Canon's Holy Grail?
Nov 20, 2016 19:55:08 #
catchlight..
Loc: Wisconsin USA- Halden Norway
I have a chance to purchase a nice clean Canon 200mm f1.8. The condition is outstanding and the price is 2k. I understand from some research that this is considered one of canons finest, sharpest, heaviest and most magical lens ever produced. About 8000 copies were produced for mostly runway modeling and sports photo journalists before it was discontinued in 1994. That said I do portraiture mostly and find this very attractive, but at the same time cautious due to the lack of repair if anything happens. No parts availablility means it becomes an instant paperweight if anything happens. Insurance is one option I guess??? I do not wanting to pass up a chance of a lifetime especially at this price. Comparable lenses like this on ebay are double in most examples and the new 200 2.0L is over three times as much...hmmmmm- sharp and bokeh like cream...what do you think?
Nov 20, 2016 20:19:39 #
Nov 20, 2016 20:35:07 #
I believe in the coin-toss method of decision-making.
Pick heads or tails and toss a coin. See how it comes out. If after the coin toss (regardless of the outcome) your immediate thought is '2 out of 3?', you know what you really want the decision to be.
Pick heads or tails and toss a coin. See how it comes out. If after the coin toss (regardless of the outcome) your immediate thought is '2 out of 3?', you know what you really want the decision to be.
Nov 20, 2016 20:51:08 #
You don't say who is offering it. If it isn't a standard company do a review and see what comes up.
I forgot a very important statement, welcome to the forum
I forgot a very important statement, welcome to the forum
Nov 20, 2016 20:57:21 #
If you do buy it, avoid dropping it! As a precaution, carefully mount and dismount it from your camera at home above a soft pillow, not outdoors in the street. Countless lenses get damaged falling onto pavement while being mounted.
Nov 20, 2016 20:59:21 #
catchlight.. wrote:
I have a chance to purchase a nice clean Canon 200... (show quote)
Don't even think twice, JUST BUY IT!!! That lens is outstanding.
I use that lens, when I get home later I'll post a few shots done with it.
$2K is a steal! I paid $3200 for mine and got a great deal.
SS
Nov 21, 2016 03:35:26 #
catchlight.. wrote:
That said I do portraiture mostly and find this very attractive.
sharp and bokeh like cream...what do you think?
sharp and bokeh like cream...what do you think?
Catchlight, here are a few of the pics I promised. A couple of portraits and the knife just to show you how shallow the DoF can be!
that's a hell of a deal at $2K. good luck
SS
Nov 21, 2016 04:18:15 #
mikenolan wrote:
I believe in the coin-toss method of decision-making.
Pick heads or tails and toss a coin. See how it comes out. If after the coin toss (regardless of the outcome) your immediate thought is '2 out of 3?', you know what you really want the decision to be.
Pick heads or tails and toss a coin. See how it comes out. If after the coin toss (regardless of the outcome) your immediate thought is '2 out of 3?', you know what you really want the decision to be.
Nov 21, 2016 04:50:28 #
catchlight.. wrote:
I have a chance to purchase a nice clean Canon 200... (show quote)
Nice lens, but even in 2008 it was no longer supported by Canon with repair parts.
If it breaks, you have just purchased a $2K paperweight. It's not very likely that you will find anyone with the parts to be able to fix any 22 yr old lens.
https://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/2482691
Oh yeah, and the USM motor is constantly working, even when you focus manually, which means that when it fails, and it will, you won't be able to focus it manually.
As cool as it might be to own one of these, I would pass on it. Unless you have $2k to flush down the toilet. If you like to gamble, (seems like you do), you might be better off taking the $2k to Vegas and try to turn it into $6K so you can get a brand new 200 F2. You'd be gambling with either option, but one thing is certain, the 22 yr old lens is going to fail - you can bet on it.
Nov 21, 2016 05:26:27 #
catchlight.. wrote:
I have a chance to purchase a nice clean Canon 200... (show quote)
It's a steal, no matter how you look at it, I would jump on it!!!!
Nov 21, 2016 07:35:13 #
catchlight.. wrote:
I have a chance to purchase a nice clean Canon 200... (show quote)
I would certainly take Gene51's advice as he knows what he is talking about. ~FiddleMaker
Nov 21, 2016 08:29:46 #
Nov 21, 2016 08:49:45 #
I bought the 1st version Canon 300mm 2.8 with the same trepidation. Never regretted it - but never had a problem either - your mileage may vary. Everything in life is a gamble and total logic may not and should not over rule your passions. IMO, the odds are in YOUR favor.
Nov 21, 2016 09:15:31 #
It did a great job on the knife, but it seems to invert portrait photos.
--Bob
--Bob
SharpShooter wrote:
Catchlight, here are a few of the pics I promised. A couple of portraits and the knife just to show you how shallow the DoF can be!
that's a hell of a deal at $2K. good luck
SS
that's a hell of a deal at $2K. good luck
SS
Nov 21, 2016 09:15:32 #
catchlight..
Loc: Wisconsin USA- Halden Norway
Gene has very solid advice and I tend to think in that regard...I do see these lenses going for north of 4k on ebay with bold reviews saying: they are "built like a tank"... Sharpshooter has some stunning examples of the magic and I think his impressions on the build or research he has done regarding integrity will sway the outcome as much as Gene. Hmmmm, Looking forward to hearing more!
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.