New Year, New Gear

Just before Christmas I decided that I couldn't live with the slow focusing of my Canon 70-200 f/2.8 non-IS. Comparing it to the 300 2.8 and 400 2.8, it was just very sluggish to acquire focus and track fast moving players on the pitch well enough. I had missed enough key shots with it that should have been perfect that I decided enough was enough. As I use the 70-200 for all goal-mouth and try-line action, it's crucial to be able to get the shots that make money and get published, and I was losing cash with the old lens.

At Twickenham in December I was chatting to a very experienced agency photographer who had recently moved to the new 70-200 f/2.8 IS Mark II and he said that the difference was like night & day. Faster and more accurate focusing, crisper shots, overall a massive improvement.I tried his for a few test shots and was straight away impressed by the speed with which the lens could focus. The following week I negotiated a part-exchange at London Camera Exchange and said goodbye to my old lens and hello to a very big new black, white and red box.

Initial impressions about focus speed were confirmed. The big 300 and 400 primes snap into focus as soon as you press the button. It's almost uncanny the way that they do it. The new 70-200 does the same. Finger the focus button and "bang" the shot is in focus immediately. It appears to react faster to subject movement as well, tracking much more accurately. So, sharper shots straight out of the box. There seems to be a slight improvement in contrast and clarity as well but nothing very obvious - you'd need to look carefully to see it.

Along with the lens comes a redesigned lens hood. The old hood was easy to cross-thread. The new one is a much more substantial piece of equipment, with a locking button and a much more robust feel to it.

Needless to say I don't use the IS for action sports, but for things that aren't moving about much it is lovely and smooth, and doesn't distract you with jerky movements.

Overall then, a big improvement, if somewhat pricey at about £1700. It should pay for itself fairly quickly though I think.