Canon EF 70-200mm f4L USM review

I bought this lens FIVE years ago for my Rebel XTI. I've used it in so many different situations. Most recently, I used it during a high school play. I was near the back of the auditorium with very low light. I had my camera set to ISO 1600 and tried to get close-up shots. I didn't think results would be great based on the LCD screen, but they ended up coming out wonderfully (with some processing). I shot freehand with a slow shutter (1/10), but was still able to get some crisp shots. I've used it at football/baseball games, marathons, zoo, walking around, etc. It's one of my favorite lenses. I paid $539, which an absolute steal for L-series glass. The only downside to the lens is the weight. It gets a bit heavy after a while, but the great quality is worth the 'sacrifice'. Also, I don't like the attention I get with this mounted on my camera, but what can you do?

Sold it after a year because I was tight on money and few months later I bought the consumer grade Canon tele zoom for those odd shots. Tried to believe that I dont need the focal range that much so I stayed on the non L canon and even tried the cheap Sigma telezoom. When I was reviewing the pictures on the album in my computer with my wife, we notice that the pictures taken by the Canon 70-200 F4 non IS are outstanding. Hands down the best telephoto lens that I use I don't care when people say that it is comparative to consumer lenses NO IT IS NOT. My wife even notice the difference and she doesn't know anything about photography. I bought another copy because I know I gotta have it. Something in the glass that makes this lens outstanding. I do understand if some people say that they are on a tight budget but this is the cheapest L you can get and if can afford it....you owe it to yourself, trust me it's that good. Needless to say that it is awesome period.

I purchased this lens used and I have been delighted with it. It is no problem to hand hold because it is so light. I eventually want to purchase the F2.8, but I will do it as an additional lens, not a replacement. I would need the IS with the 2.8 due to the greater weight, and I don't see myself taking it along on everyday outdoor shoots like I do this F4. Solidly built lens, great images, easy to tote for outdoor pictures. Absolutely love it!

Buy this item if you want, but try to get a get a better price. The list price is misleading. You can buy it from Canon for this price. If you pay more than 650 for this lens you are not getting the best deal. That being said, at a range of $550 to $700 this is the most affordable L lens out there(L lenses are top of the line for Canon), so if $600 is all you can spend, and you want a 70-200mm f/4L lens, you won't be disappointed with this one. Just try to get a real deal, Amazon is trying to trick people into thinking that they are saving 44% of MSRP. That is a lie; their price is almost the same as Canon's MSRP. Another thing to consider is that, if you can afford to spend a lot more money, and if your camera merit it, Canon has better options and you will get more features, such as IS and better f-stop.

I got my lens in a very swift fashion 3 days. I really like the build quality, and the light weight. This is one nice piece of glass. The only bad thing about this piece is that you have to have lots of light for it to be all that it can be, and the zoom and focus rings could be a little less gritty feeling, other wise its very nice. One thing I would like to say is to those people that keep griping about the lack of IS (image stabilization) you are a bunch of wusses. I have been useing canon's and Nikon's amongst others for over 30 years, and until just a few years ago there was no IS. I think you people are just a little bit spoiled. Don't under rate this lens just because it doesn't have all the bells and whistles, that a 2K lens has, if you want to throw money at something just because, or because its the latest flavor go right ahead. As for me I can do fine without IS or even auto focus. you younger people can learn from using some of the old stuff. (just try using a vivitar 220sl, it has screw on lenses. Try that for awhile. (and try not to cross thread it). to all the older photo guys, you need to teach these younger ones a think or two. I really do like my new lens.