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Canon EF 70-200mm f/4 L IS USM Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras | List Price: $1,800.00
Discount Price: Too low to display
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Brand: Canon
Binding: Electronics
Release Date: 2006-10-23
Features: - 70-200mm telephoto zoom lens with f/4 maximum aperture for Canon digital SLR cameras
- Fluorite UD lens elements produce excellent optical performance in resolution and contrast
- Ring-type ultra-sonic monitor (USM) for quick and quiet autofocusing; lightweight construction
- Image Stabilizer provides up to 4 stops of shake correction; water- and dust-proof construction
- Measures 3 inches in diameter and 6.8 inches long; weighs 26.8 ounces; 1-year warranty
Absolutely stunning IQ, build and AF. IS works great! [Posted on 2008-07-23]
Well, I don't have much to say about this lens except that it exceeds all expectations. I have gotten pin sharp pictures at 1/13th of a second at 200mm. That's how good the IS can get. IQ is as good as it can get. In the past I have owned the non-IS version of this lens, and this baby beats that. One of the best lenses around.
An amazing lens [Posted on 2008-07-29]
In the past I've always had under-performing zooms in this range, so when I switched to Canon I wanted a good sharp lens. I hike a lot, so the size and mass of this lens (vs. the 2.8) and the possibility of using it hand held were big selling points. I mostly shoot non-moving subjects, if you shoot sports or moving subjects you may have different needs.
While I expected this lens to be good, the reality of the lens surpassed my expectations . . . which is rare, I'm a fairly picky person. But every time I use this lens it just amazes me. It's really sharp, even usefully sharp wide open and stopped down it looks like a stopped down prime lens. And the IS is unreal, I quickly discovered that in most situations I couldn't tell my tripod shots from my hand held shots even at 200mm -- this was unexpected, and has quickly become my favorite feature. No need to set up a tripod. I can also get away with shutter speeds at least two stops below what I can hand hold with a non-IS lens. This is my overall favorite lens right now, out of 5 I've had -- if it's possible to get the shot I want with this lens, I use this lens. I know it will deliver.
So, compared to what I'm used to spending for a lens, this one cost me an arm and a leg. But every time I use it, it doesn't just make me not regret spending the money, it makes me glad I did.
Nice little investment, good compromise, excellent quality [Posted on 2008-07-31]
I purchased this lens during the last $50 instant rebate from Canon as my first L lens. I agree with everyone that the images are very sharp and the image stabilization works extremely well. Of course, it lacks the bokel and light gathering capabilities of the the F/2.8 version; however, the cost and weight difference make up for this gap. I played with my friend's F2.8 version for a week and felt that this F/4 version is much handier for travel and vacations. The IS and weatherproofing was enough for me to justify the cost premium in the F/4 IS vs the non-IS version a I would like to avoid lugging a monopod or tripod with me on vacation. The only complaint is that it does not come with the tripod adaptor ($145 extra); however, I knew that when I ordered the lens so it would not be appropriate for me to subtract a star for it. I highly recommend this lens! By the way, the Canon EF 70-200 F/4 S USM lens and Canon 40D body fit very well in a ThinkTank Digital Holster 30. Also make sure that you protect the lens with a good quality multi-coat filter from B+W or Heliopan.
I LOVE this lens! [Posted on 2008-08-11]
For five years, I owned a Canon Rebel and used a Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS for my telephoto lens needs. Honestly, I was never thrilled with the quality of the photos that came from that combination of camera and lens.
My 2 week trip to Greece & Turkey last spring gave me the incentive to finally upgrade my camera (to a Canon 40D) and get better glass. Yes, it was time to buy my first L-series lenses. So I bought both this lens and the 24-70mm f/2.8L.
As they say, "It's all about the glass," and I am here to tell you that 'they' are RIGHT!
As I go through the many photos I took on my trip, I am thrilled by what I am seeing. The quality (in terms of detail, sharpness, color, etc.) is lightyears ahead of what I've been experiencing.
WHY did I wait so long??! The cost, of course. It can be challenging to fork out over $1000 for a lens. Only you can decide if it's worth it for you.
I also looked carefully at the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L, with and without the image stabilization, and I narrowed it down to these factors:
- IMAGE STABILIZATION - In my opinion, Image Stabilization is a MUST for a telephoto zoom like this. Camera shake is death to the quality of a photo, and once you get over 100mm in length it's hard to avoid completely. Who wants to carry a tripod everywhere you go and/or be severely limited in low-light conditions?
- COST - To get the f/2.8L with IS, you're looking at $1700. Yikes. This lens is 1/3 less.
- WEIGHT - The f/2.8L is obviously a gorgeous lens, but it's also significantly larger and heavier than the f/4L - increasing the need for image stabilization and/or frequent use of a tripod.
I wanted more of a walk-around lens, so the lighter weight of the f/4L along with the fine IS capabilities meets my needs quite nicely. And now that I am seeing the results, I couldn't be happier. The quality is STUNNING, including the sharpness, the color density, and the detail in the highlights and shadows. I only wish I would have bought it sooner and saved myself years of frustration while taking photos with mediocre glass.
It's an L lens. What else do you need to know? [Posted on 2008-09-01]
If you know anything about L lenses, you know they are expensive. This is an entry level model. There is something about twisting silky smooth lens rings that is very pleasant. If you want to twist plastic, open peanut butter jars.
Click here for more details and discount information...
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