Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L USM

[kellgell]

So is this lens better than the 70-300 IS lens? Does the weight without the IS added mean you have to use it on a tripod?

[RAW-Shooter]

So is this lens better than the 70-300 IS lens? Does the weight without the IS added mean you have to use it on a tripod?

In my mind there is no contest between a consumer grade lens and a "L" glass. There are just a few exceptions, like the 85mm 1.8 and the pretty new 17-55 2.8 IS. The price tag of the latter is "L" class however.

I handhold my 70-200 at 90% of the time. I like using my monopod with this lens for sport and wildlife. It works for me. My tripod is used for landscape, indoor architectural and HDR stuff.

HTH.

[The Outlaw]

is there a way to get a mr-14ex on this lens?

[jcp2000]

So is this lens better than the 70-300 IS lens? Does the weight without the IS added mean you have to use it on a tripod?


lol was that a real question? in my opinion the 70-300 is no where near the f4 L

[kellgell]

lol was that a real question? in my opinion the 70-300 is no where near the f4 L

LOL I guess that did sound pretty stupid huh?

[jcp2000]

yea and no but in build and over all quality i say the L has it beat with out even trying

[By-tor]

http://i40.tinypic.com/2zqrgj6.jpg

[Island_Chelu]

I bought this lens last Wednesday, and it should be in tomorrow. I'm pretty excited haha. Cant wait for it to come in. Too bad UPS doesnt deliver to my house till around 5pm. Oh well I'll try and take some shots with my flash. ONE MORE DAY!! LoL

I also just got done viewing all 101 pages of this thread LoL. Took me a pretty long time....

[Island_Chelu]

Its finally here!! Haha. Gonna go out and take some photos now. Thank God for beautiful California weather ha.

[[Hyuni]]

Low light with this lens isn't the best, but if you take it outdoors, oh man this does WONDERS!

[Island_Chelu]

Yea, earlier today I was trying to take some shots of my nephew indoors. I wasn't doing so well under 1/60. Outdoors though, this thing was amazing.

[silvrr]

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n143/silvrr600/IMG_8486.jpg


http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n143/silvrr600/IMG_8920.jpg

[misty66]

With Kenko 1.4 still on (:o). Shot through bars..I still love this lens...but I do think of the IS version sometimes.

[Pauly_G]

One from this evening.....

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3626/3430027566_1f6e198ce0_b.jpg

[ckfishel2001]

someone on one thread said you need to shoot a duck

[Highlight_Photography]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3355/3430664291_abf50ef45a.jpg

[Highlight_Photography]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3569/3431576622_09fda721f4.jpg

[Pauly_G]

And some from this morning.....

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3544/3431747348_d898d55714_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3310/3431747916_f6d7a1d774_b.jpg

[bhardwaj.deepak]

And some from this morning.....

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3544/3431747348_d898d55714_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3310/3431747916_f6d7a1d774_b.jpg


Really nice. Do you mind sharing the technique to capture these motion shots?

[Pauly_G]

Really nice. Do you mind sharing the technique to capture these motion shots?

No of course not!

Essentially a basic panning technique - Camera set to Tv mode, AI Servo focus activated to track the subject and high speed shutter mode selected. The aim is to follow the moving subject and match its speed, thereby blurring the background with the subject nice and sharp, and hold the shutter down and fire away!

Given that people on bikes move reasonably slowly (compared to cars etc.) you have to slow the shutter right down to create some nice blur. I played with various shutter speeds, the second one was taken at 1/60 - which meant for this sharp photo there were probably five or more which got deleted straight away....!

Exif should be all in tact and in any case is available on Flickr.

Cheers

Paul

[bhardwaj.deepak]

Thanks for sharing the info Paul. :)

[VisualOddity]

A few of the dogs from Easter Sunday...



Sarah always wants pics of her little Chinese Crested, and she had her groomed on Saturday, so I thought I’d get a few shots of her. Notice the haircut? Yea, she had that done Sat. I’m not sure what to say…

So here are some of the dog pics. Nothing special. These are all taken with the Canon 70-200 F/4L on my 30D.

FYI* Sarah’s dog, Ruby, is the white one w/ the strange hair cut. My dog, Roxy, is the cool, goldish/brown one…


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3415/3441137321_296fde8099.jpg?v=0



http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3376/3441951072_3bb66cb66c.jpg?v=0



http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3583/3441951144_013c6dfd2f.jpg?v=0



http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3594/3441137463_2c1c73dbe5.jpg?v=0



http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3603/3441951240_09350eeeaf.jpg?v=0



http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3323/3441951416_e2b6bcbba1.jpg?v=0



http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3325/3441137741_651f887f23.jpg?v=0

[VisualOddity]

And a few of my first shots with the 70-200 F/4L...



http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3338/3407041261_2219f11b35.jpg?v=0



http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3303/3407848456_d6d36da68d.jpg?v=0



%100 crop of the one above...
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3570/3407040059_2df5060abf_o.jpg



http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3368/3407039617_a8fcb5d693.jpg?v=0



This is at ISO 1600 on my 30D...
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3334/3407039959_4eba23c239.jpg?v=0

[EtherealForest]

From my first trip out with it. Nice upgrade from the kit lens!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3604/3414694937_69524a2af5_b.jpg

[Gibbo]

I love this lens. The colours and contrast are superb. This was my first 'L' lens and i can't find anything wrong with it. As i am a student on minimum wage, whenever i think that i spent too much money on this lens i just look at the results it gives me and it reminds me why :)

Here's a few i took some months ago;

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u197/gibbo182/IMG_8596.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u197/gibbo182/IMG_8692.jpg

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u197/gibbo182/IMG_8665.jpg

These shots were taken with my 400d/xti

Enjoy your new lens

[EtherealForest]

I love this lens. The colours and contrast are superb. This was my first 'L' lens and i can't find anything wrong with it. As i am a student on minimum wage, whenever i think that i spent too much money on this lens i just look at the results it gives me and it reminds me why :)



I felt exactly the same when I got mine, but its definitely worth the huge hit you take financially, lol.

[willy b]

Great work Gibbo!

Paul, nice action shots also, i find this lens works really well with action shots.

[Pauly_G]

Cheers Willy, yep the focus speed and its accuracy really lend itself to these types of shots.

[S2K.OGRAPHY]

No of course not!

Essentially a basic panning technique - Camera set to Tv mode, AI Servo focus activated to track the subject and high speed shutter mode selected. The aim is to follow the moving subject and match its speed, thereby blurring the background with the subject nice and sharp, and hold the shutter down and fire away!

Given that people on bikes move reasonably slowly (compared to cars etc.) you have to slow the shutter right down to create some nice blur. I played with various shutter speeds, the second one was taken at 1/60 - which meant for this sharp photo there were probably five or more which got deleted straight away....!

Exif should be all in tact and in any case is available on Flickr.

Cheers

Paul

handheld or monopod?

i need a telephoto badly...most likely im going to be cheap and just get the 55-250 IS...i shoot handheld though and i hate monopods...i need to rent this sucker already and see how badly i falter without IS

[Pauly_G]

Handheld - haven't ever tried a monopod and don't really feel the need to either, plus I wouldn't want to have to lug another piece of kit around on my mountain bike!

I find this lens pretty straightforward to handhold, and while IS will undoubtedly help gets shots that you wouldn't have got without IS I don't know whether IS offer many benefits when panning at slow shutter speeds. Maybe others can comment.

[S2K.OGRAPHY]

thanks for the quick reply i appreciate it. i think i have a fairly steady hand...plus i really want some L glass and the price point of this lens is the most i can rationalize

just to veer off topic a sec...why the heck is lensrentals.com so much more than rentglass.com

[teemupi]

I really enjoy having this lens!

[RAW-Shooter]

I find this lens pretty straightforward to handhold, and while IS will undoubtedly help gets shots that you wouldn't have got without IS I don't know whether IS offer many benefits when panning at slow shutter speeds. Maybe others can comment.

All zoom L and super tele prime L lenses with IS have a 2 mode IS switch. Mode 1 is full IS, Mode 2 is vertical IS only - just what you want for panning.

HTH

[Cotmweasel]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3401/3453554665_84beb44cbd_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3632/3454371518_b17759d3c4_b.jpg

[DStanic]

The focusing speed is awsome with this lens.

This shot using my 30D in Tv mode cranked up to 1/8000, f/4.5 ISO640, AI servo

358663

[RIgnacio]

nice shots guys! i have a chance to pick one up for $450. however it has a date code of ut0309. is the price right for a 4 year old lens?

[jbrown7815]

Bought this lens today for $498 shipped, brand new, US version :D

[laxative]

My favourite lens for a very long time! I've got the 2.8 IS later on, but the 4L still is my main zoom due to the extraordinary image quality. The 2.8 IS is a bit soft at some occasions.

http://mickocastren.1g.fi/isot/dogitesti/07.jpg
(too big for the forum and dont have a smaller version just now)

http://mickocastren.1g.fi/kuvat/epic/thun.jpg/_medium.jpg

http://mickocastren.1g.fi/kuvat/epic/epic_lintuhomoilu.jpg/_medium.jpg

[[Hyuni]]

lax, VERY cute first picture!
The paws just did it for me. Awesome shot :)

[willy b]

Lax - Those shots are both great!

[SUB1IM388]

sadly i have to sell mine to cover bills ill be back one day maybe ill have a f4 IS who knows but take care Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L USM thread and GOD BLESS (is it ok if i still stay subcribed??(well im on my knees begging and crying for your approval) )

[laxative]

[Hyuni] and Willy B, thank you ! :)

[pennypue]

sadly i have to sell mine to cover bills ill be back one day maybe ill have a f4 IS who knows but take care Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L USM thread and GOD BLESS (is it ok if i still stay subcribed??(well im on my knees begging and crying for your approval) )I've never even touched one and I'm subscribed.:p

[DStanic]

sadly i have to sell mine to cover bills ill be back one day maybe ill have a f4 IS who knows but take care Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L USM thread and GOD BLESS (is it ok if i still stay subcribed??(well im on my knees begging and crying for your approval) )

Sucks that you have to sell it. :( But on the upside, when you are able to buy one again you won't have to worry about getting a soft copy or a sharp copy, cause they all seem to be razor sharp! :D

[jdlloyd67]

This little guy moved into the pond behind my house last week. Finally had a chance to grab my 70-200 and get a shot of him.

http://www.dldigitalimages.com/misc/Our_New_Neighbor_2small.jpg

http://www.dldigitalimages.com/misc/Our_New_Neighbor_1small.jpg

Both shot at f/1.4 @ 1/1600, ISO 400

[KingoftheHill]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3551/3466783508_763c689089_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3494/3465979385_863f2a3ab5_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3617/3461929522_46e782f160_b.jpg

[S2K.OGRAPHY]

sadly i have to sell mine to cover bills ill be back one day maybe ill have a f4 IS who knows but take care Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L USM thread and GOD BLESS (is it ok if i still stay subcribed??(well im on my knees begging and crying for your approval) )

is it sold already? how much are you looking for?

[mbkozera]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3315/3456547102_ecb4d8d7ff_o.jpg

[Simply Ravishing]

Some shots from the zoo today, Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle Washington

Lioness
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3635/3469969926_233ea8a2bb.jpg

Lion
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3502/3469969920_d9f7dd131f.jpg

Gorilla
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3555/3469969908_67a26f5c2c.jpg

Bald Eagle
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3560/3469963710_7d3b7336a6.jpg

Brown Bears
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3522/3469963720_6bafe9691c.jpg

[Cassie]

Recent Shoot:

1

http://thompson-photo.smugmug.com/photos/519813282_E3h8Y-L.jpg



2

http://thompson-photo.smugmug.com/photos/519813122_SwZ5S-L.jpg

[Roy Mathers]

I don't see the 70-200 in your list of gear - did you borrow one?

[Cassie]

I don't see the 70-200 in your list of gear - did you borrow one?

If this is for me, my dad has one, so yes I borrowed it from him:D

[Roy Mathers]

Cassie - yes it was for you, and thanks for the explanation (the cheapest way to own this lens is to borrow your father's!)

[Cameron Cushman]

http://modelmayhm-9.vo.llnwd.net/d1/photos/090421/22/49eea4caa63c7.jpg

recent shoot

[Pauly_G]

Two from this afternoon...

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3646/3473876573_aa3822d598_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3360/3473650375_1d17e0bb5d_b.jpg

[jasongraaf]

Just ordered one off ebay for $450 shipped with a tripod mount- Can't wait for it to get here!!!!

[RIgnacio]

Just got mine a couple of days ago...
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3384/3478268119_13712ff39f_b.jpg

[teemupi]

Landing...

[jasongraaf]

First pictures, straight out of camera:

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x290/1992yz125/car/IMG_4351.jpg

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x290/1992yz125/dogs/IMG_4365.jpg

This lens is amazing!!!

[S2K.OGRAPHY]

woohoo just placed my order for a 2 week rental

[blackmatch456]

Considering buying this, if I don't get enough money from my insurance to buy the 2.8.


And using the 85 1.8, and 50 1.8 for indoor sports

[Island_Chelu]

One from the weekend...

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3395/3485347424_b1d76bb365.jpg

[S2K.OGRAPHY]

woohoo my rental is here...didnt get to shoot much but this thing is awesome

http://img300.imageshack.us/img300/2379/img3367.jpg

http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/8693/img3342.jpg

http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/4958/img3361.jpg

[Nates98cbr]

Received mine yesterday from B&H, used it in the first race at the track with the 1DMKII, seems to work fine, although I do have a question, compared to the 2.8 non IS version, this one seems considerably more noisy when focusing, is this normal, it's hard to explain really, it's more the sound of it stopping when it reaches focus, the 2.8 I use at the track is just about silent. Should I be worried?? It may just be the lighter construction as well.
Anyway here is a shot, resizing killed the sharpness, it is definitely sharp.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3588/3492470845_8f0e97fdff_o.jpg

[SUB1IM388]

mine is fairly silent except for when it stops focusing kind its hard to explain but i wouldnt be to worried (kind of like a faint grinding right??)

[John Photography]

here's one taken just yesterday...
http://johnphotography.zenfolio.com/img/v7/p892100706-4.jpg

[Nates98cbr]

mine is fairly silent except for when it stops focusing kind its hard to explain but i wouldnt be to worried (kind of like a faint grinding right??)

Yea it must be normal then, it just makes a noise once it reaches its focus.

[ExpensiveHobby]

straight from the camera. I love the colours of this lens. =]

[DStanic]

This camera is awsome for sports, and drag racing! This is the first time I've shot any racing but with my 30D it focuses really fast, it's just a matter of practise now for consistant results. It's a little hard shooting at 1/200 or 1/250 (any faster and the wheels don't look like they're moving) and trying not to get camera shake, while panning (AI servo) when the vehicles are moving so fast.

Straight from the camera, cropping only on the bike shot.

362392


f/14 159mm
362393

[VisualOddity]

I happened to be in Taylor yesterday, so I grabbed a few rail pics. The guys in thier vans were driving around, so I decided not to get too up close and personal. Maybe next time I will have enough time to find a good vantage point... :)


http://visualoddity.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/taylortrains-050409-41.jpg


http://visualoddity.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/taylortrains-050409-11.jpg


http://visualoddity.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/taylortrains-050409-2.jpg


http://visualoddity.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/taylortrains-050409-31.jpg


http://visualoddity.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/taylortrains-050409-51.jpg


http://visualoddity.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/taylortrains-050409-61.jpg


http://visualoddity.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/taylortrains-050409-71.jpg

[Pauly_G]

One from yesterday afternoon....

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3641/3500584224_2f243bc89b_b.jpg

[Madweasel]

VisualOddity, I'm guessing that was a loooong train if it needed 5 locos!

[VisualOddity]

VisualOddity, I'm guessing that was a loooong train if it needed 5 locos!
VERY long lol... :cool:

[DStanic]

One from yesterday afternoon....

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3641/3500584224_2f243bc89b_b.jpg

Very nice and sharp! I'm not into riding (my wife used to) but I find them beautiful animals and I hope to go to a few shows this year and take some shots. The last time I had a cheaper telephoto I know this lens won't let me down. :D

[jasongraaf]

I don't know what it is, but this lens really takes nice pictures, even beyond just the sharpness...

Both are unedited jpegs

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x290/1992yz125/riding%20pics%20of%20me/IMG_4717.jpg

http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x290/1992yz125/riding%20pics%20of%20me/IMG_4760.jpg

[Pauly_G]

Very nice and sharp! I'm not into riding (my wife used to) but I find them beautiful animals and I hope to go to a few shows this year and take some shots. The last time I had a cheaper telephoto I know this lens won't let me down. :D

Cheers DStanic!

Indeed, this lens won't let you down.

[Island_Chelu]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3325/3499391099_ece3fe85b2.jpg

I edited that one in PP, but I still like the way it came out.

[S2K.OGRAPHY]

http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/8665/img3859v.jpg

http://img26.imageshack.us/img26/8759/img3839m.jpg

[Disturbed UTT]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3546/3510717417_dc19703d33.jpg

[ToddR]

Iowa State Capitol, Des Moines

http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/4039/img4939dpp800.jpg
(http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/4039/img4939dpp800.jpg)

[erinshel]

i love this lens! I wish I could have afforded the 2.8 IS L but this one makes me very happy :)

[justinevan88]

Just got mine yesterday :)
Haven't had much time to mess with it but from what I've seen it's razor sharp! Should be taking many photos this weekend!

[Pauly_G]

Something different - three RAW files and a little playing in Elements.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3297/3513606052_9c7c198ebc_b.jpg

[ckfishel2001]

a walk in the park

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3333/3512526965_6e589a0ecf_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3364/3512526701_9933690148_b.jpg

[jcp2000]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3340/3513830362_1690f06ae6.jpg

[ckfishel2001]

Iowa State Capitol, Des Moines

http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/4039/img4939dpp800.jpg
(http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/4039/img4939dpp800.jpg)

very nice (my companies franchise headquarters in in Des Moines - Roto-Rooter)

[ToddR]

very nice (my companies franchise headquarters in in Des Moines - Roto-Rooter)

Thanks!

I'm kind of annoyed I didn't know that. I had to visit Wikipedia.

As for the picture, I know it's a little tight. The image isn't cropped; that's just what a 112mm effective focal length got me where I happened to set up my tripod. :p

[Dom]

This thread persuaded me to pick up a 70-200 about a month ago - I'm very pleased with the decision so far!

A few motorsport shots:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3360/3475662891_c7feb67fe4.jpg?v=0 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/domstubbs/3475662891/in/set-72157617316125304/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3540/3475665105_f5d4bc2b40.jpg?v=0 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/domstubbs/3475665105/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3647/3476385398_433bbd000d.jpg?v=0 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/domstubbs/3476385398/)

[jdlloyd67]

One from an evening local baseball game.

http://www.dldigitalimages.com/misc/Brad_Pitches_1sm.jpg

Also posted over in the Sports forum section.

[ckfishel2001]

This thread persuaded me to pick up a 70-200 about a month ago - I'm very pleased with the decision so far!

A few motorsport shots:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3360/3475662891_c7feb67fe4.jpg?v=0 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/domstubbs/3475662891/in/set-72157617316125304/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3540/3475665105_f5d4bc2b40.jpg?v=0 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/domstubbs/3475665105/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3647/3476385398_433bbd000d.jpg?v=0 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/domstubbs/3476385398/)
very nice. Shots like this made me pick it up some months back!

[Gibbo]

There are some brilliant shots on this thread. I have always loved this lens. For the price there is no better lens that combines sharpness, colour and contrast.. I am in need of the 2.8 though.. It will have to wait until after my 5D comes though.

[justinevan88]

Re sized and added a little contrast in Lightroom. No sharpening at all :)
I'm falling in love with this lens.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3619/3523462349_b2f7476b81_o.jpg

[Jay T]

it is a great lens I just got the IS version now I have to sell my non IS. it was good to me for the year I had it

[blackmatch456]

Big difference?

[RIgnacio]

San Diego Zoo....
1
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3292/3524115753_feb9c02b49_b.jpg
2
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3329/3524114913_d7abb988f9_b.jpg
3
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3620/3524936732_79d58cc5d9_b.jpg

[jdlloyd67]

One more from Saturday evening's baseball game. You make the call...

http://www.dldigitalimages.com/misc/YouMakeTheCall_sm.jpg

[balian67]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3332/3518591926_55346d613e.jpg

[ckfishel2001]

One more from Saturday evening's baseball game. You make the call...

http://www.dldigitalimages.com/misc/YouMakeTheCall_sm.jpg
dust makes it hard to make the call:D....but very cool shot!

[ckfishel2001]

San Diego Zoo....
1
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3292/3524115753_feb9c02b49_b.jpg
2
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3329/3524114913_d7abb988f9_b.jpg
3
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3620/3524936732_79d58cc5d9_b.jpg
I'm excited to get a sunny day where I can take a long lunch and get the camera
to the zoo. Figure I can get better shots without the kids along.

[ckfishel2001]

from a church parking lot on the way into work..cropped of course.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2081/3528268862_a785f5c79e_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2189/3528268850_50d64380ce_o.jpg

[Methodical]

One more from Saturday evening's baseball game. You make the call...

http://www.dldigitalimages.com/misc/YouMakeTheCall_sm.jpg


Ouuuuuut

[Disturbed UTT]

San Diego Zoo....
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3620/3524936732_79d58cc5d9_b.jpg

Love this one :cool:

[RIgnacio]

I'm excited to get a sunny day where I can take a long lunch and get the camera
to the zoo. Figure I can get better shots without the kids along.

Yeah thats definitely the way to go. I had just been to the zoo a couple of weeks prior (I have an annual pass) with my 18 month daughter and it was a little challenging, to say the least. I'm fortunate to live near a world class zoo in a city where it's 70 degrees year round!

[RIgnacio]

Love this one :cool:

Thanks! It was one of my favorites from that day.

[blackmatch456]

When handholding, what is the minimum shutter speed to use at 200mm, and get really sharp images?

[ckfishel2001]

Yeah thats definitely the way to go. I had just been to the zoo a couple of weeks prior (I have an annual pass) with my 18 month daughter and it was a little challenging, to say the least. I'm fortunate to live near a world class zoo in a city where it's 70 degrees year round!

I'm jealous. A buddy of mine lives out there...but never been. Nice city, nice zoo.

[In2Photos]

When handholding, what is the minimum shutter speed to use at 200mm, and get really sharp images?
That depends on the user and if the subject is moving. Some are steady and can get sharp shots at 1/80th while others require 1/500 for still objects. For moving objects I would use 1/800 as a minimum.

[blackmatch456]

I also saw this lens come up multible times in the "biggest lens regret" thread.

???

It's REALLY making me double think my decision. And how weather/drop/element resistant is this lens?

[ckfishel2001]

I also saw this lens come up multible times in the "biggest lens regret" thread.

???

It's REALLY making me double think my decision. And how weather/drop/element resistant is this lens?


This lens? For the money it's very hard to beat. The regrets I would say are coming from folks that wish they had upgraded for either the IS version, or the 2.8 version.

When asked to pick my favorite lens in my bag recently this was the winner without much thought. My skill is still in progress, but at my level, I get better results with this lens than any other I have.

weather - if you don't have a 1 series body, it really makes no difference because your camera isn't weatherproofed either. Drop proof? I don't think there are any lenses out there made 'drop proof' (50mm 1.8 II maybe because it's so cheap...drop it...break it....buy new). That said, it's metal
so it's going to hold up better than a non-L.

If you're planning to use it outdoors, where light won't be a major issue, and don't plan to stand in the rain, this lens will provide some excellent shots. Upgrading to the IS will give you the ability to shoot hand-held at slower shutter speeds..and thus take away some of the need for light (although still not making this a great indoor lens).

[TooManyShots]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2320/3532638146_353e1db059_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/vracing/3532638146/)

[ckfishel2001]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2320/3532638146_353e1db059_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/vracing/3532638146/)
Very cool/colorful fish. Home tank?

[TooManyShots]

Very cool/colorful fish. Home tank?

Yes. Is called Flowerhorn cichild.... Is a hybrid.

[ahobden]

Taken last weekend at the Wildlife Heritage foundation in Kent. Gotta love this lens.
1:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3612/3518139618_828bc01213_o.jpg
2:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3597/3528407925_fcacdf98d9_o.jpg
3:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3374/3517327725_419df35e37_o.jpg
4:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2307/3528406845_3c1dd48fc7_o.jpg
5:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3398/3518139510_21635d1910_o.jpg
6:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3388/3517327865_f438944474_o.jpg
7:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3613/3517409765_d3418bae36_o.jpg
8:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3336/3518139772_cb688c64d7_o.jpg

[[Hyuni]]

holy crap, I think I can see each individual taste bud on this kitties.
Awesome shots. I really like the first one and the kitty doing the 'PUMA' jump. haha

[pennypue]

Love those! Specially that jumping one.

[misty66]

They are great, but are they taking with your 70-200 f4 IS???? :) or non IS?

[ahobden]

Hi People,

Thanks for all your kind comments. All these shots were taken with A non IS version, I just noticed and corrected the mistake in my signature, (thanks for bringing it to my attention misty66! :oops:).

All shots were taken using RAW, using an ISO of 200 - 400 and getting a shutter speed of around 1/1600 at f4. I added a small amount of sharpening PP and that was it.

For a sub £500 lens, I am consistently amazed by the quality of the images this thing can produce.

[Madweasel]

...For a sub £500 lens, I am consistently amazed by the quality of the images this thing can produce.
This and the 17-40/4 were the main reasons I went Canon - two excellent lenses of modest aperture, therefore giving amazing value for money. No other system has lenses like these in the lineup.

[Pauly_G]

Great cats!

Here's some wild garlic I found the other weekend.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3608/3518841767_2c4facae61_b.jpg

[rambusanna]

I am really interested in buying this lens. However, I am not sure if I should go with the non-IS or the IS version. I want to ask the non-IS users there opinion. I am a newbie to photography. I just recently got an XSI and have been using it with the kit lens. I have read a bunch of reviews and don't want to waste my money fooling around with inferior lenses. The big dilemma is: how important is IS especially at 200mm?? The IS version of this lens is twice as much!! I have fairly stable hands, but I have heard that at 200mm its tough to keep it from shaking. Help!!!!!!!

[Wheat_King]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3589/3519019503_cfeefe9200_b.jpg

[ahobden]

I am really interested in buying this lens. However, I am not sure if I should go with the non-IS or the IS version. I want to ask the non-IS users there opinion. I am a newbie to photography. I just recently got an XSI and have been using it with the kit lens. I have read a bunch of reviews and don't want to waste my money fooling around with inferior lenses. The big dilemma is: how important is IS especially at 200mm?? The IS version of this lens is twice as much!! I have fairly stable hands, but I have heard that at 200mm its tough to keep it from shaking. Help!!!!!!!

Bump your ISO up to keep shutter speed above 1/320" at 200mm, you will be fine. I had the same dilemma when I first bought mine, but have never really found it to be an issue.

[ckfishel2001]

Bump your ISO up to keep shutter speed above 1/320" at 200mm, you will be fine. I had the same dilemma when I first bought mine, but have never really found it to be an issue.

I've had great success with this lens. It gives me the best keeper rate
of any in my bag really. Still learning, so all will get better I suppose.
I have more hand shake than I would like and it's been fine. Just remember, it's not really going to excel at dusk and indoors. Give it some decent light and keep the shutter at 320 or higher and you should be very happy. I'd say if you're thinking of spending on the IS version of this lens consider instead the 2.8 non-IS. Opens up more low-light possibilities.

[DStanic]

I am really interested in buying this lens. However, I am not sure if I should go with the non-IS or the IS version. I want to ask the non-IS users there opinion. I am a newbie to photography. I just recently got an XSI and have been using it with the kit lens. I have read a bunch of reviews and don't want to waste my money fooling around with inferior lenses. The big dilemma is: how important is IS especially at 200mm?? The IS version of this lens is twice as much!! I have fairly stable hands, but I have heard that at 200mm its tough to keep it from shaking. Help!!!!!!!

I shot THESE (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showpost.php?p=7850802&postcount=1571) at approx 1/250, hand held. Any faster and the wheels would be frozen, whick is not the effect I want. 1/320 as a minimum at 200mm is a pretty good rule.

The problem with the f/2.8 versions is that they are so much heavier, some people may find it harder to keep steady and prefer the f/4 IS so the f/2.8 non-IS.

[bminear]

Great cats!

Here's some wild garlic I found the other weekend.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3608/3518841767_2c4facae61_b.jpg

amazing!

[rambusanna]

Thank you for the replies everyone! I am considering buying this lens on ebay. Are there any defects with certain copies of this lens?? This way I don't buy a bad copy. Thanks in advance.

[RAW-Shooter]

Thank you for the replies everyone! I am considering buying this lens on ebay. Are there any defects with certain copies of this lens?? This way I don't buy a bad copy. Thanks in advance.

Consider buying from a POTN member and always ask for the date code.

Good luck and happy lens hunting...;)

[SUB1IM388]

I am really interested in buying this lens. However, I am not sure if I should go with the non-IS or the IS version. I want to ask the non-IS users there opinion. I am a newbie to photography. I just recently got an XSI and have been using it with the kit lens. I have read a bunch of reviews and don't want to waste my money fooling around with inferior lenses. The big dilemma is: how important is IS especially at 200mm?? The IS version of this lens is twice as much!! I have fairly stable hands, but I have heard that at 200mm its tough to keep it from shaking. Help!!!!!!!


no matter what kens you get 200mm is going to be tough since everythin is magnified so much if you are going to use the lens indoors then get the IS it ill help out some i use my mostly outside where the light is great and shutter speed doesnt get below 1/200 also from what i heard the is is a tad shapper

[rambusanna]

Consider buying from a POTN member and always ask for the date code.

Good luck and happy lens hunting...;)

What is the significance of a date code? How would I verify it? Here is one: UU1018 .

Edit: Found it on google. Thanks.

[rambusanna]

Consider buying from a POTN member and always ask for the date code.

Good luck and happy lens hunting...;)

Every time someone has one for sale, it's gone before I can get to it. People just sit around and wait for ads to show up or what?

[Goincarcrazy]

That's basically it. That's how I've gotten everything I wanted. Mind you I had years of training doin that sort of thing for coins on ebay.

I'll keep you in mind though since I'm contemplating selling mine. Its a fantastic lens, but I just don't use the focal length that much since I have a 100-400L that I generally use.

[TooManyShots]

no matter what kens you get 200mm is going to be tough since everythin is magnified so much if you are going to use the lens indoors then get the IS it ill help out some i use my mostly outside where the light is great and shutter speed doesnt get below 1/200 also from what i heard the is is a tad shapper


My fish shot was done at night. Shutter speed was much under the general rule of thumb 1/focal length. How? I was using flash with 1/32 compensation. Exposed the shot manually with -2 F stop of lights. F4 and no IS and shooting at night? No problem. If you are going to use this lens outdoor, you don't need IS. Indoor, you can learn how to use the flash....

[rambusanna]

This is probably the wrong place to ask this, but which retailer from your experience makes the best quality photo prints (i.e. Walgreens, Apple, etc.)??

[DStanic]

Every time someone has one for sale, it's gone before I can get to it. People just sit around and wait for ads to show up or what?

Try posting in the "wanted" section. I've bought a few things that way and paid the same or less then what they were going for in the for sale section.

[Methodical]

I am really interested in buying this lens. However, I am not sure if I should go with the non-IS or the IS version. I want to ask the non-IS users there opinion. I am a newbie to photography. I just recently got an XSI and have been using it with the kit lens. I have read a bunch of reviews and don't want to waste my money fooling around with inferior lenses. The big dilemma is: how important is IS especially at 200mm?? The IS version of this lens is twice as much!! I have fairly stable hands, but I have heard that at 200mm its tough to keep it from shaking. Help!!!!!!!


For me handholding is definitely no problem if I keep the shutter speed up to at least 320 (200x1.6 fov) but I can even get shots at much lower shutter speeds. Plus with the 6 fps shots I get with the 50d that helps too. If you are outdoors you should have no problems because the available light will keep shutter speed up.

My PEACE OF MIND rules for buying used: If I can't save at least $200 or more I will buy new because If there's something wrong with the lens there goes your savings and now you have a used lens that need repair for the same price of a new lens that has a warranty, plus $200 or more savings would cover Canon's minimum repair charge if the lens need repairing.

Btw, I got mine for $250.


Just One Man's Opinion

[DStanic]

My PEACE OF MIND rules for buying used: If I can't save at least $200 or more I will buy new because If there's something wrong with the lens there goes your savings and now you have a used lens that need repair for the same price of a new lens that has a warranty, plus $200 or more savings would cover Canon's minimum repair charge if the lens need repairing.


When buying used try to buy from someone who's bought/sold before. There is a "positive feedback" thread you can check out.

Ask for sample pictures. I bought a used Sigma lens once and got tiny sample pictures. Sure enough, it was a bit soft at f/2.8 at 200mm. I ended up reselling it to someone who used it for video purposes. As long as the sample pictures are nice and large and look good, the lens should be fine.

And finally make sure the lens is insured for shipping. If something isn't right with it, you can possibly file a claim against the postage company to have it fixed.

[teemupi]

Very good and sharp for air-to-ground shooting.

[rambusanna]

I have heard people say that their copy of a so and so lens produces pictures that are soft at the edges. Can this happen with brand new lenses? How can I be aware of this when buying from a POTN member??

[Methodical]

I have heard people say that their copy of a so and so lens produces pictures that are soft at the edges. Can this happen with brand new lenses? How can I be aware of this when buying from a POTN member??


That's it...you really don't know until you get your hands on it. That's one of the reason for MY Peace of Mind Rule method for buying used lens. But I guess it is a bit better to buy from here than from Ebay though. I bought my lens from a gentleman in person so I was able to see the lens and test it on the spot.

What's the average price for a used one?

[rambusanna]

That's it...you really don't know until you get your hands on it. That's one of the reason for MY Peace of Mind Rule method for buying used lens. But I guess it is a bit better to buy from here than from Ebay though. I bought my lens from a gentleman in person so I was able to see the lens and test it on the spot.

What's the average price for a used one?

Used: $500-$520
New: $600 at B&H

[rambusanna]

Should I go with the F4 L IS or the F2.8 L non-IS??

[Goincarcrazy]

I find many used ones for $450.

Although I love the 70-200L f/4, I'm not so keen on the f/4 part. Mind you I knew what I was getting into when I bought it, but I would love to have the options that a 2.8 would open up.

[bhardwaj.deepak]

Should I go with the F4 L IS or the F2.8 L non-IS??

Depends on the usage. See if you need 2.8 and if you have a stable hand

[RAW-Shooter]

The 2.8 is twice as heavy as the 4.0. So, from 4.0 downwards your chances of steadiness is about half. IS almost doubles the price.

It all boils down to your inner IS and wallet....;)

[jasongraaf]

I would personally go for the 2.8 over IS. You can use a tripod to get around needing IS, but there's not a lot you can do to replace lower light. You can up the ISO and lower the shutter speed, but those both have limits that I unfortunately find myself hitting often with the f/4.

That is the only thing that I wish was different about the f/4 that I bought. It is sharp, and the pictures look beautiful, but you need a lot of light to get reasonably fast shutter speeds without going to a super high ISO. When I have the money, I'm definitely upgrading to the 2.8.

[rambusanna]

Another thing, how do you search for someone in the feedback section?? Don't tell me I have go through 100 pages looking for a user name? That doesn't sound right. I tried going to search, but it takes me to the entire thread instead of a single post.

[Methodical]

Used: $500-$520
New: $600 at B&H


Buy it new. Don't waste your time. You will have a new lens with a warranty. By the way,there's a $40 rebate on the lens - here it is for $560, plus I think you get free shipping too. They seem to be moving fast though.

http://www.jr.com/canon/pe/CAN_70_hy_200MM_SL_F4/

Also, if it were me and I purchased the 2.8, I'd definitely go with the IS version without a doubt and it's only few bucks more.

http://www.jr.com/canon/pe/CAN_70_hy_200USM/
http://www.jr.com/canon-ef-70200mm-f-2-8l-is-usm-lens/pe/CAN_70_hy_200USMIS/

[Methodical]

Another thing, how do you search for someone in the feedback section?? Don't tell me I have go through 100 pages looking for a user name? That doesn't sound right. I tried going to search, but it takes me to the entire thread instead of a single post.

Not sure about the feedback section but I would think it works the same; go to advance search and on the right side type in the user name and it will bring up just that person.

[rambusanna]

Here are some photos taken by a Canon EF 70-200mm F4 L (non-IS). I am thinking about buying it from someone used. He sent me pictures taken with it. Here they are. What do you guys think?

70mm
http://i335.photobucket.com/albums/m474/rambusanna/3556132100_6ab150dffa_o.jpg

200mm
http://i335.photobucket.com/albums/m474/rambusanna/3555319547_a701b61727_o.jpg

70mm
http://i335.photobucket.com/albums/m474/rambusanna/3555319931_c2820be153_o.jpg

200mm
http://i335.photobucket.com/albums/m474/rambusanna/3556132202_15d44c0d96_o.jpg

[jsinon]

Looks pretty good to my untrained eyes.