logo

Info

Reviewbucket.co.uk scanned the internet for Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L USM reviews.
You can find all Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L USM reviews and ratings on this page.

Read the reviews.

Analysis

For Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L USM, 166 customer reviews collected from 3 e-commerce sites, and the average score is 4.9.

Detailed seller stats;
Amazon has 90 customer reviews and the average score is 4.9. Go to this seller.
Ebay has 60 customer reviews and the average score is 5. Go to this seller.
Very has 16 customer reviews and the average score is 4.9. Go to this seller.

Detail

Click to list all products in this category.

Similar Items

4.1.2013

Having been using this lens for about 6-8 months regularly now, I must admit that it's far and away the strongest performer in my camera bag.A joy to use, with rapid-fast focusing (and rarely/never missing). I used a Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 IS before this. The Sigma was good, if not a bit soft at the edges, and very heavy (the weight, along with rarely shooting at 2.8 are the reasons I moved - the Sigma, despite it's softness issues, is still a superb lens given the right application).The 70-200 is very lightweight for what it is. It's comfortable to hold for extended periods. It feels tightly put together and well made. There are no wobbly focus rings or jittery parts to this lens.Solid construction throughout.I find the lens is remarkably sharp from 70-200 and doesn't really seem to exhibit a weak point in it's focal range (at least my copy doesn't, anyway). I use the 24-105 f/4 L IS USM alongside this, and despite the 24-105's stellar performance at f/5.6 and above, I feel anxious using it at f/4 due to some poor results in the past. This issue, however, is not present in the 70-200 f/4 L IS. At f/4, it's so sharp you have to be careful it doesn't cut the fingers of you.The Image Stabilisation on the lens is pretty good and does a solid job (so much so that I'd never use a 70-200 without IS in future), and I've gotten great shots shooting as slow as 1/40 at 200mm. Without IS I'd be lucky to get past 1/160 so that's quite an upside to me. Of course, this doesn't help freeze low-light action (in other words, IS is useless if you plan to use this for football or motor sports or that kind of thing, but for general portraiture, events, etc. I find it to be good).People complain about the IS noise and that's fair enough. I can't see any reason to complain to be honest. Maybe I've gotten a lucky copy, but I only hear the IS if I'm in a library. Out and about, or even where there's any ambient noise at all, you can't hear it. I hear people saying the won't use this at weddings because of the IS noise - this is nonsense. The only person that can hear this buzzing away is the photographer (if even) and that's because you're holding it up to your face. Someone standing 5 feet away won't hear it.I also use a battery grip (I shoot with a 7D and 60D) and I never turn IS off (on this or the 24-105). I charge my batteries every three weeks or so (and my camera could get a decent bit of usage) so I don't think the IS is as harsh on the battery as some people let on, either.The only downside to the lens is the lack of a tripod collar. I've heard third party ones scratch the paint on the lens (so I won't use one) but Canon charge an arm and a leg for their one (s I won't buy one). In truth, a tripod collar isn't something I'd find myself needing much, but it's always handy to have. I use a Black Rapid style of strap, so a tripod collar would have been nice to screw the strap into, but out from that I can't complain. If a tripod collar is important or essential to you, you'd be almost better off just getting the f/2.8 IS version of the lens as that comes with the collar in the box (and a nicer lens hood).All in all, this lens will perform strongly. It rivals every prime I have and it has never once let me down. When I first used it and took a few test shots at f/4, I was shocked at the fantastic quality of it. My opinion hasn't changed. It's the only lens in my bag that just never, ever seems to let me down. I use a mix of Canon and Sigma lenses - I just wish all the lenses I bought were as fulfilling as this one is. A remarkable lens that delivers outstanding results.
Read more..

30.9.2007

This lens isn’t inexpensive, but especially if you shoot outdoors, this is the ultimate EOS tele zoom lens for under £400.00. Compared to most other EF professional "L" lenses, this is the least costly of all, but its PROFESSIONAL LEVEL PERFORMANCE and CONSTRUCTION are definitely NOT COMPROMISED in any way.In the world of Canon EOS EF mount lenses, there are three levels of quality classifications. The inexpensive models are commonly referred to as “consumer grade”, designed primarily to meet competitive price points. The upgrade models are known as “mid grade” lenses. These can be very respectable in optical performance, but they are not as durable or "high performance" as the real pro gear.The top level is reserved for true working pros,and those who are very dedicated to the art of photography. These are the “L” Series Professional lenses. Most “L” lenses are designed with very effective weather & dust seals and special optical elements to deliver superior performance and the ultimate in rugged reliability. Canon's “L” models all have a bright red ring around the front of the barrel.This telephoto “L” is a great choice for nature lovers, hikers, street photographers, adventurers and especially for the parents of budding sports stars. You really command respect when you whip out your Canon EOS with this big off-white bazooka locked ‘n loaded. You instantly become the “Pro” (whether you actually are or not). It is amazing to watch the crowds at the soccer game part to let “the real photographer” get a little closer to the action. If you prefer to not call any attention to yourself, avoid this lens! Otherwise, be prepared for the envious stares from the guys & gals with the long skinny black lenses.This is a real "rough & tumble" lens, with optics delivered directly from the great glass gods. It will keep functioning properly, even when the rain or snow begins to fall during the last quarter of a game or out on a long nature hike, unlike the consumer and mid-grade lenses.However, there are other reasons to commit to this fairly costly model. The optical resolution, colour richness and contrast are absolutely superb! Chromatic aberrations and lens flare are extremely well controlled. There is almost NO DISTORTION visible through this lens, at any focal length. This is especially true on a smaller frame digital camera because these bodies take advantage of the lenses “sweet spot”, by primarily using the glass near the center portion of the lens. The Canon EF 70-200mm f/4 L USM produces incredibly sharp photos time after time, after time, after time...This model is threaded for 67mm filters, not the easiest to find. You may have to buy some relatively expensive filters that will only be usable on this one lens, like I did, but it is definitely worth it. The front element is always stationary, so using a circular polarizer is never a problem. The zoom and focus rings are plenty wide enough, even for the most gorilla-fisted photogs out there, and yet, both rotate as smooth as a well-powdered baby’s behind.There is no doubt that this is a real "L" lens. It is just oozing with that magic "luxury" stuff that makes it such a great optical instrument, as well as a very good investment. Considering how close it is in performance, and the high cost for most "L" models, I can easily call this one a true bargain!Copyright 2006 All rights reserved. ProfAudio1Read full review...
Read more..

17.12.2011

I started off looking at the canon 70-300mm IS lens But in the end i took the plunge for an L lens. I am only 16 but i am planning on being a pro photographer so i thought i should get the pro lenses. I am using a modest 500D at the mo but plan to upgrade to a 7D or a 5D Mark 11 soon.Once i had decided on an L telephoto lens i had the same problem everyone seems to have. Which 70-200mm do i want. There are 4. In the end i went for this one for the IS. The 2.8 is also double the wait and i didnt fancy carrying it around.The build quality is amazing. The rings are a joy to turn and the lens feels solid. Despite it being half the wait of the 2.8 it is still heavy and is very big!The sharpness os floorless and the bokeh is lovely. The Focus is lightning quick even if your panning fast to keep up with a bird or something like it and the USM makes it really quiet and gives it full time manual focus which is useful. The switches on the side feel very good and dont feel like they will move accidently! Personally i dont see the point in the focus limit switch but maybe i will one day. The great thing about this lens is the constant F4 so it doesnt adjust as you zoom. This is good for not having to be always changing the camera settings like i had to do with my Tamron zoom. Its also good for filming as it doesnt adjust the exposure as you zoom. Its great and the main attraction for me.Now the IS... The IS is amazing. I went indoors and took a pictures of a chair leg at 200mm in dim lighting with no flash. To get a decent image i had a shutter speed of 1/6 which is very slow. It was perfectly sharp. I tried the same thing with it of and i could barely see what the picture was off! In most cases however 1/25 is the lowest you want to go to get consistent sharp images! Fantastic IS. It does make a noise some quiet humming and things like that. Unless your in a silent room it wont notice.My only thing with it is the closest focus distance isnt great but thats what Macro lenses are for hahaha.I am ganna use this lens mainly for portraits as its a perfect focal length.I also purchased it with the 1.4 extender which is really good! 5.6 is still a reasonable aperture and its a bit more reach which is really important for weddings and things like that. It doesnt ruin the quality or slow the autofocus. Altogether a fantastic item for the lens.Overall the lens is great and well worth the money if you are planning on being a pro otherwise the non L 70-300 will be better as its cheaper and got more zoom. Unless your ganna shoot loads of sport at night dont go for the 2.8. If you can afford the 2.8 IS go for that tbh you might as well haha.
Read more..

4.12.2011

I bought this lens for use with a Canon 50D but it has been used on my son's 5D, Mark II and neither of us was disappointed. Although this is the f/4, he used it recently on a professional assignment in a Welsh steel mill - a dark and luminously challenging situation and it came up trumps. It is an excellent lens with a flexible focal length. "Take one of Canon's most popular lenses, the Canon 70-200mm f/4 L, add an up-to-4-stop Image Stabilizer and you get the Canon EF 70-200mm f/4.0 L IS USM Lens." That assignment in such a situation proved the point; although the superior f/2.8 would have made it easier, it is a lot more expensive, especially for the amateur.The beauty of this lens is its flexibility,allowing real control over shooting perspectives. This zoom is very high quality but moderately-priced (compared with other long lenses), making it one of Canon's best lenses. I bought it for sports and it has been very satisfactory in fast sport situations as well as on the golf course; recently at Wentworth, I used a freelance photgrapher's 800mm lens while he was on assignment for "Golf Monthly" and, yes, I was jealous but then he told me the price. I'll stick with the 70-200mm. Locked on a tripod with a remote-control, it has proved its worth in wildlife and natural situations too.It is a great looking lens, emanating solid, robust build-quality and that grey colouring on the barrel gives it a really distinctive look. With so much technical information and specification sites available, there is a little point to going into them again here; the product information details are a little sparce with Amazon and I recommend going elsewhere, e.g. Canon's own site, for in-depth specs. Although obviously written by partisan Canon employees, while researching punctiliously, I read it before buying and I cannot think of anything with which I disagree now that I have one.Although it is a solidly built lens, it is also relatively light as long zoom lenses go (1470g), making it a sensible choice for lots of assignments. I have used it in many situations and never been disappointed with the results on 70, 200 or anything in between and the image stablisation does helpI recommend using the Canon Lens Hood ET-74 lens hood for safer shooting; although it quite a long hood, it is very good and does the job excellently. The tripod mount ring EF is an essential bit of kit for it; it is great to hold and, of course, on the tripod it gives it a solid mount, something which is good to know if it is remote-control on a tripod some way away and whatever you are photographin decided to land on it, e.g. woodpeckers, squirrels or bigger!
Read more..

11.7.2013

The only thing to say about this lens is that it is FANTASTIC!! It is by far the sharpest zoom lens I have ever used. I couldn't justify buying the 70-200 2.8 II over this one for a couple of reasons:1) I rarely shoot wider than F4, and if I do then I use prime lenses.2) After renting both the F4 IS and the 2.8 IS II, the F4 IS is sharper wide open at F4 than the 2.8 IS II is at F4.3) The weight difference compared to its bigger brother is so light. I have managed to carry this around all day with no wrist ache at all.4) The IS is on par with the 2.8 IS II.5) Its smaller and more compact.Overall this lens is sharp at every zoom length wide open. I can get pin sharp images at 1/30th of a second with the IS on.I've tried it on a 60D, 7D & 5D mk2 and I cant fault it at all. It is by far the sharpest L lens I own.For some people, 1 downside may be the IS noise. It is a little louder than other IS models but you know its working and it works perfect. You can't compare this to the non IS version, the optics are better & the focus is faster. As far as I can see at 100% crops, this is on par with the 2.8 IS II for image quality and at F4 wide open it is better than the 2.8 IS II at the same F stop. Out of every 100 shots, I was probably miss focusing 3, maybe 4. Every image was spot on. Another plus side is that it is weather sealed just as good as the 2.8 IS II.If you're debating this or the 2.8 IS II, then just go for this if money is a little bit of an issue, you really wont get any better unless you spend an extra £1000. Regardless of whether at some point if I get the 2.8 IS II, I wont be selling this, it is that good.My only moan is the price, and not much of a moan. I think it's a tad bit pricey. If they included a tripod collar (Which isn't needed as its very light)and a thick case like the bigger L lenses instead of the pouch then I wouldnt have no problem with the price.Apart from that it is worth every penny and it'll be a keeper until they bring out the same focal length that is sharper at F4 throughout the zoom range as this is.I can't stress enough how fantastic this lens is. I didn't think my image quality could improve after using my 24-105 F4 IS, 24-70 2.8 mk II or 100 macro L.You won't regret this purchase. If images are coming out wrong then guaranteed it isn't the lens, it'll be something you are doing wrong. This lens lives up to all the forum hypes and reviews.I hope this has helped.Read full review...
Read more..

28.11.2013

I got this lens 5 years ago when I bought my first DSLR, a 350D. At the time I had the standard kit lens and the 50mm f1.8 and I wanted something to give me a bit of "extra reach" when shooting sport (in particular rugby league) outdoors.First, the quality of images captured with this lens blew me away. Well, you might think that quite obvious considering the other two lenses and the camera that I'd experienced to date but, since then, I have upgraded my camera (a couple of years back) to a 5DMk2 and the quality is even better, as you would expect.Having never tried the IS f4.0 version or either of the f2.8s, I can't compare image quality across the 70-200mm range but, given that high-end DSLRs,such as the 5d series and above, can overcome most limitations of cheaper, non-L series lenses, they can also do a lot to control and enhance the limitations of a very good quality lens such as the 70-200mm f4.0 L.I find that, provided that I use an appropriately fast shutter speed, I can get very good results from this lens 99% of the time. Contrast, colour rendition, etc., are all excellent and even though most shooting parameters are quietly controlled by the camera they can, in any case, easily be tweaked digitally after the event if required.The best thing about this lens is the focus accuracy: for those who like to pixel scan at 200% (and I'm definitely not one of them) they will find that this lens rarely lets them down. This is largely down to the excellent camera/lens combination and, with that in mind, I would never change this lens for one of the faster, IS versions. It works for me, so why would I change?The bottom line may come down to the amount of moolah you have at your disposal. If you have plenty, you will undoubtedly go for the more expensive f2.8/IS models but, I can assure you that, if you want superb optical and build quality and exceptional value for money then you will not be disappointed with this lens - five years on and it's still doing a fantastic job outdoors on the rugby pitch and beyond. Move inside for studio/portraiture work with controlled lighting etc., and it will give you much, much more.The images you get with this lens will put a very large smile on your face and if you are seriously thinking about buying this lens, you have probably already decided to buy it.Good choice!
Read more..

29.7.2012

UPDATE!!!!I have now owned and used this Lens for over 2 yrs + and have had no Issues with the Lens in that time.I've used it for my main general purpose carry around Lens and is rarely never attached to my Camera. The quality of the Images the Lens produces are truly stunning as it can create lovely creamy Bokeh especially when I've been taking Portrait and Photographed Weddings for Friends and Family.The Lack of Image stabilisation has never caused Me any problems and have to say its a dream to own and use - obviously we would all love to own the Most expensive Canon L IS lenses if money was no object - but can honestly say this is a Fantastic Lens with amazing IQ and is as sharp today as it was the Day I took it out of the Box.It has never let me down and always receive comment's from People and passers by when I am out and about with my Camera, as they always ask Me to take and send them Pictures for them when People see the Big White Lens on my Camera. So be prepared for the attention you will receive using your big bit of Glass.Recently purchased this item and was toying between this and the IS version,after much thought I bought this non IS and thought I would try this first before spending the extra cash on the more expensive L Is lens.this is a Fantastic Lens with pin sharp IQ and is a dream to own and use - in the two weeks of owning it - my Photography has jumped up a few notches to the amazement of Friends and Family who were totally stunned by the quality of the photos I have taken with the Lens.I thought that the non IS version would be no good for the type of Photography I enjoy - Motor sports etc but took it with me to Duxford Air Museum & captured some Fantastic shots all hand held over a 6 hr shoot, who needs Is when you can take shots this good hand held - the focus did search a little at times but quickly mastered the Lens and did not miss any shots as a result or find the Lens to heavy even though it was actually quite windy..... I see no reason to upgrade to IS version and am very very happy.Canon EF 70-200mm f/4.0 L USM Lens
Read more..

10.6.2010

I love this lens! I bought it for both Landscape work and Portrait shots. This lens is light enough and small enough to fit neatly into a camera bag without becoming some sort of workout when walking with it (unlike the much larger and more expensive f/2.8 versions)It is very sharp, especially given the right amount of light and therefore a faster shutter speed. I have also taken 3 minute long exposures that are razor sharp at f/11-16. F/22 starts to get softer at 200mm, but there isn't any other zoom that I know of that would be any sharper. A camera hood is a good idea with this lens as the front element is quite close to the end of the lens and stray light does easily enter it.The good news is the hood is reversible so takes up as little space as possible.The zoom and focus rings are smooth and steady, the autofocus on my 5D mk II is very quick. Many people feel they 'need' a faster f/ stop and think that f/4.0 will not give enough background blur or bokeh. I find it fine if your subject is quite close and there is a bit of distance between your subject and the background. Bokeh is pleasingly buttery and the subject is focused nicely. When zooming you lose depth of field, so where a 100mm lens might be fine at f/2.8, the 70-200 at full zoom needs that bit more dof to keep your subject in focus acroos most of the face. Obviously for landscape work, the faster f stops are not really needed and f/ 11-16 is fine. I know a lot of people like the IS version of this lens, which if I had the money I would buy, but for a saving of £350-£400, it is quite a heavy price to pay.In short, a versatile, super sharp, light weight and relatively compact zoom lens with outstanding optical performance that is a joy to use. Oh and it won't completely break the bank, just temporarily disable it :) Go and get one!Oh, and if you want to do long exposures with it, I would recommend a tripod collar for extra stability. Don't recommend the expensive Canon ones, a cheaper Canon style will do fine.Read full review...
Read more..

27.1.2013

This lens is light, very fast auto focus, excellent build quality and for an L lens is not expensive. The big question everyone asks is 'should I go for the IS version'. Well that depends upon what you are shooting. I bought this to replace a Tamron 70-300 f/4-5.6 VC (Image stabilised). Shooting in low-light I did sometimes miss the IS on the Tamron, but the overall image quality of the Canon is better and having an f/4 aperture the whole way through the focal range made up for the lack of IS a little. I know I'm not comparing with the Canon 70-200 f/4 IS here but it's the only comparison I had that was similar. Shooting in bright condidtions there's no competition,the Canon wins on image quality every time.So back to the question. If you are shooting in low-light a lot and don't want to carry a tripod then yes you will need IS, but the IS version is twice the price. If you don't shoot in low light, then get the f/4 non-IS.Before I bought this lens I wanted the f/2,8 IS II (like everyone does), but it's a lot of money. I have used one for a couple of weeks (rented) and while the image quality is excellent, it's very heavy and anything but discete. After spending a day carrying a big lens like that I tend to get back ache. Carrying the f/4 all day is no problem at all. It's even lighter than both of my Tamron lenses (70-300 VC, 17-50 VC). One of my friends turned up at our camera club with the f/2.8 and we compared the two (as in mine's bigger than yours not a full test) and the size difference is considerable. Don't get me wrong the f/2.8 IS is an excellent lens, probably one of the best I have ever used, but it costs more than money to own one.Overall I'm very happy with the 70-200 f/4 L. I'm also happy that I didn't spend almost £1000 to get the IS version as I don't need it that much. When I do I have other lenses that are more appropriate anyway and I also have a good tripod which is better than any IS.
Read more..

9.8.2011

I was round a friend's the other week and I was trying his lenses on my camera. I have a Canon 5Dii, as does he, and we were discussing how my 28-70L has been a fantastic every-day lens, but lets me down when I want to get into the action from a distance. I live in India and recently took a boat trip on the back waters of Kerala. With my 28-70L I was unable to get a decent shot of the women doing their washing at the edge of the river. It was then that I realised I could do with something to fill the gap.When I tried my friend's lens on my camera I instantly fell in love with it. For an L lens it is surprisingly light and is demonstratively comfortable cupped in the left hand.I took a few quick images of a tiled roof and was impressed with the depth of colour. With this in mind I ordered one from Amazon and received it yesterday.I've yet to take this out into the field but I've taken some exposures around the house and in the garden. A close-up of a relative's eye proved how pin-sharp the lens is, whilst a shot taken across the garden of the tip of a rich, red flower in natural sunlight demonstrates the depth of colour beautifully. I'm not familiar with IS lenses but the shot of my father's eye was taken in low light and whilst the 5Dii increased the ISO, I didn't feel like I needed the image stabilising feature.I'm amazed that Canon can produce an L lens for this price, and at Amazon's discount price this is currently the best price on the market. For anyone looking for a 'budget' zoom (and I use that term loosely), you could do a lot worse than the 70-200L. I feel like I now have the whole focal spectrum covered.The lens comes with a hood and a nice soft pouch, but be warned: you may need to purchase a larger camera bag!
Read more..

20.3.2009

I bought this after reading reviews and after having discovered quite how good L series lenses could be. I kind of gulped at the price and trusted what people consistently say about it (just google reviews). The definition it delivers is just amazing (hairs on the legs of a bumble bee from 15 feet, see yourself reflected in the eye of your dog when you view an image at 100% on the computer: that kind of thing), and the contrast and colour is delicious--colour perhaps just a tad less saturated than some other Canon lenses, but entirely natural. It focuses more or less instantly in almost all light conditions including situations where most other lenses would hunt. The round diaphragm gives really good background blur,and the image stabilization does (almost unbelievably) do exactly what Canon claims it does. I can get usable images at about 1/20th second at full zoom. Not all the time, but most of the time. And at 1/60th it's close to 100% of the time. The IS does make a noticeable whirr, but I doubt it would put off any but the shyest subjects. There is also a faint rattle if you shake the lens, but this is not a problem. All the L series lenses are heavier than the cheaper Canon lenses, and feel a little lens heavy with on small light bodies like the EOS 450D; but this lens is remarkably light considering its quality and range, and I could happily carry it around for a day. It's so sharp that even people who are quite fussy about quality should be able to crop images from it on the computer and get an effective zoom range significantly above 200mm (provided you're not printing out in A3). I think it's genuinely amazing. You pay a lot for the IS. If you can afford it, it's really worth it.
Read more..

24.8.2019

I’ve owned this lens for a little over 2 years now and have used it for absolutely anything and everything. It’s amazing for detailed, up close shots and the depth of field is really fantastic. Also has great results with fast moving subjects such as animals, however the autofocus is sometimes slow to understand what you are wanting to focus on. Although, I did buy mine second hand so this could also be part of the reason that it runs slow.There’s hardly ever any chromatic aberration to fix, and the warp on the widest setting is really next to none, almost no vignette to fix neither. When the lens is fully zoomed in, the focus can become a little too soft, but only for far off subjects.When I’m fully zoomed in on a closer subject, the image is perfectly sharp.This lens is much lighter than the other telephoto lenses that are available. It’s been through some pretty rough weather with me, including rain, minus degree conditions and humid areas. I’ve even dropped it accidentally onto a tarmac road from a significant height and it has been okay, thankfully. The lens still works very well, and has become a permanent part of my set up. I love capturing detailed shots with this lens, love taking portraits and landscapes. Honestly, it’s such a fantastic all rounder.I rate this 5 stars despite the slower autofocus and poorer focus on moving subjects because the performance and value for money heavily outweighs the negative aspects of owning this lens.@amyjrobinson_ // amyjrobinson.com
Read more..

20.8.2014

It took me some time to make my mind up if to get this lens or not, and its not been all plain sailing. First off it was sent via royal mail that’s where problem started and got worst and then got better.The delivery date came and went but no sign of the lens, I contacted Amazon and said hey where’s next day delivery? I have been in all day and no delivery Amazon contacted the royal mail depot. Royal mail said we tried to deliver at 06:10hr really?I told Amazon they don’t even start work until 07:00hrs Amazon then want on tell me they will redeliver on Friday that’s 4 days late I saidfine I will charge for my time as an artist my time is £150.00p per day.Within 2hrs royal mail delivered thelens been out and tried out the lens its great I was a bit shocked to find the F/4 goes to a F/32 wow that was a surprise.Well-made lens, good images nice and sharp the zoom is ok and gets you a lot closer to your subject I took some images of swans and some ducks locally to where I live, and I manage to get some good photos much better than what my lovely 24-105 L F/4 gave me. is the lens worth the cost? Not sure yet butI am happy with it so far. big thumbs up for Amazon for putting a rocket up the royal mail and getting my delivery to me even if it was a day lateI am using the lens on a canon 550d and 7D it’s living up to the praise others have given it.
Read more..

26.3.2013

I agonised for about a year before buying this lens. I had upgraded to the 7D which shipped with the excellent 15-85mm kit lens and I wanted some time to learn the camera before investing in new lenses. My secondary consideration is that I rarely shoot in anything other than fairly wide angle.However, the reviews on this lens finally swung me and I got an excellent Amazon price. The first Saturday after purchase was very bright and sunny so I thought I'd head to the zoo for an initial try out.I shot a couple of hundred images all at 200mm (obviously) all hand held with a high ISO and shutter speed so camera shake wouldn't be a worry.I was horrified to find when I loaded them into DPP that about three quarters of them were badly focused and wrongly exposed. All my fault, I had made no allowances for the lens properties and was shooting on my preferred auto focus (19 point AF) and Evaluative metering which I had normally used on the original lens to good effect.Changing auto focus to Manual Select single point AF and metering to centre-weighted average (or similar combinations) and I have been getting superb results ever since.Its a lens that produces stunning results but you need to think a little when setting up your camera for the first time you use it.You'll want to shoot everyday with it. My advice is to get one soonest.
Read more..

29.6.2015

I've owned this lens since 2008. It has performed faultlessly for the seven years I've carried it around with me. I rarely go out with my camera and not take this with me. In fact when I first bought it I was using a 400D and when I saw the difference in optical quality between this and the kit lens I'd been using, the 70-200L became my new standard lens. I'm on my third body, a 40D that died, and now a 6D. I even published a Kindle book on Zoo Photography that was filled with images taken with this lens.My favourite feature is that the length of this lens does not change when zooming. There is an easy to locate switch for manual focus - great for still-life studio work - and a range limiter switch also.It makes a brilliant portrait lens, especially with the 6D where you don't need quite as much distance from your model as with the APS-C sensor bodies.The f4.0 maximum aperture is more than adequate since low-noise high ISO is available on even budget bodies now.The only problem I have with this lens is that it spoiled me for L-series optics, and because they are a lot more expensive than Canon's other offerings, My lens accumulation is rather slow. Still at the price this is offered I would make it a the first additional lens to go for if you are new to digital photography and only have a body with kit lens.
Read more..

List All Products

Terms and ConditionsPrivacy Policy