With all the optical brilliance of the larger f/2.8 aperture version, the 70-200mm f/4.0L is a zoom lens with great possibilities for portraiture and travel. All of the features of the bigger lens are present here as well, including ultra-low dispersion glass, internal focus & of course fulltime manual focusing override.
The build of this lens is free of any reproach. Its rugged metal build with off-white paint certainly brings a different feel compared to my plastic 350D body!
It is currently the lightest (& most affordable) lens with CaF2 glass (telescope-grade fluorite) at ~700g and helps retain the handheld factor, especially on a light body like the 350D.
Other build details like the velveted lens hood inside fabric, for extra light absorbtion, are very appreciated.
This is a first telezoom for me. Its autofocusing capability is just as fast as my SIGMA 30MM/1.4 prime! (to which it is an excellent complement by the way) New users will need to accommodate for the focus switch (it helps determine if the subject is closer or further than 3m).
I am told the brand new model with Image Stabilisation & weatherproof build is worth all extra! IFF it fits in one's budget, one should certainly get it.
I only own 1 L-lens, the 70-200 f4. The first time I handheld it I could not believe how lightweight it was. And when I looked into the viewfinder, really, I could not believe the beautiful image created. In short, if you only have funds for one L lens, then this is a serious candidate. Overall you get much more than you pay for and perhaps you just have to learn to seek those opportunities when this lens shines, that is, bright days and outdoors.
If you are worried about the expensive canon tripod ring, there is another, less expensive option by ROXSEN, mentioned at: http://www.pbase.com/lightrules/image/70883547
Really NONE; but one could mention aperture, expensive tripod ring and no IS.
Visitors rate this review
4.00 out of 5
after 4 votes
Overall Rating :
Value Rating :
Written By
Ted(Unregistered User)
Date Created
12/05/2006
Summary
After using this lens for over a year. All I can tell is that this lens worth every penny I spent. It give me very sharp picture with very nice contrast and color. The zoom and focus ring is very smooth. Autofocus is super fast and quiet. For the price, it is one of the best value in Canon lens.
If you are looking for a lens in this focal length and don't really need f2.8, I would highly recommend it.
Strength
Sharpness, contrast, color. Very well built. Fast and smooth focus.
Weakness
Minimum distance from the subject is still too far.
Visitors rate this review
3.00 out of 5
after 2 votes
I/ve used this lens for the past six months now, predominately in aviation photography. To date I can not find one fault with this lens, Needle sharp and focusing is instantaneous. For 'L' lens quality the price was good. The type of photography I do is outdoors under ideal lighting conditions, therefor I really don't require the faster 70~200 and am still physically capable of holding it steady. It is mounted on a 20D and XTi and It has just done a great job for me, and would recommend it to anyone shooting under similar lighting conditions...
Strength
Sharpness
Fast focusing
Construction
Price
Weakness
Haven't found any to date.
Visitors rate this review
2.84 out of 5
after 19 votes
I just bought a Rebel XT and two lenses, the 70-200 f/4L being one of them. This lens is without a doubt the best buy in a medium zoom on the planet. Mine is razor sharp even wide open and produces the most natural colors of any lens I've ever owned. It's built like a Mack truck but is relatively light and very comfortable to hand-hold. Zoom and focus rings are silky-smooth and auto focus is quick and silent. I'm sure the f/2.8 version is a fine lens, but unless you need the extra stop, I seriously doubt you'll see any better image quality than the f/4 version is capable of producing. I'm simply delighted with it. This lens coupled with the 17-40 f/4L I bought with my Rebel XT have proven to be a versatile and fun combo. Just be aware of one thing...Canon's L-series lenses will quickly spoil you. They have already spoiled me.
Strength
Razor sharp
Outstanding image quality/color reproduction
Top quality build
About half the price of the f/2.8 version
Weakness
Huge, slightly cumbersome lens hood (but it does the job)
I had to pay $114.00 extra for the tripod collar
Visitors rate this review
3.25 out of 5
after 8 votes
4.91 of 5
