Taky, the latest version has a II or a Mark II in the description.

I've only bought new lenses when I couldn't find used ones. For me the only new ones I own are the Tokina 11-16/2.8 and the Rokinon 85/1.4. (Its not even easy to find the Tokina new.) All my other lenses have come from Adorama's reconditioned/used selection, eBay or KEH.com. If I needed another 70-200/2.8 IS right now I'd feel completely comfortable with this:

Canon EOS 70-200 F2.8 L IMAGE STABILIZATION ULTRASONIC (77) 35MM SLR AUTO FOCUS ZOOM TELEPHOTO LENS - KEH.com

"Bargain" at KEH is a very dependable lens with perfect glass.

just bite the bullet and order it at Amazon with Amex card. It's $2300. yeah, ouch! But it's a business investment as Joel said. I could have used Amazon credit card that gives me 3% cash back.. Purchased with Amex gives me some peace of mind for the additional 1 year warranty and purchase protection if breaks or stolen in 3 months.

Too bad there isn't a 24-70mm with IS...

Oh is the UV filter all that necessary? The one amazon recommended is $88... little ouch.

It depends on the light. ISO 6400 in magenta light has the same noise level as ISO 800 in tungsten light. It also depends on the settings and post processing. A low contrast (AKA high dynamic range) look will show a lot more noise than a high contrast (AKA low dynamic range) style.

Daniel, does that mean, if I use Neutral and increase the contrast, the ISO noise is less noticeable?

In low light situations with strong light sources in the frame, I would avoid _any_ filters. Otherwise, ghosting would easily be a problem.

VERY dependent on the filter. Cheap filters, absolutely. Something like a Hoya S-HMC, not really.

Yes, but to me it's not really a practical solution because to me, deciding the look of the shot is a higher priority than avoiding noise. If I want a low contrast look, I'll sooner use detali-smearing noise reduction than crank up the contrast.

I use expensive filters including the Hoya S-HMC, and to me they still cause major flare and ghosting problems in scenes with bright speculars. Personally, I only use protection filters when it's rainy, really dusty, etc.

Wow... with what lens? Been a while since I've done shooting into the sun, but that is going to change this month...

I bought the Canon UV haze filter for $30.

I don't use any clear/UV filters. They are unnecessary overpriced voodoo junk preying on your fears. The coating on modern lenses are super tough and super scratch resistant.

That's cool.. but only one of my primes is coated at all. I'll stick with protecting them.

It's an expensive investment. I'd rather protect it with a UV filter. :)

Your DOF is terrible with those lenses opened up. Personally I'd rather have my image in focus over not using high iso. The neatvideo plugin works wonders all the way up to 6400. You either need to add lighting (on camera or off) or make sure your client is aware that a dark venue means dark footage.