Should I upgrade my 70-200 F4 to 70-200 F2.8 (Both non IS) ??

[Avivos]

Hello.

I'm planning to open a side bussiness of children and families photography.

I'll shoot outdoor , sometimes in golden hour and usually in forests etc. (relativly dark places).

In addition, Im planning to open a home studio to take photos of cake smash , 1 year bdays etc. 

Right now, I'm using my 5D MKII with Canon 85 1.8 + 70-200 F4 (Non IS) for the outdoor pictures.

I'm thinking of replacing my 70-200 F4 with used but excellent condition 70-200 F2.8 (Both NON IS) by adding 200 $ extra. 

One of the reasons is because would be able to shoot in faster shutter speed.

anyway, I don't want to use a tripod because I dont think I would be able to use it while I'll take photos of children outdoor.. 

What do you think?  

THANKS 

[Waddizzle]

It is hard to argue against a faster lens. But, a good argument can be made that you need to expand your range of focal lengths, too.

If I were upgrading, then my first choice would be the f/2.8 IS II or III versions. If I wanted to expand my range of focal lengths then I would want a 24-70mm.

[Avivos]

Hi. I have also the 24-105 f4 and 50 1.8.
I can't afford the f2.8 IS budgetwise...

[ebiggs1]

"I'm using my 5D MKII with Canon 85 1.8 + 70-200 F4 (Non IS) ..."

For what you stated I would not change anything.  If you are in business you do things for business reasons. The lens you are considering is one stop faster.  Is one stop faster a good business reason to upgrade when what you have is working?

A lens you should consider to further expand you "business" ability is one of the 24-70mm range zooms. Lets consider the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM Lens.  It is way more versitle than the ef 85mm f1.8.  It is f4 exactly like the 70-200mil you have. You could sell the 85 to help fund the 24-105mm.

I have the f2.8 versions of the 24-70mil and 70-200mil but this FL is what I use for 80% of my professional work. I also have the ultra fantastic ef 85mm f1.2L.  I use it maybe 1% of the time.  Now if I am just funning around or playing with photography I use it a lot.  So for you, is it business or is it play?

[Avivos]

Thanks for your answer. The "bussiness" is kinda new and I saw that when I used my 70-200 f4 the photos were not as sharp. Basically it was becuase of the not so fast shutter speed I had to take the photos with, otherwise the photos would not have enough light..
In addition, I would like to have the bokeh it gives in f2.8... And as long as the upgrade costs me about 200 bucks I say to myself, why not...

[ebiggs1]

Your decision but keep in mind you are talking one stop.  One stop is not a deal maker or a deal breaker. If your photos were not "as sharp" that one stop won't make a big difference. Not at all.  You need to look else where for the non-shap problem.

"costs me about 200 bucks I say to myself, why not..."

I agree, why not for $200 bucks just don't expect that one stop to change much.  Your technique and post editing is the place to look.

[Waddizzle]

Buy a speedlite, instead.