Chris

Could be OCPD. obssive compulsive photography disorder

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

That's how it's always been for the f/4 versions, even for these L-series lenses. You might consider used copies of the f/4 models where typically you find the tripod collar along with the lens.

waegwan Loc: Mae Won Li

junglejim1949 Loc: Sacramento,CA

Good advice - Thank you!

junglejim1949 Loc: Sacramento,CA

Good advice - Thank you!

lsaguy Loc: Udall, KS, USA

If $$$ are an issue and you can settle for the original model, not the II, KEH has three listed as BGN condition for $599 to $648.

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

Everytime you're adding to your arsenal, it's GAS, but who cares, if its an improvement, go for it!

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

Right. Some people tend to behave as if GAS is a bad thing. GAS is good!

DrJ

I bought a "Canon" tripod collar for the Canon 70-200 f4L from ebay for an amazing $7 delivered. I assumed it was a Chinese knock-off but was curious to see the quality. It works fine and looks like an original. I don't like suporting counterfeit merchandisers but Canon annoys me when they grossly overcharge for accessories. Furthermore, I learned that tripod adapters are made in many sizes that I can't find in the US. For example, I bought a superb legacy Tamron Adaptall 80-200 f2.8 where the seller lost the tripod adapter. I couldn't find one in the US but found one that fits on ebay, presumably made in China. DrJ

Selene03

I have an sl2 that has a similar sensor to the 80D that I use for bird and wildlife photography from my kayak and other boats. I have the 70-300 ii IS nano lens that basically lives attached to the camera. The combination is incredible. I have been really super pleased with the results even when my subject is some distance away. You are thinking of the 70-200 f4, it would be an even better lens than the 70-300 except for the lack of reach. I think you would be really happy with it for longer shots, and it would be an upgrade as well as a useful addition to round out what you already have.

kddp13 Loc: Wisconsin

junglejim1949 Loc: Sacramento,CA

In the back of my mind I was trying to build up lenses that would follow me to FF in the future.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

The Canon 70-200 zooms are all excellent, with and without IS and for all the f/2.8 and f/4 models. But, you should consider your current camera / needs vs future changes. The cropped lenses start at 18ish mm that provide an equivalent field of view of 24mm, the standard 'wide' end of general purpose full-frame lenses. The 70-300 range might be even more useful / general purpose with your current and possible future bodies, except that they are universally variable aperture. What has been missing in the series of posts was an expressed purpose, beyond to acquire gear, where a specific model, focal length, brand, w/ or w/o IS, etc, might be a better choice for a specific application / use. Buying the newest Series II lens may not be your best choice, unless the end-goal is to spend $1200.

DeanS Loc: Capital City area of North Carolina

The 70-200 L/II is a very sharp lens, reportedly one of Canon’s best, according to many reviews and many on this forum. The drawback is your crop sensor camera, the wide end becoming 112 mm equivalent. You will likely find many photo ops where that is not nearly wide enough.

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

It really depends upon what you want to do with the lens... what you like to shoot and how you like to shoot it.

The 70-200mm f/4 lens might make it possible for you to do some things you can't with your present gear. Most obviously it will have more "reach"... 200mm versus 135mm. That's not a huge increase, but can make a difference. And it has a "faster" aperture at the longer focal lengths... f/4 versus the f/5.6 of your 18-135mm. Also, it's an internal focusing and zooming lens, which means it doesn't change size when you zoom or focus, the way your 18-135mm does. Finally, that 70-200mm is an L-series lens with higher build quality and better sealing for weather resistance, so you can be a bit less concerned out using it in less than ideal conditions (still, use common sense because it's not waterproof... and neither is your camera).

As an f/4 lens it can substantially blur down backgrounds when working in close with it... Better than is possible with the 18-135mm's f.5.6 max aperture, but not as much as an f/2.8 zoom or your 50mm (which is either an f/1.8, f/1.4 or an f/1.2, depending upon which you got).

The Canon 70-200mm f/4 lenses come with lens hood, but do not come with a tripod mounting ring. They are designed to accept and work with one that's sold separately. The "II" lens uses Canon Tripod Ring AII(WII), which sells for about $165. (There may be a cheaper third party clone available. If you buy one of those instead, be careful that it's a metal one. There have been really cheap plastic ones made for other lenses.... those break and are a waste of money.)

The 70-200mm would be a pretty good addition. Relatively compact and high performance in all respects. My main concern would be that it duplicates a lot of the focal length you already have in your 18-135mm. Depending upon what you shoot, you also might want to consider the Canon EF 100-400mm L IS USM "II". It's more expensive than the 70-200mm f/4, as well as considerably bigger and heavier, but also has much more reach... twice the focal length.... and a lot less overlap of focal lengths with your 18-135mm.