Can the 70-200 f2.8 IS MkII be used for Food Photography?

[stevenc]

Yes, you are correct. Place a ruler 12 inches from the focal plane (indicated by the circle with line through it on the pentaprism bulge), focus as close as the camera will go manually, and you will see 35mm of marking through the viewfinder. I'd post a picture, but it's not exactly inspiring photography

As for what lens you should use, is it possible to rent or borrow them and try it out yourself? It is not easy giving advice when we have no idea of your setup or your desired result.

Thanks for your kind reply.

May I ask where can I actually try out the 70-200 L F2.8 IS II and the 100L? If I rent them for a day, its really not worth it since I will only try them out for less than an hour. I know those camera shops won't let u try any lens you like. BTW, canon showroom doesnt have these two lenses.

 

[lennyl]

I can recommend a rental store near me, but that may not be very helpful since I'm not in Singapore If you're renting to test out the focal length / framing, there's no need to pick (for example) the 70-200 f/2.8L IS - the f/4 without IS is a lot less expensive, and have the same minimum focus distance. Likewise the 100mm macro IS vs. non IS.

It's been about 4 years since I attended a meet in Singapore. Do you guys still have one regularly? Could be an opportunity to borrow someone's lens - especially if you let them check out your 5D3

A camera shop may be a lot more willing to let you try if you intend to buy one of the lenses from them. Again, someone in Singapore will be in a better position to advise. I've only bought one lens in Singapore, and I must say I'm rather underwhelmed by the customer service. Good thing I knew what I wanted and didn't need help. I'm not naming names, because that was about 4 years ago, and may not be relevant today.

 

[stevenc]

haha, I cant comment about the better camera shops or if you know the shop owner, but I must say most of the shops in Singapore will not let you test their lenses. I think it comes with the mindset that if the shop allows any buyer to test out as many lenses as he likes before buying, then most of the lenses will not be "brand new" condition.

Even for the 5DIII which I got recently, I already pre-ordered it and was ready to buy, so its normal to check. The shop owner was not willing to let me play with it and attached lens. I think he was afraid I will back out after testing.