Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM

[RedMatrixXRS]

i didn't see a thread of the f/4 IS in the lens image archive. if there is already a thread please delete.

otherwise, post up.

[ed rader]

with kenko pro 1.4 TC

ed rader

http://www.fototime.com/6BADD68ED647843/orig.jpg

http://www.fototime.com/F0AAE03DB30C1B3/orig.jpg

[EOS_JD]

They are S H A R P!

[digitaljoe]

ED - Post some more please - razor sharp

[august23]

Is it true that the f/4 IS is sharper with better color rendition than the 2.8 IS? Does that have to do with the fact the 2.8 IS is like 6 years old?

[ed rader]

Is it true that the f/4 IS is sharper with better color rendition than the 2.8 IS? Does that have to do with the fact the 2.8 IS is like 6 years old?

probably.

ed rader

[beatdownvictim]

zing, this ought to be a good thread!!!
thinking bout selling my Sigma 70-200 for one of these babies.

[ed rader]

ED - Post some more please - razor sharp


thanx DJ .....

i have this one framed @ 11 x 14" (i like otters) i took it with the 5d, iso 1250, 200mm, f4...

http://www.fototime.com/2CEC3996644934D/orig.jpg

i like squirrels too :) i have an 11 x 14" of this one framed too.

http://www.fototime.com/01A898DBEB9D22D/orig.jpg

here's a link to a trip i made to the SF zoo, which was my first real outing (besides tests) with the lens.

http://www.fototime.com/inv/4E0FC3BF736F478

like i was telling a fellow the other day i also have a 300L f4 IS which is a fine lens. i believe the 70-200L f4 IS nips it in IQ tho and the difference becomes obvious once you add a 1.4 TC.

ed rader

[SBCmetroguy]

Ed... AWESOME shots! I looked through that gallery and there's some great stuff in there.

Were these totally hand-held with IS on?

[ed rader]

Ed... AWESOME shots! I looked through that gallery and there's some great stuff in there.

Were these totally hand-held with IS on?

thank you!

yes, and my wife was with me too :D .

ed rader

[eightnine]

This is it? Theres gotta be some more people on here with this lens! I am almost positive that this will soon be my first L

[Richard7481]

It's next on my list as well.

[AirBrontosaurus]

Ed... kudos. Absolutely wonderful shots. So incredibly sharp, too. They give my 100mm macro a run for its money!

[anthonyl]

Well I have a new 70-200 f/4 IS and NONE of my pics are anywhere near as sharp as those on my 400D (XTi)...WTF!

Maybe I got a very bad copy? Maybe I take crap pics or maybe I need a better camera or maybe all three?

[whakojacko]

Well I have a new 70-200 f/4 IS and NONE of my pics are anywhere near as sharp as those on my 400D (XTi)...WTF!

Maybe I got a very bad copy? Maybe I take crap pics or maybe I need a better camera or maybe all three?
post some pictures

[AirBrontosaurus]

Well I have a new 70-200 f/4 IS and NONE of my pics are anywhere near as sharp as those on my 400D (XTi)...WTF!

Maybe I got a very bad copy? Maybe I take crap pics or maybe I need a better camera or maybe all three?

Well, I think Ed has some really exceptional images there. I wouldn't be put off comparing yours to his. Getting images like that would be a challenge for anyone with any lens-body combination.

[jaymrobinson]

I didn't find this kind of thread in the forum search. I have heard many great things about this lens, but have not seen too many actual pictures from it. I'm wondering if I should get it instead of the 2.8. (Please do not post pictures of the box the lens came in, etc.) :)

[Richard7481]

I am lusting after the f/4 IS. Compared to the 2.8, it's slower but has IS so you have to consider that and see what you prefer in regards to your shooting style. They are almost the same price [2.8] in Bic or Yodobashi Camera so consider carefully.

Also where in Shizouka are you? My family has a beach house in Shimoda. Lovely place!

[condyk]

There have been a few attempts to get shot examples but nothing seems to appear ... I guess not many have it, or those that do don't use it or only shoot boxes ;-) I am intending getting one and don't expect to be disappointed based on previous experience with the non-IS version.

[mikeivan]

Have a look here: http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/showproduct.php?product=304
Reviews and shots aplenty.

[JimAskew]

Check at pBase...they have 662 sample photos taken with the 70-200 f/4 EF L IS -- here is the link:

http://www.pbase.com/cameras/canon/ef_70_200__4l_is_usm

My purchase for 2007 is to upgrade my 70-200 f/4 EF L to the IS version. I really want the IS feature and the f/4 takes sharp photos :)

[smiller]

Hey guys, i JUST got the f4 IS lens! AND OMG is it NICE! You can check out the pics on my site.
www.blind43.za.net
Only the first page has pics from the lens.
ENJOY
p.s. if you register on flickr. you can view my pics in FULL SIZE

[jjmucker]

here's some shots with it. its an amazing lens. razor sharp and the auto focus is very fast which i love.

[jjmucker]

a few more :D

[condyk]

Hey guys, i JUST got the f4 IS lens! AND OMG is it NICE! You can check out the pics on my site.


Some really lovely shots there: you have a great eye and great PP skills. I love the depth of colour and natural sharpness there. Excellent compositions too. When I was there I spent many an hour at the aquarium too, so brought back some good memories. lens not bad too ;-)

[smiller]

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/164/400972039_46b985ef8b_b.jpghttp://photography-on-the.net/forum/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.flickr.com/photos/blind43/400972039/%22%20title=%22Photo%20Sharing%22%3E%3Cimg%20src=% 22http://farm1.static.flickr.com/164/400972039_46b985ef8b_b.jpg%22%20width=%221024%22%2 0height=%22788%22%20alt=%22peNguin%22%20/%3E%3C/a%3E

www.blind43.za.net for more pics from lens!

[RedMatrixXRS]

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=278617&page=2&highlight=archive+70-200

[smiller]

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/164/400972039_46b985ef8b_b.jpghttp://photography-on-the.net/forum/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.flickr.com/photos/blind43/400972039/%22%20title=%22Photo%20Sharing%22%3E%3Cimg%20src=% 22http://farm1.static.flickr.com/164/400972039_46b985ef8b_b.jpg%22%20width=%221024%22%2 0height=%22788%22%20alt=%22peNguin%22%20/%3E%3C/a%3E

www.blind43.za.net for more pics from lens!

[Permagrin]

Love this lens. It's ultra fast focusing (even w/a 1.4tc...which was used w/these shots) super sharp and got great color/bokeh. If you need this range, this is an excellent lens.

http://LC-images.smugmug.com/photos/127430558-L.jpg

http://LC-images.smugmug.com/photos/127427228-L.jpg

http://LC-images.smugmug.com/photos/125870651-L.jpg

http://LC-images.smugmug.com/photos/127427409-L.jpg

[steved110]

I have to admit I am getting seriously tempted by this lens....whether or not to upgrade to IS, as I am so in love with the non-IS version. i'll probably be getting something to complement my glass line up fiorst, before planning to replace anything though.

[JoanMN]

I got my lens last Thursday, I also have an XTi. I don't know yet if I'm happy with it or not.
Cropped, sharpened anhinga, shot thru some weeds.
http://www.pbase.com/image/74864676.jpg
Glossy ibis, sharpened, cropped.
http://www.pbase.com/image/74864678.jpg
Great egret, sharpened, cropped. This is the best shot I've ever gotten of a bird in flight.
http://www.pbase.com/image/74864681.jpg
Roseate spoonbill, cropped only.
http://www.pbase.com/image/74864683.jpg
Wood stork, sharpened, cropped.
http://www.pbase.com/image/74864689.jpg
Now this sandhill crane shot I am impressed with, I shot it through a fence.
http://www.pbase.com/image/74864685.jpg

I just can't decide if I like the lens or not. It focuses super fast. This is my first L glass and certainly my most expensive lens, so I'm maybe expecting too much? Opinions would be wonderful!
On most of the shots, except the sandhill crane, I used the Kenko 1.4 pro extender. Thanks, anyone!

[canned_heat]

I have this lens and it's 'the tits'.

Only have a few pics taken with it online...

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j14/R__P/New%20York%202006/IMG_2524s.jpg
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j14/R__P/New%20York%202006/IMG_2748.jpg
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j14/R__P/New%20York%202006/IMG_2677s.jpg

[ed rader]

i love this lens :D !

ed rader

http://www.fototime.com/F3A13237430A125/orig.jpg

http://www.fototime.com/1B9A396A0063788/orig.jpg

http://www.fototime.com/80E7B42EF80B0EA/orig.jpg

[condyk]

Didn't know you were into hot-pants Ed ... but what are all those guys doing on bikes: they going shopping or something? ;-)

[Filmus]

Macro

http://www.pbase.com/filmus/image/70122092.jpg


Portrait

http://www.pbase.com/filmus/image/72381209.jpg

Birds

http://www.pbase.com/filmus/image/73148608.jpg

Sport

At night, 280mm (Canon 1.4x) f5.6. Poor old Westham.

http://www.pbase.com/filmus/image/74907969.jpg

Sport, day time

http://www.pbase.com/filmus/image/74907983.jpg

IS at 1/60 sec

Are you talking to me...

http://www.pbase.com/filmus/image/70475519.jpg



Great lens


Filmus

[JoanMN]

This was also posted, but it seems to have died.
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=278617

[jjmucker]

were you a shooter at the westham game or did you take that in with you when going to watch them. i didnt know you were allowed these camera/lenses into grounds unless of course your working there?

[Jakkin]

http://www.jakkin.ukfsn.org/Photos/20.01.2007%20-%20Day%20time%20Quayside/IMG_0200_couple_Small_GS.jpg

[slug]

Finally had an opportunity to put this lens to the test this weekend. I'll post some more this evening.

http://student.vfs.com/%7Eneilv/SOA/06.JPG

http://student.vfs.com/~neilv/SOA/04.JPG

[slug]

First image with Kenko Pro 1.4X TC

http://student.vfs.com/%7Eneilv/SOA/21.jpg

http://student.vfs.com/%7Eneilv/SOA/22.JPG

http://student.vfs.com/~neilv/SOA/23.jpg

[ed rader]

Didn't know you were into hot-pants Ed ... but what are all those guys doing on bikes: they going shopping or something? ;-)


groceries it is mate! see this fellow's package :D ?

ed rader

http://www.fototime.com/709678026800571/orig.jpg

[Ukuleleman]

My Motor after car valet, it looks better than it really is, the valet helped but the 70-200 4L helped more!

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n220/Ukuleleman_2006/AfterValet1.jpg
http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n220/Ukuleleman_2006/AfterValet2.jpg

[Luke_1983uk]

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/98/381018929_5369bcf1f7.jpg?v=0
football with bad lighting!

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/131/381018915_3be38441b0.jpg?v=0
another one!
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/145/381074954_d0374a096f.jpg?v=0
the moon handheld

[Luke_1983uk]

i am very happy with mine too! brilliant buy glad i bought it!
looking forward to getting some better weather here in england, to really see how good this lens is!
i think i have got a great summer ahead
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/132/381074937_f539531cc2.jpg?v=0


a link to my flickr account where you can see the full versions
http://www.flickr.com/photos/44537595@N00/

[Luke_1983uk]

great photos by the way Ed!
big fan of your photos!

[SoundsGood]

I can't compete with some of these guys, but here's my "duck shot" with the 70-200 f/4 IS, along with a 100% crop.
No post-processing except for resizing and cropping:

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t190/Sounds-Good/a-IMG_5185.jpg
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t190/Sounds-Good/a-IMG_5185-cropped.jpg

[JoanMN]

Wow! That is wonderful!

[segasaturn]

Just a quick question. Does the IS still work with the 1.4x TC? I have a kenko 300 pro TC. Awesome pictures everyone! I think I might have to trade up for this lens because of them.

[slug]

Just a quick question. Does the IS still work with the 1.4x TC? I have a kenko 300 pro TC. Awesome pictures everyone! I think I might have to trade up for this lens because of them.

Yup, IS still works.

[Stonedturtle]

here are my shots wid F4 is

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stonedturtle

[condyk]

What a difference a few weeks make. Hardly any sample entries before and now we're looking at lots from one of the very best all round lenses money can buy. Very impressive used well.

[jaymrobinson]

Thanks for the responses. I didn't check the thread for a couple of days, and wow! lots of very nice images. I am thinking with the lighter weight and lower price, this might be the lens to go with instead of the 2.8.

Richard, I live in Fujieda. I have been to Shimoda before and it is a nice city.

[slug]

ed, you really should post up some of your zoo/bird/animal photos with this lens as they really are great. I know you've put them up in other threads but those photos were part of the reason I got this lens.

[Heatseeker99]

Here is one of my first test shots I took.

1/25s f/4.0 at 200.0mm iso500 handheld. This lens is awesome. More to come!

http://www.pbase.com/antonyjohnson/image/75119501/original.jpg

[wallaroo]

The pictures you can obtain with this lens speak for themselves.

[JoanMN]

Well, mine is definitely defective, then. Manufacture date UU1202.

[jaymrobinson]

Finally got my hands on this lens.

http://www.pbase.com/jaymrobinson/image/75318531/large.jpg

[jaymrobinson]

Another
http://www.pbase.com/jaymrobinson/image/75318805/large.jpg

[Richard7481]

So where did you pick it up? And how much was the damage to your wallet? Nice pics BTW.

[Heatseeker99]

So where did you pick it up? And how much was the damage to your wallet? Nice pics BTW. beach camera has the best deal I saw in my search..w/free shipping.

[DrJack]

Pfft, whoever said action shots can't be done with the 70-200 f/4! (providing there's enough light, of course!)

Jack

[NorCalAl]

Everytime I see shots from this lens I want to go out and shoot! I've not used it enough since I got it. And since I crammed buying the 24-105 and 100-400 into the same time frame, I've not had enough time to use any! Damn the rain!
<breathing deeply now>

[jjmucker]

here's one i took about a month ago when i first got it.
mega fast AF and tac sharp images. brilliant :D

[Richard7481]

f/4 160mm 1/800 ISO 100 No USM


http://farm1.static.flickr.com/130/421827252_8cd3953b4f.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rjgoodchild/421827252)

[jaymrobinson]

Richard, it looks like you got one too. Good going. :)

[Richard7481]

Richard, it looks like you got one too. Good going. :)

I think so too. Sometimes it's hard with all these " my lens is soft" :rolleyes: to know what is good and bad. Plus, unless the poster states whether they have applied USM, it is even harder, but I have been impressed with its 'naked' IQ quality as such. Contrast and colours are superb.

The only downer is dust in the elements but it won't show up in pics and I would certainly take a dusty yet good copy over a lemon everytime. My 85 1.8 also has dust upon inspection so that's life, I suppose.

[Lostboy77]

I really love this lens. Because I believe that web shots don't do justice for things of this quality, rather than posting a few cropped and resized pics I'll give you a link to one of my galleries from a day when I shot almost everything with this lens. All pics can be viewed at full (origional) size.

http://www.westerlake.net/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=465

This shot is one of my favorites showing both great color and contrast shot a 200mm wide open.

http://www.westerlake.net/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=507

There are some 135 2L and 200 2.8L shots in the mix but mostly shot with the 70-200 4L IS and all shot with the 5D.

As for the rest of my gallery, the "oak glen" shot are almost all the 20D and EF-S 60mm macro and all of the vacation shots are from a D-Reb (300D) and either the kit lens or the 75-300 IS.

[Richard7481]

All of the shots have had some shadow and highlight adjustments but no PP sharpening and have been resized for Flickr. Exif is viewable within the Flickr page.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/183/424987922_cf1983b1de.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rjgoodchild/424987922)


http://farm1.static.flickr.com/172/424987833_df359be03b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rjgoodchild/424987833)


http://farm1.static.flickr.com/151/424988027_857eb1b40f.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rjgoodchild/424988027)

[iplayazi]

Has anyone tried putting extensions on the lens to make it a IS macro lens?

This board is evil Im getting silly thoughts of selling my 70-300mm is and 100mm macro for this bad boy!

What do you think?

Todd

[Medic85]

156584

[Medic85]

Sorry, I just realized this was for the IS version.

[kobe629]

Love this lens. It's ultra fast focusing (even w/a 1.4tc...which was used w/these shots) super sharp and got great color/bokeh. If you need this range, this is an excellent lens.

http://LC-images.smugmug.com/photos/127430558-L.jpg

http://LC-images.smugmug.com/photos/127427228-L.jpg

http://LC-images.smugmug.com/photos/125870651-L.jpg

http://LC-images.smugmug.com/photos/127427409-L.jpg

Which TC did you use?

[Stonedturtle]

here are some pics of a model in bikini shots ... shooting wid 70-200 f4 is Usm lens ... this lens is my first L ... and its superbbbbb *2 thumbs up* value for money toooo ... i will post some sepang f1 race shots using this lens soon

mean while here it is ...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stonedturtle/387652896/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stonedturtle/387653799/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stonedturtle/387652889/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stonedturtle/377140254/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stonedturtle/377140257/in/set-72157594511920382/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stonedturtle/377139308/in/set-72157594511920382/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/stonedturtle/377038626/in/set-72157594511920382/

[off]

I'm sure previous owners have raved already, so I'm just adding to this... My gosh this lens is SHARP, SHARP, SHARP! I'm stunned a lens can be left wide open and still obtain this level of sharpness and detail. Even my 24-70 needs to be stopped down to at least f/5.6 this type of sharpness. I'm astounded!

Full image:

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e302/Off76/Las%20Vegas%20Apr%2007/LAS_042807_0031_resize.jpg

100% crop:

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e302/Off76/Las%20Vegas%20Apr%2007/LAS_042807_0031_crop.jpg

[anomie]

Wow! There are some great images on here. I too am so lusting for this lens.

[Dunlop]

http://smods.smugmug.com/photos/148779787-L.jpg

[iplayazi]

I am so happy I went and purchased this fine glass.

I took it for a run at the bird center and was very pleased

one sample barely any sharpening

http://www.pbase.com/iplayazi/image/79085334/original.jpg

100% for example

http://www.pbase.com/image/79088567/original.jpg

[canned_heat]

Shot through the window on the staten island ferry

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j14/R__P/New%20York%202006/IMG_2524s.jpg

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j14/R__P/New%20York%202006/IMG_2677s.jpg

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j14/R__P/New%20York%202006/IMG_2748.jpg

[JoanMN]

All with Rebel XTi.

I'm liking it more the longer i have it.
A pic of my youngest grand daughter.
http://www.pbase.com/joanmn/image/79309167.jpg

Rainy poppy bud.
http://www.pbase.com/joanmn/image/79692674.jpg

Rainy johnny-jump-ups.
http://www.pbase.com/joanmn/image/79692671.jpg

And last, a fuchsia.

http://www.pbase.com/joanmn/image/79692670.jpg

[WorkingClassHero]

Woohoo!! Mine arrived today. I'm mightily impressed with the sharpness and IS already from a couple of shots in the house. I'm skiving off work tomorrow to try it out properly :D

[Matthew62024]

I also just got mine today. My lens didn't get to the house until after I left for work and I am still at work right now, so I haven't had a chance to use it yet. I did rent one last week from rentglass.com and loved it. I can't wait to use it.

[Dunlop]

Loving mine. These are shot with a TC.
http://smods.smugmug.com/photos/157548653-L.jpg
http://smods.smugmug.com/photos/157256191-L.jpg

[AngryCorgi]

f/4 160mm 1/800 ISO 100 No USM


http://farm1.static.flickr.com/130/421827252_8cd3953b4f.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rjgoodchild/421827252)

Check the EXIF on that file, if you will. I'm interested to know what the camera sharpening setting was during this photo. Thanks!

Nice kitty.... ;)

[whakojacko]

I got mine tuesday and have been playing around with it a lot. So far Its great. Ive been using it largely for flower pictures, where it is suprisingly strong (once you get used to standing 4 feet away). Even with f/4, the 200mm gives you good dof. These are all jpegs straight from my 400D.
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o129/whakojacko/IMG_3473.jpg
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o129/whakojacko/IMG_3412.jpg
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o129/whakojacko/IMG_3402.jpg
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o129/whakojacko/IMG_3350.jpg
IS awesomeness: both of these are ISO 800 f/4 1/15s
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o129/whakojacko/IMG_3431.jpg
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o129/whakojacko/IMG_3399.jpg

[AngryCorgi]

Just got my 70-200 f/4L IS today. Here are a couple of samples I shots from my 30D.

200mm @ f/5.6, ISO100
http://home.comcast.net/~ntrhll/flowers.jpg


same shot, 100% crop (top/left)
http://home.comcast.net/~ntrhll/flowers_crop.jpg

70mm @ f/4, ISO800, 5-exposure HDR (-2,-1,0,+1,+2)...NO TRIPOD!!!
http://home.comcast.net/~ntrhll/70-200.jpg

I thought the silliest test of the "4-stop IS" would be to try to snag an HDR without a 'pod. The result is the above image. I believe it might look pretty good as a small print (nothing above 4x6).

I LOVE THIS LENS!!

:D

[AngryCorgi]

...oh and here are a couple of my truck (which happens to be 4 sale!)...

http://home.comcast.net/~ntrhll/fj_1.jpg

http://home.comcast.net/~ntrhll/fj_2.jpg

Totally shameless plug: For more details, visit craigslist in the northen virginia area and search for "fj cruiser"...

hehehe...

;)

[whakojacko]

So I finally took a got around to taking some of the required duck pictures at the lake last week:
http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o129/whakojacko/IMG_3673.jpg

[AngryCorgi]

Here are is a non-sharpened RAW from today. Very far away! Remember, distance causes more softness from the light traveling through this liquid air we breath!! ;)
200mm, f/4 (IS on, handheld from car)
http://home.comcast.net/~ntrhll/tractor.jpg

100% crop:
http://home.comcast.net/~ntrhll/tractor_100.jpg

Not a bad lens at all!

Oh...and here is a pixel-peeper's shot of the slightly OOF upper left corner (100%):

http://home.comcast.net/~ntrhll/tracter_100_2.jpg

I had a haze filter on during this shot, but at this range, the hot moist air is still causing a haze-like effect.

[JimAskew]

Hi,

I got my copy on Tuesday and I am super impressed. Not only is it sharp but the bokah is awesome...here is a shot at f/4. IS rocks!

[AngryCorgi]

Has anyone shot this lens full frame yet? 5D or 1Ds? What about 1D??

[AngryCorgi]

70-200 f/4L IS + TC Review

Ok, today I played the 280mm game as well as the 400mm game with the 70-200 f/4L IS. I used a Tamron (gen-I AF) 2X TC and a Canon 1.4X-II TC for the testing. I even took a few shots at 560mm for giggles.

Things I noticed:

With the Canon TC @ 280mm and f/5.6, there was no loss in contrast performance (hurray!) and the lens attained more detail than the same shots at 200mm and the same range. AF functions like a dream even in AI Servo. The only performance hit is an increase in CA. There was practically no visible CA before, but now we are looking at an average CA of around 1-pixel, with the center being less than and the edges being more than the average. Very slight and correctable easily with PS RAW tools. This lens is going to be a bird-shooter's dream with the 1.4X, and you can pack light too! You still lose in length to the 100-400L, but your IS is a bit better (but closer to a 1-stop advantage than the claimed 2-stops) and you won't be playing the push-pull dust-sucking game or having to deal with the considerable mass/size of the 100-400. You will not need to stop this lens down to f/8 (my 300 f/4L IS needed an extra stop to get sharp while TC'ed) either, it is sharp wide-open with the TC!!

With the tammy TC @ 400mm and f/8, there is a hit in contrast performance, and this is mainly due to the 1st-gen tammy not having a coating like the newer models have. Get this: On a 30D, the AF worked about 65-70% of the time on AI Servo at dawn! In broad daylight, the hit rate might be closer to 85-90% in Servo and perhaps 95+% in single-shot. I was stunned at the AF performance with this TC. It's one of the dimmer 2X TCs and I never could AF with my old 300 f/4L IS, so I was expecting the same focus-hunt-dance, especially leaving it in Servo mode...but I wanted to torture test it and it came through beyond my expectations! Now I am dying to (a) take the tammy in daylight and try it out and even more so (b) try out a mult-coated 2nd-gen TC!! The CA with the 2X was a bit more than the 1.4X, but not as much as you might expect...still cleanable. I would say the 2X and 1.4X final results were very similar in total detail with a slight edge to the 1.4X in contrast performance. The extra range of the tammy 2X is partially wasted, as it bottlenecks the resolution with its less-than-stellar optics. Both gather more information than the TC-less lens at the same range, though I found the loss in contrast with the tammy to be disappointing. When I turned AF-off, and just AF-confirmed my MF work, it checked every MF job spot on.

Now what happens with the cheap 2X and the pricey 1.4X together to get 560mm?? Nothing good! The end result is less detail than either by themselves; much blame can go to the fact that you are shooting at f/11 and diffraction starts tossing detail. You wind up with as much detail as the lens had at f/4 before you started adding TCs, even though you are at 2.8X the reach. The CA is starting to make it look like a tokina lens and your AF confirm left for vacation about 1 stop ago. I wouldn't recommend shooting with this aperture or this length. You're at the last limit of the lens and you have over taxed your sub-$1k L for everything it had.

IS funtioned in all tests! Obviously at 400mm and 560mm it will not make up for poor long-lens technique, but it eliminated all of my normal slight hand jitters.

Hope you enjoyed reading! ;)

280mm samples all @ f/5.6 and all RAW with no sharpening:

Resized A:
http://home.comcast.net/~ntrhll/280_1.jpg

A, 100% Crop #1:
http://home.comcast.net/~ntrhll/280_1_100a.jpg

A, 100% Crop #2 (note the slight CA):
http://home.comcast.net/~ntrhll/280_1_100b.jpg

I love shooting this last image around dawn time. The bright white letters in the sign in constrast to the medium/light blue background are torture at the range its shot from (11th floor balcony, 2 streets over). Even good lenses can sometimes cause the white elements appear to "glow" slightly rather than show the slight shading/contrast of their depth. This is the best a lens has ever done for me on this target. I am IMPRESSED!! Note in the 100% even the texture (cracks and surface undulations) in the bricks in the lower left are shown with great detail. Remember, these are RAWs with ZERO sharpening of any kind!

Resized B:
http://home.comcast.net/~ntrhll/280_2.jpg

B, 100% Crop:
http://home.comcast.net/~ntrhll/280_2_100.jpg

[TeamSpeed]

Here is one from yesterday morning:

http://snapintime.smugmug.com/photos/164200078-L-LB.jpg

[snowrdr]

Here are a couple from me with the 70-200 f4L IS
I love this lens and it's on my XTi almost all the time... :D

http://www.pbase.com/image/79310557.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/image/79268927.jpg

[minton]

Yep, I can vouch for the 70-200f/4L IS. It's also good at landscapes - here's one from the weekend.

http://minton.zenfolio.com/img/v1/p703063820.jpg

[royv]

Man this lens looks so awesome, but what do you guys think about it being so big and white...are you bothered by that?

[dave_bass5]

One of my early shots just after i got my 70-200 f/4 IS.
Love this lens. its almost become my walkabout lens now.
http://davepearce.smugmug.com/photos/144236448-L.jpg

[HAudidoody]

Man this lens looks so awesome, but what do you guys think about it being so big and white...are you bothered by that?

No, although it does draw a lot of attention in crowded areas. More people in the last couple months, with and without cameras, have come up to talk to me out of nowhere than in the previous 10 years I think!

This can be a bad thing for an amateur doofus like myself ;) As when someone who actually knows something engages you in conversation. It's like Seinfeld and the low-talker.

[JoeW]

One of my first shots with the 70-200f4 IS. 1/30th of a second at ISO 800 on a 10D. Focal length 200. Processed in Lightroom to bump up saturation a little, but not a lot. (first time to post an image--hope I got it right)

[dave_bass5]

No, although it does draw a lot of attention in crowded areas. More people in the last couple months, with and without cameras, have come up to talk to me out of nowhere than in the previous 10 years I think!

This can be a bad thing for an amateur doofus like myself ;) As when someone who actually knows something engages you in conversation. It's like Seinfeld and the low-talker.

I found this as well. My 70-200 is the lens im least likely to feel comfortable with walking around although im trying hard to forget about the looks i get.
I find that people do move out of my way more if im lining up a shot etc.

[goatee]

One of my first shots with the 70-200f4 IS. 1/30th of a second at ISO 800 on a 10D. Focal length 200. Processed in Lightroom to bump up saturation a little, but not a lot. (first time to post an image--hope I got it right)

With images as good as these, please post more! That's stunning!

[JoeW]

Thanks! Here are two more. The sanderling is cropped some. I wish I'd thought about the boat photo a little more and framed the reflection a little better. But the lens is amazing. Gets focus on my somewhat slow to focus 10D faster than any other lens I have for some reason--even though it is an f4. I've gotten good photos with it with shutter speeds of 1/10th of a second (mainly lucky shots, but still).

[hjohnson]

Here's a Heron fishing in Vancouver's False Creek:
I'm liking this lens :D

[Raymate]

very impressive, any sites showing the IS on and of on this lens or the 2.8 version ?

[Logan7]

http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w271/Loags/Kim.jpg

http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w271/Loags/Geeseatsunset.jpg

http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w271/Loags/Gosling.jpg

http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w271/Loags/Duck.jpg

[Space]

Not an IS but, here you go.

[QX56]

Got my about 2 week ago ..here is some pict at 70mm.

http://vietdetroit.com/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=5031&g2_serialNumber=2


http://vietdetroit.com/gallery/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=5043&g2_serialNumber=2

[sanil]

great lens. my pics are limited by photographic abilities not the lens capabilities. joy to use this lens.

[sanil]

two more

[sanil]

two more

[goatee]

I like them, but the second looks to have some movement blur - what was the shutter speed on that one?

[sanil]

I like them, but the second looks to have some movement blur - what was the shutter speed on that one?

1/60 :oops:

[gravy graffix]

he looks Miffed! motion blurr is prob the tog deciding to RUN! i would be....

[goatee]

1/60 :oops:

I'm surprised there's movement then, because even at 200mm it should be ok, but then everyone has good days and bad days :).

[Mum2J&M]

Just wanted to add one of my favorite pictures from this lens. Not the most amazing shot, just thought it turned out nice. This was right before the fireworks.

http://cleo68.smugmug.com/photos/177261700-S.jpg

[jaymrobinson]

Here's one of mine.

http://www.pbase.com/jaymrobinson/image/83227481/original.jpg

[canon_fire]

he looks Miffed! motion blurr is prob the tog deciding to RUN! i would be....

I think I would be ready to eVen if I shot that with my 500mm WITH a TC on, and Fully extended! ... crazy stuff.

[Tosh-san]

A couple from yesterday. I went out to shoot outdoor sculptures, but ran into these and just had to snap them.

http://GTIkeda.smugmug.com/photos/181553495-O.jpg

http://GTIkeda.smugmug.com/photos/181624707-O.jpg

[Mum2J&M]

Wow. Gorgeous flower pics.

[the_incubus]

holy crap...tosh, that first one is stunning. Its amazing. WOW.

[mchong75]

HOLY SHI*

2nd flower shot is TACK SHARP!

I can't wait until I get mine. Should have it next week. :)

[Fabrian]

A couple from yesterday. I went out to shoot outdoor sculptures, but ran into these and just had to snap them.

http://GTIkeda.smugmug.com/photos/181553495-O.jpg

http://GTIkeda.smugmug.com/photos/181624707-O.jpg



















Excellent shots! but ummm...were we at the same place?? :p



http://www.thefabhouse.com/temp_sample_images/bg_flower.jpg
http://www.thefabhouse.com/temp_sample_images/bg_flower-c.jpg




http://www.thefabhouse.com/temp_sample_images/bg_flower-2.jpg
http://www.thefabhouse.com/temp_sample_images/bg_flower-2c.jpg

[pcook]

This is my favourite lens...

http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w273/paulc1971/IMG_2150crop.jpg

[anthonyl]

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=359899

Just a few quick shots of seagulls....70-200 f/4 IS is indeed a nice lens.

[Tosh-san]

Excellent shots! but ummm...were we at the same place?? :p



http://www.thefabhouse.com/temp_sample_images/bg_flower.jpg
http://www.thefabhouse.com/temp_sample_images/bg_flower-c.jpg




http://www.thefabhouse.com/temp_sample_images/bg_flower-2.jpg
http://www.thefabhouse.com/temp_sample_images/bg_flower-2c.jpg

Fabrian,

Mine were shot at the Sculpture Gardens at Pepsico Headquarters in Purchase, NY. I don't recall seeing your last few flowers there.
Gorgeous shots, BTW.


Mum2J&M, Mchong75 and Incubus,

Thanks for your kind words.
I'm ex-Nikon/new to Canon and couldn't be happier with the 70-200 4 IS and my other Canon glass.

[Fabrian]

Ah, I was at the NY Botanical Garden (Bronx) ;)

[the_incubus]

i know its not a fast lebs and not great for indoor use but can we see some examples of what it does indoors?

[aladyforty]

there is nothing I dislike about this lens, I have the non IS version and love it and i consider both this and the IS version as more or less the same image quality wise although the IS would have to be a bonus. It is great with the 1X4 TC with little image degredation. Ive have used it most of the time on my camera since I got it.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1420/1008394834_ed46ef4eb4_o.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1292/934460642_f1b57fb1a7_o.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1236/533026505_79307ccb79_o.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/177/440486329_f34f5d1564_o.jpg

[aladyforty]

Hope you dont mind the non IS post but i did not notice the IS until after I posted, still as far as i can see image wise they are much the same, great lenses.

[MaxxuM]

80% Crop to create this photo... ISO400 - 1/30 - F4

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v136/jlozan87/flower_white.jpg

[Mum2J&M]

i know its not a fast lebs and not great for indoor use but can we see some examples of what it does indoors?
Not sure you meant with flash indoors, but I took this inside with it.

http://Priors.smugmug.com/photos/184594553-M.jpg

[aladyforty]

Not sure you meant with flash indoors, but I took this inside with it.

http://Priors.smugmug.com/photos/184594553-M.jpg

Nice shot, very cute child too. stunning eyes

[Mum2J&M]

Thanks aladyforty. Lucky for him he takes after his father! LOL. That monkey in your sig made me and my kids laugh out loud. What a sweet little face! ;)

[aladyforty]

Thanks aladyforty. Lucky for him he takes after his father! LOL. That monkey in your sig made me and my kids laugh out loud. What a sweet little face! ;)

yeah, thats a pigmy marmoset, about the smallest little thing Ive seen for that kind of animal. would fit in the palm of your hand, very cute

[patchow]

This is the first L lens that I bought. I absolutely love it. Just like to share some of the pictures (all without pp, just some cropping)...

#1 What are you looking at?
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z50/patchow/temp/IMG_6710_1.jpg

#2
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z50/patchow/temp/IMG_6719_1.jpg

#3 Zzzz....
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z50/patchow/temp/IMG_6721_1.jpg

#4
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z50/patchow/temp/IMG_6737_1.jpg

[tom s]

very impressive shots

[G35Driver]

I just got my hands on one of thesen havent had the chance to really test it so this weekend, ill post some pics, ;)

I love this lens heres a couple shots with it
http://luis452.zenfolio.com/img/v2/p1067417949.jpg

http://luis452.zenfolio.com/img/v2/p715087851.jpg

http://luis452.zenfolio.com/img/v2/p607239059.jpg

[farmdog fan]

a farmdog in action.

[71sbeetle]

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/234/1510976027_67639bc456.jpg
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/234/1510976027_f8fefe1dc3_o.jpg

this one is 100% crop:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2077/1511847284_0eaa2db6fe.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2077/1511847284_6880c1c4a1_o.jpg

[jj_photography]

Hey Guys

Just wondering if this would be at least a better than the 70-200 f/2.8L IS for my use of the lens. I will just be taking maybe sports but not as a professional just for maybe casual. What is the difference between the 2.8 and 4? Would the 4 be at least good for indoors with a external flash?

Cheers

[nicksan]

Hey Guys

Just wondering if this would be at least a better than the 70-200 f/2.8L IS for my use of the lens. I will just be taking maybe sports but not as a professional just for maybe casual. What is the difference between the 2.8 and 4? Would the 4 be at least good for indoors with a external flash?

Cheers

The difference is 1 stop, so the f2.8L IS will give you double the shutter speed compared with the f4 IS.

However the f4 IS has 1 extra stop of IS. But that allows you to hand hold the lens at shutter speed 1 stop SLOWER than the f2.8 IS...good for still subjects.

[MaxxuM]

Hey Guys

Just wondering if this would be at least a better than the 70-200 f/2.8L IS for my use of the lens. I will just be taking maybe sports but not as a professional just for maybe casual. What is the difference between the 2.8 and 4? Would the 4 be at least good for indoors with a external flash?

Cheers

I use mine for outdoor daytime football, soccer, tennis and outdoor basketball – at around dusk it starts getting difficult to shoot under 400 ISO and when the lights come on its 800 and 1600 only. If you are going to do sports the 2.8 really is a better lens IME. There are many instances where a 2.8 can afford me the ability to shoot at 400 vs 800 and 800 vs 1600. Stopping action requires 200 minimum shutter speed but I try to keep it at 400+ in fast paced sports.

[nicksan]

Couple of shots from my Canada Trip a week or so ago.

http://nicksan.zenfolio.com/img/v2/p426370876-4.jpg

http://nicksan.zenfolio.com/img/v2/p311331591-4.jpg

http://nicksan.zenfolio.com/img/v2/p93624950-4.jpg

http://nicksan.zenfolio.com/img/v2/p469395076-4.jpg

[proxes]

Very nice, sir.

[hjohnson]

This was with my 70-200 with the 1.4x TC attached. I love this thing. :) (photo taken up in the Canadian Rockies, near Lake Louise)

[JoeW]

Went to the zoo and took a picture of a flower. Used my new 40d. First shot is a resize for the web and second is a crop to show sharpness. I think I got the sizing correct, but will know once I post.

[Roy Mathers]

This is the very first shot I ever took with my 70-200 f/4 IS

[kalle_karlsson]

ok,didn't know there was a thread for the IS as well. So my pic is here

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showpost.php?p=4243497&postcount=546

[jasonleehl]

Guys! Keep the photos coming... I'm looking forward to getting the EF 70 - 200 f/4.0 IS USM when December Bonus comes into my bank...

[ccp900]

only thing i hate about this lens is that its a 68mm filter size....L's should all have the same filter size i reckon.

[Ascenta]

I'm at work so I don't have any to post directly, but I took some pretty cool shots at the park the other day. Here is a direct link to the gallery on my web site. I think there are 1 or 2 where I used the 24-105L...but all others 70-200f/4 L

http://markbuchler.com/photo2/Geese-Ducks/album/index.html