Canon 50-200 f/3.5-4.5 L opinions?

Does anyone own this lens? Do you like it? How does it compare to

Canon 28-135 f3.5/5.6 IS? How much should I pay for it? Thanks!!!

This question comes up occasionally. Look <a href=http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=000eFG>here</a>.

These are reasonably rare lenses. In two years of following eBay, I have seen a half dozen of them. They fetch high prices. Here is how I figure they compare to other Canon EF lenses on eBay. All US dollars.

 

50-200mm f3.5-4.5 L $300-$400

80-200mm f2.8 L $400-$600

100-300mm f5.6 L $200-$300

200mm f2.8L $350-$450

 

Be careful there is also a non-L version of the 50-200mm f3.5-4.5 that goes for about $100-$150. In my very own opinionated opinion if you are going to end up spending $400 be patient and pick up the Canon EF 200mm 2.8 L prime lens. If you are not wanting to go that long there is always the 135mm f2, a little more difficult to find and hence probably a bit more money. I am just not a zoom person, IS or not. When I want telephoto I want pure speed for action stopping ability with the slowest possible film.

 

You may be looking at the one on eBay right now, I think I will go and check it out again! Obviously people have high expectations of this lens. Good-luck!

This is a lens Canon really should redesign and reintroduce, adding "IS" and "USM" and leaving it black, with a 58mm filter thread, giving EOS owners a chance at a high quality, yet compact tele-zoom.

A used 50-200mm f3.5-4.5 L for $300-$400 ? I'd add some more and go for the 70-200/4 USM L.

This lens is getting harder to find. It is a wonderful lens if you have plenty of light and it is a perfect lens to cruise a tropical beach. The dual Fluorite elements give you colors that rival the best modern L lenses from Canon. I don't have any problems with AF focus speed if I use it in the sun. About the same size as a 200mm f2.8L and black in color, you wont stick out in a crowd. The 50-200mm range is a little more preferable than 70-200mm for me; however, it is a 58mm lens at f3.5-4.5 so in the evening or with clouds a f1:1.4 or f1:2.8 lens will go back on the camera. By the way, this is Canons first L lens produced.