Deciding between Canon EF 70-200mm F2.8L IS II & III

[troyza]

Looking for advice on best Canon lenses/value for sports photography.
Used mostly for High School Sports photos & social media.

Trying to decide between:

Used Canon EF 70-200mm F2.8L IS II (roughly $1100)

Used Canon EF 70-200mm F2.8L IS III (roughly $1500)

New Canon EF 70-200mm F2.8L IS III (roughly $2000)

I'm shooting with a Canon EOS 6D Mark II

[Anonymous]

If it was me, I would get the Canon EF 70-200mm F2.8L IS II. There is very little difference between version II and version III of the lens, except for a lens coating difference from what I have read. I own version II of the lens and it is fantastic. It is a very sharp lens. If you buy a used lens, make sure you can return it if it is faulty.

[Waddizzle]

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@troyza wrote:

Looking for advice on best Canon lenses/value for sports photography.
Used mostly for High School Sports photos & social media.

Trying to decide between:

Used Canon EF 70-200mm F2.8L IS II (roughly $1100)

Used Canon EF 70-200mm F2.8L IS III (roughly $1500)

New Canon EF 70-200mm F2.8L IS III (roughly $2000)

I'm shooting with a Canon EOS 6D Mark II

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The first question I have is who is selling the used gear, and what condition. Is it in?  

The next question I have is who is selling the “new” Mark III version?  Are they a Canon Factory Authorized Dealer?  Here is the current offer for the lens in the Canon USA Online Store.

https://www.usa.canon.com/shop/p/ef-70-200mm-f-2-8l-is-iii-usm?color=Black&type=New 

[shadowsports]

Unless you are buying new, the 70-200 f2.8L II is perfectly fine.  

The only difference between the II and III is slightly different lens coating and the color of the white paint on the outside of the lens.  The III does not take "better" photos.   

And yes, Waddizzle's point..  where you buy from can make all the difference in the world.

[MarkY]

Hello, 

I shoot with the 70-200 f/2.8 II, and the results are excellent. I think that version III is supposed to have better coatings for reduced flare when shooting into or toward a light source. That said, I have photographed sunsets without any disturbing flare. Note: I worked at a newspaper, and the lens that was in repair the most was the 70-200 f/2.8 focal length, so when buying a used lens, put it through the paces and make sure it is working properly. Make sure the seller has a return policy that suits you if you find the lens is not up to spec. Hope that helps with your decision. 

[ebiggs1]

The reason everybody loves their Canon 70-200 f2.8L is because it is the best 70-200mm on the planet. It is very difficult to improve on such a top of the mark lens so they didn't at least not much. Is the Mk III better, yes, it is but how much and will you notice it?

I call this a flip of the coin and/or your budget decision. Look it does come down to how you intend to use the photos. Are you making archival photos for history or are you shooting for SI or are you shooting for Facebook (other social media sites). Perhaps you are wanting to make enlarged prints from your photos .That all makes a big difference.

I think you said you are using a 6D Mk II? A camera that is capable of making fantastic images so do you want to make use of all it has to offer? The Canon 70-200mm f2.8L model line is built like a tank. As long as it has not been abused to a large amount it is a good candidate to buy used. I use my gear and I mean I really use my gear. I sell my photos so they must be top notch and the lens must work. There has never been any issues with my two copies, first version and the Mk II, of my Canon 70-200mm zooms.

I still would advise to try before you buy. This means you will have return privileges if it doesn't work.