Canon EF 70-200mm f4 L IS USM lens review
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4.0 |
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4.7 (227) |
EF70-200mm F4L IS USM employs fluorite and UD (Ultra-low Dispersion) lens elements to offer professional and advanced amateur photographers the outstanding optical performance expected of an L-series lens. Expanding on the high-performance capabilities of the EF70-200mm F4L USM lens, released in September 1999, the new compact and lightweight telephoto zoom lens incorporates an image stabilizer that gives the equivalent effect of a shutter speed approximately four stops faster*. In addition to offering full-time manual focusing, Canon’s EF70-200mm F4L IS USM zoom lens boasts several enhancements, including dust- and moisture-proof construction and a round aperture. Canon’s new lenses employ optimized lens element positioning and lens coating to ensure excellent color balance while minimizing the ghosting and flare that can easily occur when shooting in the digital format. Also, in consideration of the environment, the two models use only lead-free glass c omponents.
* Based on a shutter speed of “1/focal length” seconds, which is said to be the limit for handheld photography without image stabilization. Go to the Details tabs for more info | EF70-200mm f/4L IS USM |
 | | Photo 3 : EF70-200mm f/4L IS USM |
Concept of development
The EF70-200mm f/4L IS USM (Photo 3) was developed to meet the needs of many users who wanted an image stabilizer in the EF70-200mm f/4L USM, a lightweight, high-performance zoom lens with excellent mobility.
The development concepts are as follows:
• Pursuit of high quality throughout the entire zoom range
• Image stabilization equal to about four shutter speeds
• Digital camera compatibility
• Dust- and moisture-resistant construction
Feature 1: Compact optical system
The optical system of this lens is a new design featuring high definition on par with the EF70-200mm f/4L USM and image stabilization.
The basic lens configuration is the same as the EF70-200mm f/4L USM, but the latest design technology has been used to add the image stabilizer while maintaining the same compact size as the EF70-200mm f/4L USM (Fig. 4). |  | | Fig. 4 : EF70-200mm f/4L IS USM Optical System |
Feature 2: High definition throughout the entire zoom range
The optical system of 20 elements in 15 groups uses one fluorite lens element and two UD lens elements, which helps minimize the chromatic aberrations that tend to occur in telephoto lenses. It delivers high image quality (Fig. 5) with both high resolution and contrast befitting of an L-series lens throughout the zoom range and shooting area. |  | | | Fig. 5 : MTF Characteristic Charts of EF70-200mm f/4L IS USM |
Feature 3: Image stabilization equal to about four shutter speeds
The EF70-200mm f/4L USM image stabilizer lens group (6th group) utilizes shift-lens image stabilization. In addition to a dedicated high-performance IS unit and a vibration gyro for precise camera shake detection, an improved image stabilization algorithm gives image stabilization equivalent to using a shutter speed about four steps faster (Fig. 6, Photos 4 and 5).
The image stabilizer used in the EF70-200mm f/4L USM also has the following excellent features. |  | | | Fig. 6 : EF70-200mm f/4L IS USM camera-shake correction (at 200mm) |  |  | | | Photo 4 : EF70-200mm f/4L IS USM
Sample Shot 1
(EOS-1Ds Mark II at 70mm, 1/5sec,
image stabilizer on) | Photo 5 : EF70-200mm f/4L IS USM
Sample Shot 2
(EOS-1Ds Mark II at 70mm, 1/5sec,
image stabilizer off) |
| · | The image stabilizer has two modes: Mode 1 is effective for stationary subjects and Mode 2 is best for panning with a moving subject. | | · | The same stabilizer effects as hand-held shooting can be attained when using a monopod. | | · | There are no restrictions on using a tripod. | | · | The image stabilizer can also be used when using the EF1.4X II/ EF2X II extenders.* | | * | There are restrictions for some cameras. Please refer to Table 3. | | | |
| | * | The autofocus is supported for the EOS-1Ds Mark II, EOS-1Ds, EOS-1D Mark II N, EOS-1D Mark II, EOS-1D, EOS-1v HS and EOS-3 at the center AF points. | | ** | The Image Stabilization function can be used on the following camera models: EOS-1Ds Mark II, EOS-1Ds, EOS-1D Mark II N, EOS-1D Mark II, EOS-1D, EOS 5D/30D/20D/20Da/
10D/Kiss Digital X/Kiss Digital N/Kiss Digital/D60/D30, EOS-1v HS, EOS-1N HS/DP/RS, EOS-3, EOS 7/7s/55/Kiss/New Kiss/Kiss III/Kiss III L/Kiss 5/Kiss 7/Kiss Lite/3000/888/IX E/
IX 50, EOS DCS1/DCS3/D2000/D6000/D30. | | | Table 3 : Data on Use of EF70-200mm f/4L IS USM with Extenders |
Feature 4: Lens coating optimized for use with digital SLR cameras
The EF70-200mm f/4L IS USM has element lens curvature and coating optimized for use with digital SLR cameras. As a result, it successfully gives both good color balance and minimization of ghost and flare attributable to surface reflections from the digital imaging element.
Feature 5: Excellent dust- and moisture-resistant construction
By utilizing dust- and moisture-resistant construction (Fig. 7) in the lens mount, switch panel, zoom ring and focusing ring to prevent dust and water from reaching the interior, the lens can be used in harsh environments.*
*This applies when the lens is used with a dust- and moisture-resistant EOS body. | | |  | | Fig. 7 : Dust- and Moisture-resistant Construction of the EF70-200mm f/4L IS USM |
Feature 6: Superb operability
• High-speed silent autofocus
The use of ring USM, inner focus, a high-speed CPU and an optimized autofocus algorithm ensures autofocusing that is both quick and quiet.
• Manual focusing enabled even in AF mode
The EF70-200mm f/4L IS USM has full-time mechanical manual focusing that allows manual focus after one-shot AF operation without leaving AF mode.
• Extender support
The EF1.4X II and EF2X II extenders can be used with this lens.
• Tripod Ring A II (W)
The newly developed Tripod Ring A II (W) is available as an accessory. Improvements to the shape of the locking screw ensure the lens is fastened more securely than with its predecessor (Photo 6). | | |  | | Photo 6 : Tripod Ring A II (W) |
• Cylindrical hood with superb light blocking
Like the EF70-200mm f/4L USM, the EF70-200mm f/4L IS USM uses the ET-74 cylindrical hood that has excellent antireflection flocking on the inner surface.
• Distance information for improving flash exposure precision
Distance information is sent to the camera during AF, thus making the EF70-200mm f/4L IS USM compatible with the E-TTL II autoflash system for the optimal flash exposure.
• Switch design that prevents unintended switching
The switches including the focus mode switch are designed to prevent unintended switching during shooting or while being carried.
Feature 7: Environmentally friendly design
The optical system contains only environmentally friendly lead-free glasses. The EF70-200mm f/4L IS USM meets as well Canon's own standard to comply with the RoHS Directive.
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Generic Lens Specifications
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Lens Type
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Zoom |
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IS / VR / OS
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IS |
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Canon L Class
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Yes |
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Min Focal Length (mm)
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70 |
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Max Focal Length (mm)
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200 |
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Number of Elements
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20 |
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Element Groups
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15 |
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Max Aperture
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4 |
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Minimum Aperture
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32 |
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Diaphragm Blades
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8 |
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Closest Focus Distance (m)
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1.2 |
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Maximum Magnification
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0.21 |
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Filter Type
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Screw In |
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Filter Diameter (mm)
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67 |
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Diameter at widest (mm)
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76 |
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Lens Length (mm)
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172 |
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Weight (g)
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760 |
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Release Date
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August 2006 |
Lens Measurement Data
Editor review
Canon EF 70-200 f4 L IS USM
The EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM is a lightweight, compact L Series telephoto zoom lens with Image Stabilizer. The optical Image Stabilization in the new EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM lens provides up to an incredible four stops of shake correction-a first for Canon IS lenses. The use of fluorite UD lens elements provides excellent optical performance in terms of resolution and contrast. These features, together with its water-and dust-proof construction, provide both the performance and portability to meet user demands.
Conclusions at a glance
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Would you recommend this Item
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Yes |
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Pros
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Pro class L glass for less cost |
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Cons
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Not as fast as the f2.8 (but still good enough fo rmost) |
User reviews
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Average user rating from: 227 user(s)
Great lens! I can't find a better small tele for
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Great lens! I can't find a better small tele for
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful
Canon EF 70-200 f/4L IS
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful
Very Sharp!
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful
4.5 stars! If you can have only one lens, this is
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