It’s been a while since I’ve truly lusted over something, but a chat last night with my virtual friend DW has put me in heat.
That, my friends, is the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM Telephoto Zoom Lens.
Swoon.
It gets terrific reviews and just sounds divine. It would be a great lens for the photography I’m into. So what that it’s almost two grand?
You get what you pay for, folks.
I checked eBay for good deals but had no success. I also checked eBay for the flash unit I want and one or two other lenses, but I guess these items are so well-liked that nobody wants to sell them. All the items were brand-new and typically more expensive than Amazon’s prices.
Guess I should start saving up!
I live in Atlanta, Georgia, and work as a 
oh you are so right — you get what you pay for. that’s an amazing lens. i use Nikon and the 70-200 VR or (IS in Canon’s terms) is the best out there especially for sports. have you ever tried B&HPhoto? cheap prices with excellent customer service. i buy all my stuff there. they run a tight ship and their NYC location is amazingly huge with these converyor belts on the ceiling where they put people’s purchases in bins then the bins travel all over the store and land in the cashier/packing area. it is so neat.
I have ordered from B&H before. I actually drove by their NYC location last month when I was in the city, and I so wanted to stop and check it out. But I don’t think my trip companions (aka my coworkers) would have enjoyed it as much as me.
My wishlist for photography equipment is rapidly growing. I need to get some more assignments so I can afford to buy all my toys!
don’t know too much about canon lens, but you could probably save yourself a lot of money by getting a slower lens, f/4. crank up the iso, lot cheaping
Yeah, but I’ve been spoiled by my f/1.8 prime lens (50mm). I already feel the pinch when I use my other lens that isn’t as fast. If I’m going to spend a thousand on a lens, what’s another seven hundred at that point?
No, really…I am dreaming for now. I may see if anyone has this lens available to rent around town just so I could see if it really would be all that for my photographic needs.
Oh dear…
What have I done?!?
Sabrina,
I think I came across your site on 43things…and I love it! Please post more photos…it’s just the inspiration I need to work at my sad photography skills. And ps, any tips, pointers, thoughts, would be greatly appreciated.
Ahhh, the L lens. Tis a beauty. It’s next on my list of lenses to acquire. Once you go L you’ll never want to go back. Good to see you have the ‘nifty-fifty’. I had that lens originally and then upgraded to the 50 f/1.4 and love it. Photography is so much fun and prime lenses are great albeit expensive. But you’ll enjoy fun things with the right lens. And you don’t alway have to follow the rules. Enjoy and take plenty of photos.
Fellow Atlantan - Leo the 3rd.
@daniel, you’ve created a monster. I hope you’re proud.
@katie o, my best tip for you is to keep taking pictures! The more you practice, the more you’ll learn. I’ve never taken a class and have pretty much learned everything I know through trial and error. Another tip is to browse photography sites like flickr and pbase, and learn from the EXIF data and discussions with other photographers. Good luck! I’d love to see some of your work!
@Leo the 3rd, I have heard that the Ls are like heaven on Earth. I tend to be a loyalist so I’m afraid of not wanting to settle for less once I get to experience the beauty of an L lens for myself. But I’d rather spend the money on a great lens than blow it on a designer handbag and shoes and spa days. Hmm, let’s strike spa days from the list…I could actually use one of those soon!