Canon EF 70-200mm f4L USM review  Hot

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Lenses Canon EF / EF-S
User rating
4.6
out of 5
Editor's rating
1.0
out of 5
Lens Summary

Overview

This high grade telephoto zoom lens responds to the exacting requirements of professionals and advanced amateurs, yet at a reasonable price. One artificial crystal Fluorite and two UD (Ultra-low Dispersion) glass lens elements in its optical system eliminate secondary spectrum, which is often the Achilles' heel of telephoto lenses resulting lower picture quality. These elements assure high Resolution and high Contrast throughout the entire zoom range. The latest optical design gives a minimum focusing distance of 1.2m and 0.21x maximum magnification. This lightweight, compact zoom lens, having the same level of optical performance as EF 70 - 200mm f/2.8L USM, assures good portability and operability. The ring USM (Ultrasonic Motor) and Inner focusing system achieves high-speed silent autofocusing. Manual focusing, even while in AF mode, is possible thanks to Full-time manual focusing mechanism. Extenders EF 1.4X and 2X can be used with this lens, and the optional Ring Tripod Mount A (W) is being marketed concurrently.

Lens Specifications

Generic Lens Specifications
Lens Type: Zoom
IS / VR / OS: None
Min Focal length (mm): 70
Max Focal Length (mm): 200
Number of Elements: 16
Element Groups: 13
Max Aperture: 4
Minimum Aperture: 32
Diaphragm Blades: 8
Closest Focus Distance (m): 1.2
Maximum Magnification: 0.21
Filter Type: Screw In
Filter Diameter (mm): 67
Diameter at widest (mm): 76
Lens Length (mm): 172
Weight (g): 710
Release Date: September 1999

Details


  • Fluorite Lenses
  • UD Lenses

Depth-of-Field Data for EF70-200mm f/4L USM
F = 70mm[unit:m]
DF45.6811162232
NDFDNDFDNDFDNDFDNDFDNDFDNDFD
Inf.37.129Inf.26.290Inf.18.626Inf.13.212Inf.9.375Inf.6.665Inf.4.750Inf.
107.97313.4397.35815.6836.63620.5525.83236.7394.981Inf.4.137Inf.3.345Inf.
54.4655.6854.2776.0294.0366.5943.7407.6063.3909.7362.99716.2072.580331.472
32.8143.2142.7443.3122.6503.4622.5293.6992.3774.1002.1914.8481.9756.560
21.9242.0831.8942.1191.8542.1731.8002.2541.7292.3811.6382.5881.5262.955
1.51.4621.5411.4461.5581.4251.5841.3971.6221.3581.6791.3071.7671.2431.910
1.21.1781.2231.1691.2321.1571.2461.1411.2671.1181.2971.0871.3421.0471.413
f = 135mm[unit:m]
DF45.6811162232
NDFDNDFDNDFDNDFDNDFDNDFDNDFD
Inf.130.294Inf.92.164Inf.65.205Inf.46.156Inf.32.660Inf.23.126Inf.16.388Inf.
109.32410.7829.09111.1448.73511.708.30212.5877.75814.1057.10117.0136.34524.041
54.8355.1774.7705.2544.6815.3674.5615.5364.4015.7944.1946.2043.9336.896
32.9453.0582.9223.0822.8913.1182.8493.1692.7903.2452.7123.3602.6093.537
21.9782.0231.9692.0321.9562.0461.9382.0661.9142.0951.8812.1371.8362.199
1.51.4891.5111.4841.5161.4781.5231.4691.5331.4561.5461.4391.5671.4161.596
1.21.1941.2061.1911.2091.1881.2131.1821.2181.1751.2261.1651.2371.1521.253
f = 200mm[unit:m]
DF45.6811162232
NDFDNDFDNDFDNDFDNDFDNDFDNDFD
Inf.271.021Inf.191.696Inf.135.613Inf.95.985Inf.67.910Inf.48.074Inf.34.058Inf.
109.66310.3619.53110.5199.34910.7519.10511.0968.78011.6268.35912.4697.83013.898
54.9195.0844.8875.1194.8415.1704.7795.2444.6935.3524.5775.5144.4235.761
32.9733.0272.9623.0392.9473.0552.9253.0792.8953.1132.8543.1632.7983.236
21.9892.0111.9852.0151.9792.0221.9702.0311.9582.0441.9412.0631.9172.091
1.51.4951.5051.4921.5081.4891.5111.4851.5151.4791.5221.4701.5311.4581.545
1.21.1971.2031.1961.2041.1941.2061.1911.2091.1881.2121.1831.2181.1761.225

 

 

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Editor review : Canon EF 70-200mm f4L USM
Overall rating (weighted)
1.0
Sharpness
1.0
Build Quality
1.0
AF Speed
1.0
Value for Money
1.0
Editor lens review will be updated shortly.
Why should you care what I think?
My relationship with this item: Editor review
Conclusions at a glance
Would you recommend this Item: Undecided

User Lens Reviews

Average user rating from: 165 user(s)

Overall rating (weighted)
4.6
Sharpness
4.6
Build Quality
4.6
AF Speed
4.6
Value for Money
4.6
 

Add new review


1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

Nice lens, but not for me, Thursday, 27 November 2008


Overall rating (weighted)
4.8
Sharpness
4.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
5.0
I have no complaints about the image quality and performance of this lens, but I wanted to post this review to note a problem I had with it that eventually led me to selling the lens and upgrading to another lens, in case this helps others with their decision. The lens is rather long and heavy, and I found that I had consistent problems in anything other than the most brightly-lit conditions in achieving a shutter speed fast enough to prevent hand shake Blur. Apart from using this lens with a tripod, I consistently was frustrated by having all my handheld shots ruined by hand shake blur. I eventually decided to upgrade to the same lens (70-200mm f/4) but the model with IS (image stabilization) and have been much happier with my output using the lens. Would recommend anyone considering this non-IS version to take into consideration whether they are prone to hand shake or might have problems holding this particular lens steady - perhaps go to a camera store and try it in hand first before deciding to order.
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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful

Great lens!!!, Thursday, 20 November 2008


Overall rating (weighted)
5.0
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
5.0
I have a Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens and I am very satisfying with its quality. Recently, I bought this 70-200mm f/4L, and I am stunk with its quality. Super sharp image with wonderful color. It weight is perfect if you want to travel light.

Bottom line is - great "L" lens at this price ($600). Only if you can afford another $450 then I would suggest to go with the IS model. Otherwise, you will enjoy this lens for many years.

--Great shooting...
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

Great fast lens, but I miss IS , Saturday, 01 November 2008


Overall rating (weighted)
5.0
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
5.0
This is hands down a great lens, there is no question about it. I use it as my standard walk a round lens. It focus fast and quietly, it has great image quality and feels really nice. The only thing that is missing is image stabilization, they do have an IS version, and if you are going to be hand holding and shooting in low light, then you will need the IS, but that is true for any lens. Overall this is a great lens, for a great price, and if you don't shoot in low light, then not having the IS isn't a big deal.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

The White Lens, Monday, 27 October 2008


Overall rating (weighted)
4.8
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
4.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
5.0
The Canon 70-200mm f/4 L is the most amazing lens I have used. The images it produces are razor sharp and the speed of the autofocus is lightning fast and silent. The lens dosent weigh very much so you can carry it around your neck all day with no problem. Like most other reviews I read I was looking at this lens as well as the 70-300mm is usm. The 70-300 felt like a toy when I tried it in the camera shop and I could not justify the $600 price tag for it so I ordered this from Amazon.com and got it the morning of my trip to Gatorland. I am very happy with this lens and anyone else would be too. It is great for wildlife, portraits, photojournalism, travel, sports, etc...And besides it's cool and white.
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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful

Best choice!, Wednesday, 22 October 2008


Overall rating (weighted)
5.0
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
5.0
This is my first L series lens. I bought it to use with my Rebel XT, in anticipation of upgrading to the 40D. I am now reconsidering the upgrade!

This lens is fantastic! brilliant DOF and resolution. My XT which previously struggled to give me raw files as large as 8mp is now given me files over 10mp.

I now want MORE L series lenses.
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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful

Great Pictures, Saturday, 04 October 2008


Overall rating (weighted)
4.8
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
4.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
5.0
I was tired of looking through my camera with the lens that came on it and seeing the subject close up;then when you actually print it they are not as close as they looked. This lens is great. The quality of the picture is wonderful. I can take pictures of my grandchildren's football games from the stands and get pictures that look like I was right beside them. I can also take a close up of a flower and the quality is perfect and very close up. It is great.
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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful

very nice lens, Sunday, 21 September 2008


Overall rating (weighted)
4.5
Sharpness
4.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
4.0
very nice lens: light weight, excellent quality, close to the f/2.8 but better price = excellent value
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

Good lens but--, Sunday, 31 August 2008


Overall rating (weighted)
4.0
Sharpness
4.0
Build Quality
5.0
AF Speed
3.0
Value for Money
4.0
I purchased this lens and have taken about 300 photos. I also have the Canon 28-135 f3.5 IS lens that came with my 40d. To tell you the truth the difference is really minimal. It's very well built, sharp and fast to focus. I'm sure that if you are looking for a zoom lens in this focal range it's a pretty good choice but in terms of clarity, sharpness and contrast, I do not see a great deal of difference. I have taken many wedding photos, mostly with film cameras -- Mamya 645 equipment. I just started using the digital format ( I'm using the Canon 50 f1.4, the 28-135 several other lenses and now the 70-200L F4) all these lenses performed very well but I was hoping to see a big difference with the 70-200L. The photos are great just not that big of a difference that I was expecting and read about.
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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful

Canon 70-200mm f/4 L USM Lens, Sunday, 31 August 2008


Overall rating (weighted)
4.5
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
4.0
AF Speed
4.0
Value for Money
5.0
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...
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0 of 3 people found the following review helpful

Extremely Over Rated, Wednesday, 27 August 2008


Overall rating (weighted)
1.8
Sharpness
1.0
Build Quality
2.0
AF Speed
1.0
Value for Money
3.0
I purchased this lens with high hopes, thinking that because it is an "L" lense and only $600, it was a great deal. On the contrary, the images that it took were no better (and in fact worse) than my 85 mm and my 50 mm Canon prime lenses. Before spending $600 on this camera (if you need a zoom), I would suggest checking out the 70-300 IS zoom (by Canon). It takes far superior pictures (I owned one for over a year).
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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful

Makes me want MORE "L"ness, Sunday, 17 August 2008


Overall rating (weighted)
4.8
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
4.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
5.0
If this is one of the cheapest "L"s I cannot imagine what the more expensive ones can do.... if only I were rich.
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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful

Make your camera worth the investment., Sunday, 03 August 2008


Overall rating (weighted)
4.5
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
4.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
4.0
I was a Bit disappointed with the 18-55 mm lens that came with the Canon XSi. But for the price (about $100, they say), it got me started. I read the reviews on various 200mm Zoom lenses and this one really seemed to fit my needs.

Although I have not taken a lot of shots with it, I am very pleased with the handling and the interface to the camera. You won't be disappointed in the quality and if you are an experienced photographer, you will love the feel.
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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful

Quite nice., Tuesday, 29 July 2008


Overall rating (weighted)
4.0
Sharpness
4.0
Build Quality
4.0
AF Speed
4.0
Value for Money
4.0
It would be better if Canon provide a tripod mount ring, like 70~200mm F/2.8L. Of course, I know it's not a fault of Amazon.
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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful

canon ef lens, Sunday, 27 July 2008


Overall rating (weighted)
4.0
Sharpness
4.0
Build Quality
4.0
AF Speed
4.0
Value for Money
4.0
I purchased this lens for my wife. The pictures that she has taken with this lens areof profeesional quality.
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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful

great lens, Wednesday, 23 July 2008


Overall rating (weighted)
4.8
Sharpness
5.0
Build Quality
4.0
AF Speed
5.0
Value for Money
5.0
THIS LENS ROCKS!!!!have used this lens for a couple of months now and i have been very pleased with the pictures.still learning the camera and lens but i would highly recommend this lens for someone looking to upgrade to a proffesional qualitylens,but with a more reasonable price than the f2.8L lens.the f4L lens is great.
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