Equipment Does anybody remember the 200mm F/1.8?

I wasn't into photography as I am then, but I've read that Canon had this AMAZING lense before 2004, the 200mm F/1.8

How much was it at the time? I've heard the price has only gone up after they discontinued it (for God knows what reason). I can only hope they bring it back. It supposedly had amazingly sharp optics. Curiously, Nikon released their 200 F/2 VR the same year Canon discontinued theirs.

As a major player in sports photography, I can't see why they'd sever their market for indoor sports.

Besides, I was truly amazing. With 1.4x and 2x teleconverters, you can get some amazing 380 and 400mm lenses!

 

I guess they just didn't get the sales on it that they required to continue the manufacture of the lens. Most people you would probably be quite happy with the 200mm f/2.8 L or the 70-200 f/2.8 IS for indoor sports.

 

you can still get it. a quick google turned one up at a price of $3500ish. i would recommend you get the extended warranty on it; i don't think canon will be particularly cheap when it comes to repairs

although i hate to think what the DOF would be like wide open...

 

I believe it was stopped because of the pollution caused by milling such huge chunks of lead heavy glass, something along those lines anyway.

 

Yep it is amazing, http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/eos/EF-lenses/EF200mmf18LUSM/index.htm.

I've only ever seen one in a shop, didn't twig at the time that it was so good.

 

You'd think they would have the technology by now to make lead-free glass?

 

I'm sure they do, but you probably get better pictures with a leaded glass.

 

I had a opportunity to use Nikon's 200/2 VR and it was....wow. It was as sharp at f/2 as the 70-200/2.8 stopped down, and that is a sexy sharp lens. Very nice bokeh, it's often described as "clinical". I want it in a big way. But if you think a long zoom looks phallic, then the 200/2 is down right perverse in a tuna can way. It's huge and fat and heavy. But from what I gather, this lens (both from canon and nikon) is the concert/dance/theater king. I'm pretty sure the nikon lens is lead free, so it can be done. When I had to hand the lens back to the nikon rep, it was a classic..." you have to let go of the lens now, sir. sir? SIR? let go of the lens. NOW." I'm willing to bet the canon is just as nice based on what I have read. If you have the money and the chance to get one, I wouldn't pass it up.