?

If not, I'm looking at Amazon (who is supplied by Beach Camera) and Adorama. These are the best prices I've found. However, Adorama has a Gray Market version and a USA version. This worries me a little. Am I getting something different with the Gray Market version? The GM version is comparable in price to the Amazon listing, so I'm wondering if Amazon's is GM as well, though it doesn't specify. The USA version is $20 more than the other, so not really a big deal; I was just wondering.

Thanks!
-Lydia

Hi Lydia,
I believe the US version and the GM version are the exact same lenses, the differences are in the warranty. I would recommend spending the extra $20 for the piece of mind that comes along with knowing you'll be able to have it fixed (here in the states) if something were to happen to it.

Have you considered the IS version? It's a bit more pricey, but (IMHO) worth it. Have you ever shot any pictures with an IS lens? If not, you may want to try one out. I know someone who bought the one you mentioned and it usually stays at home or in her bag. At 200mm, camera shake is a real factor to be considered and (for me and for her apparently) requires a tripod. With the IS version shots generally come-out sharp as a tack. Canon's newest version of that lens, I believe, sports a 4-stop correction.

Take care,
BT

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Hey everyone! I've finally decided on my next lens purchase: the Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L USM.

Does anyone happen to have one of those lying around that you've been wanting to sell?

If not, I'm looking at Amazon (who is supplied by Beach Camera) and Adorama. These are the best prices I've found. However, Adorama has a Gray Market version and a USA version. This worries me a little. Am I getting something different with the Gray Market version? The GM version is comparable in price to the Amazon listing, so I'm wondering if Amazon's is GM as well, though it doesn't specify. The USA version is $20 more than the other, so not really a big deal; I was just wondering.

Thanks!
-Lydia

Have you considered the IS version? It's a bit more pricey, but (IMHO) worth it.

Brad,
Thanks for the information about the warranty. I agree it's worth the 20 bucks.

I have thought about the IS, but not very seriously. It is so much more expensive, and I have a pretty steady hand. I'm also planning on using this lens mostly outdoors. However, I have not had recent experience with 200mm, and I have never tried IS. I was looking into renting the lens to try out, and the only one available (at Arlington Camera) is the IS version. Is there a way to turn off the IS feature, so I could get a feel for which lens I would prefer?

**Edit: The lens at Arlington Camera is the f/2.8 IS. FW Camera only offers 2.8 IS for rental as well. Which makes sense, but doesn't help me decide.**

I will take the IS into more consideration. A lens is an investment, so I don't want to spend $600 on one that will stay in my bag when I could spend $1100 on a lens that will never leave my camera. Sure, it's almost twice as much, but I wouldn't have wasted the money.

Is it feasible to "upgrade" at some point? Resell the $600 lens and buy the other? Is there much return on used lenses? I have a fixed amount of money to invest in this right now, and I'm trying to be very wise with it. I think trying out the lens would be a big factor in my decision.

Thanks!
Lydia

I don't think buying a lens with intentions of reselling it is a good idea, I don't believe you would get much out of it when you try to sell it. I may be wrong (concerning that lens) but I have had a Canon lens for sell for quite some time (reasonably priced) ... and have yet to sell it.

I have the 70-200 2.8 IS, if you want to try it out, we could meet-up somewhere/time and you could fire-off some shots to compare the different settings. As I mentioned, it's the 2.8 version, but to simulate the f4, you could simply close it down a couple of stops. And yes, you can turn off the IS ... that way, you could compare shots with and without it enabled. It's quite amazing how well it works.

Take care,
BT8

Brad,
Thanks so much again for the information. I appreciate the offer to try out your lens, but I think I'd like to rent it for a weekend or so to see if I like it in different situations. I hadn't thought about just closing the aperture down a couple stops. Duh!
Thank you! You've been a great help!
-Lydia

Brad,
Thanks so much again for the information. I appreciate the offer to try out your lens, but I think I'd like to rent it for a weekend or so to see if I like it in different situations. I hadn't thought about just closing the aperture down a couple stops. Duh!
Thank you! You've been a great help!
-Lydia

talk to Jeff at Fort Worth Camera. They have lenses to rent. If you go on a Friday, you get the 1 day rate for Sat and Sun.

Also, every once in a while he will sell his used lenses. Thats where I got one of mine from.