Impressions of the Canon EF 70-210mm f/4 Lens?

[purelithium]

What would be a reasonable price for this lens?

Is there a large number of potential faults with this lens that I should look out for?

Any other statements about it's IQ or build quality?

[DegasGoneDigital]

I have the 70-200 F4 and I love it, it's sharp. I hike trails and it's easy on the neck. Under 550 is a great price. I don't know of any common problems, but like anything mass produced there is always a slim chance of a defect....

[purelithium]

no no, the 70-210, not the 70-200 F4L

ie. http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/eos/EF-lenses/EF80200mmf28L/index1.htm

[sblais]

Geez, that lens was discontinued in 1990... Most of POTNers weren't even born back then! :lol: :lol: Sorry, but I can't be of any help

[purelithium]

haha thanks!

I know, I have an opportunity to get one, but I may also head toward the Sigma DG APO 70-300

[cjm]

I wouldn't even bother, for a hundred or two more then you could probably get this ancient, unpopular, rare, only around for 3 years lens you could get a pristine used 70-200 f4 L. Even if that is too much for the L get a sigma 70-200 lens or even the 75-300 lens, both would have the same optics and probably would be better.

[cjm]

Go for the Sigma 70-300, you'll thank yourself.

[purelithium]

I'm offered it for about the same price as the Sigma. Around CAN$200.

[TMR Design]

The 70-200 f/4L is a brilliant lens. Unless you absolutely need the f/2.8 then I think it's a no brainer. For the price, image quality, build, color, saturation...there's nothing to think about.

[purelithium]

*laugh* I love how you guys aren't reading my post/thread correctly! ;)

[Headcase650]

The 70-210 f4 is a kit quality lens, If you can get it for $50-$70 and dont need a high quality lens go for it. On the other hand if money is tight but a little more flexable try to find a 70-210 f3.5-4.5 USM, this lens goes for somewhere between $100-$200, sharp, very fast ring type focusing. Its probablu canons best ever consumer tele zoom.

[purelithium]

Thanks, Headcase! That seals it, not getting this one. It's not USM, so I'll forget it.

[MDoc]

I did a side by side of the 70-210F4 and 70-200F4. not fair I know, but the 70-200F4 was soooooooooooo much better,sharper and focused so much faster, I spent the extra money. Well worth it I may add!

[ed rader]

I'm offered it for about the same price as the Sigma. Around CAN$200.

too much. i got a very clean copy off of ebay for $39.

ed rader

[4walls]

haha thanks!

I know, I have an opportunity to get one, but I may also head toward the Sigma DG APO 70-300

Be careful with the Sigma. The 70-300 APO lens is really sharp, but the other one is cheaper and you get what you pay for. Don't buy the non APO lens. It will say APO right on the lens barrel.

This shot is from the 70-300 APO DG lens. Shot at 300mm in the macro mode at f/5.6 (wide open at 300mm is f/5.6) ISO 400 on the Canon 20D in manual focus.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/185/367249301_618c62c1d5.jpg

[cjm]

The reason not to buy a NON APO is because it will probably give you a Err99 message. Which means it wont work on your digital EOS.

If you can afford it, get the 70-200 f4 L and you'll never need to buy another lens in that range should you choose too because its offers so much value. You can get them for around $500 US off POTN and Fred Mirandas Sell boards.

Sigma is not bad as long as you get one that works with digital. You have to be very careful.

[4walls]

There is a new Sigma 70-300 (non-APO) available for digital cameras, it is about $200 cheaper than the APO version at most retail stores in Canada. Lens and Shutter has the APO version of this lens for $450. I got mine in Japan for about $150 less, brand new.