Basil Loc: New Mexico

After much soul searching, asking questions, and watching about 300 YouTube review videos, I just pulled the trigger on TWO lenses:


1. RF 70-200 f/4

My rational for getting the f4 vice the f2.8 was that, if I’m being honest, the amount of times I would “need” 2.8 are relatively limited. With the low light performance of my R5, I can bump up the ISO in low light situations and, in the event there’s a bit too much noise, I can run it through Topaz Denoise. The only thing I’m really giving up then is a bit better background blur, but from the comparisons I’ve seen, I can live with the f/4 in this regard. The f4 version can still produce quite nice background blur and subject separation. Also, the f/4 is much smaller and lighter and, since I like to backpack and take landscapes, it will be easier to lug around.
Also, with the $$$ I saved, I have ordered a second “fun” lens. I’ve always wanted a good 85mm prime, so…

RF 85 f/2
This lens looks like an amazing prime for portraits and situations when I do want a bit more background blur and it has the added benefit of having macro capability, albeit not 1:1, but still should be fun to play with the macro capabilities.
I bought the 70-200 new and the 85mm refurbished from the canon store - still spent less than if I’d bought just the 70-200 f/2.8

ELNikkor

Good buys and rationale, I'd have done the same.

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

The only limit is money. If you want something and you can afford it buy it.
Enjoy your lenses.

Basil Loc: New Mexico

Thanks. It was a matter of letting my head lead my heart.

RKL349 Loc: Connecticut

Good luck with the new glass. I like your reasoning because you know you and what you will be shooting most often. Better to buy something you will use often, rather than just once in a while. The money saved is nice as well.

turp77 Loc: Connecticut, Plainfield

mikegreenwald Loc: Illinois

So far, the only thing "Better than Tums for GAS" is a fat wallet. If you can figure out how to arrange for that, I and lots of others will be forever in your debt :-) .

Basil Loc: New Mexico

Wait for sales and keep an eye on the Canon refurbished store. The RF70-200 I bought was on sale for $200 off the regular price (not a huge difference but every little bit helps). The 85 f/2 was refurbished.

Prices are still not cheap but waiting for sales and / or looking at refurbished or used gear can make the pain a little less.

AntonioReyna Loc: Los Angeles, California

I have the RF 70/200 f/4 and it is amazing. And super small and light. I have looked at the RF 85/2 but have not pulled the trigger because I have the EF 100/2 which is super sharp.

Basil Loc: New Mexico

I rented the RF70-200 f4, along with an R6 before I decided to get my R5, so I was already somewhat familiar with that lens. I used that rented combo at last year's International Balloon Fiesta and was very impressed with the results from that lens. The fact it was super compact and light was an added bonus, especially when carrying it around the balloon park all day.

It was a hard decision to make (for me) between the f4 and the f2.8, but in the end I think I made the right choice for myself. Like you, I have a long f2 EF lens, the EF 135 f/2. I decided to get the 85 f/2 to add a little bit of flexibility in situations where a shallower DOF is needed or wanted but at a shorter focal length. Your 100 f/2 is right in the middle. I also have a EF 50 f1/4, so between those three I'm pretty well covered for shallow DOF lenses.

photoman43

Make sure you test both lenses to determine the best aperture setting, focal length and distance from the subject to get the right background look you want. With my Nikon 85mm f1.8 lens, I sometimes have to get pretty close to the subject to render the background as smooth as I would like even shooting at f2 or f1.8.

With newer lenses made by Sony, Canon and Nikon I (for Nikon) and my friends (Canon and Sony) are finding that f 4 lenses render backgrounds very nicely. Unless you really need the real expensive wide apertures, the f4s or f2s can be a better buy than faster versions.

Basil Loc: New Mexico

Toment Loc: FL, IL

Good thinking
Have fun

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

Enjoy!

Dan' de Bourgogne

well done ...I would have choose the same way!