Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L USM

[loydall]

Just bought a Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L (non IS) at a very decent price - picking it up tomorrow. I wasn't really looking for one but when you get a good deal, it's a shame to miss out.

Anyway - any of you guys got/tried one? Any idea of the quality?

[loydall]

OK - Just tested this lens. I can see it has potential. I tested it at dusk not using a tripod and had it at 200mm for most of the time and the results were very blurry (as you would expect) I did get better results on a tripod and got quite nice pic of the moon. Here's 2 samples:





I guess this lens needs decent light as, with no IS and only going to f4, you need a quick shutter speed.

Have you guys got any suggestions how to get the most out of a telephoto lens like this?

I guess I'll be more impressed when I try it in daylight.

[tiGRAN=-2001]

Those photos turned out awesome. Love the color on the moon shot.

That is definitely a lens for the outdoors or studio. After trying out the 2.8 version I don't think I could ever buy that though.

[loydall]

I'm going to give this lens some serious attention - this is my first L series lens and I'm guessing with a bit of work it's going to produce excellent results.

I was just assuming that it would blow me away straight away like I was with the 85mm 1.8 but I guess this lens takes a bit more work to get amazing results.

[WannaBe_80z]

ahhh the 70-200 f/4 non is. It was my first(and only) L as well. I love shooting with it. I actually just shot a football game yesterday with it(haven't unloaded them yet)

ctranter has the IS version and has taken some wicked photos with it. I wish I could afford the f/4 and f/2.8 IS versions

If you don't mine me asking- how much did you pick it up for? I got mine for $530 shipped and paypalled(bought it from a member over at POTN) over two years ago.

[loydall]

I picked mine up locally for the equivalent of $400 (£250) which I think is a bit of a bargain for an L series.

Would love to see some of you shots with it.

[loydall]

Some more test shots - this time in OK light conditions. I have to say I'm really starting to like this lens:

[WannaBe_80z]

It's pretty nice for portraits too even though you already have the 85...

[WannaBe_80z]

Damn with all this gear talk it's making me want to sell my 70-200 and get a 85 1.8 and keep the difference towards another lens...

[loydall]

Surely the 85 1.8 would be more than a 70-200? Or at least what you'd get for it 2nd hand.

Tell you what though - the 85 is THE lens I couldn't get rid of. Well, maybe for the 85 1.2..

[WannaBe_80z]

B&H Prices
85 1.8 - $439
70-200 F/4 - $659

What I've seen on POTN
85 - as low as $300
70-200 - as low as $500

So if I sold my 70-200(or traded) I would have roughly $200 extra to put towards something else. I loved what I got from the 85 1.8 and I am really getting into people portraits- but damn is 85 LOOOONG on a crop body. Especially for indoor portraits. hmmm I heard the Sigma 30 and 50 1.4 are killer glass.


ug.


I WANT IT ALL!!!!