Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L USM Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras by Canon
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Digital camera reviews of Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L USM Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras
Digital camera Review: Can't beat the optics
Summary: 5 Stars
After struggling with cheaper lenses over the years, this is my first "L" series lens. The optics are superb, the speed is adequate and the AF is spot on. Very good value.Digital camera Review: Can't beat the price for an L-series lens - don't let non-IS scare you away
Summary: 5 Stars
First off - let's hit the obvious thing that might concern many - the lack of IS on this lens. At longer focal lengths with slower shutter speeds, this can be an issue on this lens..BUT with how well newer Canons are handling higher ISOs, many of the camera shake issues that you would need IS for can be addressed by cranking up ISO and shooting at a higher shutter speed...I won't lie though, IS is a nice addition to a mid-range zoom, but does it justify the cost increase to the IS version? That will really depend on the user and their financial situation.
I use this lens mainly for portraits along with my 24-70 F2.8L. The 70-200 is a perfect complement to that zoom range, and if you really want the ideal situation, having the 70-200 F2.8 in addition to the 24-70 F2.8 is a great way to go...but, again, cost rears its ugly head when we look at the jump from the F4 to the F2.8 in the 70-200 lenses.
I bought this lens because I knew I wasn't going to be using it in situations where I needed IS and because I wasn't going to need F2.8 either. With those two considerations in mind, you can't go wrong with this lens. It is pin-sharp throughout the entire focal range and produces wonderful bokeh for portraits. I use this lens all the time for doing kids portraits and outdoor candids - the zoom range lets me stay out far enough that the child doesn't really know I am taking his picture (that sounds creepy - but you know what I am getting at here if you've done child's photography - the second they know the camera is pointed at them, they often stop being cute and start being awkward). At 200mm, I get superbly sharp features in the eyes - sparkles are there, eyelash details, etc., while at the same time having wonderfully smoothed backgrounds. The subject really 'pops' from the background. This lens is also great for a formal portrait session if you are able to stand far enough away from the person. So, if you are into portraits and need a mid-range zoom, or maybe just bought a new Canon 7D or Rebel XSi or XS or a used XT series and want some L-series glass at a reasonable price, you can't go wrong here.
Some people consider using this with a Canon extender like a 1.4x or 2x. That I cannot recommend if you want to preserve optimal image quality. It will bump up the zoom, but your images will lose their L-series quality. If you already own the extender and just want some extra reach without being too terribly worried about those details, go for it.
This lens is also much, much lighter than its F2.8 counterpart. In my review about the 24-70 F2.8 I recommend that you often go for as much aperture as possible when buying a lens - I still stand by that when the price isn't a big difference (in my review about the 24-70 I was comparing it to the 24-105 - so there wasn't a huge price difference). If you can afford it and don't mind the extra weight, the F2.8 version of this lens is the choice, hands down. But if you want a lighter lens and have a specific plan for this lens that won't involve a lot of low-light shooting (like using it in flash photography a lot), I don't think you can go wrong with spending around $600 for an absolutely wonderful lens.
Please let me know if you have any questions about the lens, I'm happy to answer what I can.
Digital camera Review: Canon "L" is for LOVE
Summary: 5 Stars
I've always heard great things about Canon L series lenses. Some say it means "luxury". I really think it means love. Once you touch and use a Canon "L" lense, there seriously is no turning back. The sharpness, colour, contrast is unparallel. It stacks up to my Carl Zeiss lense on my other camera. The only thing I could ask for is a lower price for the 70-200 F/2.8 L IS USM lense. I'll be looking to upgrade to a faster lense sometime in the near future.Digital camera Review: Canon 70-200 f4L Review
Summary: 5 Stars
The 70-200 has quickly become my lens of choice, in-studio when possible, and 100% outdoors (unless there is not enough room) for most portraits. I like the lens because it is extremely sharp, easy to focus, and is very light weight.Digital camera Review: Canon 70-200mm f/4 L USM Lens
Summary: 5 Stars
One of Canon's best in quality... This lens exceeds my expectation, though I did my homework prior to purchasing and it's performance is awesome... It is quick in focusing and produces spetacular photos...
This is a non-IS lens, so unless your very steady, it is advised to rest lens on a bean bag or brace yourself against something... I like bird photography so I use a tripod with this lens with a 1.4x Tele-Conveter connected and it produces really sharp photo's... Ultrasonic Motor is quiet and very fast...
For the price this can't be beat... It's an L lens which is Canon's best line.. Excellent build and the telephoto is conceled within the lens and does not extend...