Brett Harkness Canon Photography Review: The Canon EF 70–200mm f/2.8 L IS II USM Zoom Lens
As one of the most sought-after social/wedding photographers in the UK and across the globe, Brett Harkness knows Canon cameras and lens very well, since they are the only equipment he uses. PhotographyTalk is pleased to share Brett’s insights and honest appraisals of Canon products.
Brett scores the Canon EF 70–200mm f/2.8 L IS II USM zoom lens 8.5 on a scale of 1 to 10.
There were 164 real customer reviews of the Canon EF 70–200mm f/2.8 L IS II USM zoom lens all giving it 4-5 star rating if you would like to read these reviews you can do so here.
The Canon EF 70–200mm f/2.8 is, and always has been, a beautiful lens to use. Only the Mark II model is better; and when I started using it, it rekindled my love for zoom lenses!
Until a few years ago, the Canon EF 70–200mm f/2.8 was my primary lens for weddings. I still use it often, but I use it in conjunction with different focal lengths, depending upon what I am shooting. The 70–200mm allows me to stand further from the wedding couple, their guests and the various highly desirable moments to capture at a wedding. It’s also a great lens for documentary work when you want to be discreet.
It focuses very fast and has a minimum focal distance of 3 feet, which makes it a very versatile lens. The built-in image stabilizer technology gives you an extra couple of stops and I rely on it often. It is a large lens and could be challenging to use if you have small hands. I do know many female photographers, however, who have embraced this lens and never looked back! With an aperture of f/2.8 throughout its focal length, it’s the perfect lens for the social photographer, especially during UK summers!!
I have had to replace a few stabilizers on the old Mark I model. The stabilizer in the Mark II seems to be capable of withstanding considerable use. Because I shoot with only one body (which I prefer), I change lenses often.
I like to use the Canon EF 70–200mm f/2.8 L IS II USM zoom lens for “peering” through a crowd when I can’t move to a specific position, which is not unusual at very large weddings. This technique allows you to capture moments from a distance. Apart from the lens’ weight, I can’t find fault with Canon’s 70–200mm f/2.8. Optically it is amazing. It handles superbly and adds another dimension to my documentary style, which I shoot at most weddings.
I also use the Canon EF 70–200mm f/2.8 for my pre-wedding shoots, leaving everything else at home to keep it very simple.
I also take it with me to family/lifestyle events and activities. It is often the only lens in my bag, with the Canon 50mm f/1.2, as they cover most of the focal lengths that I find attractive for shooting families. The focusing is very fast and rather silent. The image stabilizer on the older model could be quite noisy, but Canon seems to have fixed this issue on the newer model.
These are my opinions on how I use this lens every day of my life. If it feels good in my hands, then I use it! This equipment is an extension of my eye and how I see my world and the social world within which I work. That was why I started to use Canon products more than 20 years ago. If a piece of equipment allows you to capture your vision, then use it. It is only when a piece of equipment is a hindrance that you should change it.
If you would like to see more examples of my work please go to www.brettharknessphotography.com.
You can also join me on Facebook, Twitter (@brettharkness), Instagram and Flikr. You’re also invited to visit our wonderful training site with a host of information to watch, read and download: www.brettharknessphotography.com/training
The opinions in this article are those of Brett Harkness and are not necessarily endorsed by PhotographyTalk.
About Brett Harkness: Brett Harkness is a highly regarded UK photographer, who, with Kristie, his wife and business partner, specialize in in all forms of social photography, both studio and outdoors, in the UK and overseas. Brett was born during 1972, and was graduated from Nottingham Trent University, where he studied photography. He spent the next 5 years working on board cruise ships in America and the Caribbean, where he learned the basics of working with a great diversity of people, as he photographed their vacation activities as guests. Couples around the globe seek Brett’s signature style for their wedding photography. He and his wife operate a studio and training facility in a converted wood mill outside of Manchester, England. They offer courses in lighting, lifestyle, and wedding photography.