questions about 70-200mm f4 L

[Wavy C]

I'm thinking of buying the 70-200mm f4 L for my 20d, mainly for use as a portrait lens both outdoors and occasionally in a studio. Can anyone here help me with a couple of questions about it.

First, is it worth paying almost twice as much for the 2.8 version (or more again for the 2.8 IS)?

Second, is it small and light enough to use with the camera mounted on a tripod? I notice the 2.8 version has a tripod ring, but not the f4.

Thirdly, the only Canon telephoto zoom I have used is the 28-135mm IS (borrowed) and I was reasonably pleased with the quality from it. How does the 70-200mm compare? Can I expect better image quality from the L lens?

Any advice would be appreciated.

[IainB]

I'd offer my opinion, Wavy C, but my 70-200 F4 L arrives on Tuesday! There are some good links to reviews and comparisons of this lens. This link compares the Sigma with the Canon 70-200 2.8 and also compares shots with the F4 L as well.
http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=009Yqf

[rebel61021]

I have one and I love it, great sharp photo's and it does not wiegh a ton like my 100-400 "L" IS I use it for indoor and outdoor indoor with just normal light it is a little slow but bumping ISO up helps. I have the Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 but I prefer the canon over it even on the indoor stuff.
I do not have a problem with it on my tripod but I don't use it very often and don't leave it alone when I do.

[xc611]

I have both lens, only thing I can say is the 70-200/4L will blow away the 28-135, no comparsion at all.

[tommykjensen]

I have both lens, only thing I can say is the 70-200/4L will blow away the 28-135, no comparsion at all.

Ditto.

I may even consider selling my 28-135 IS because I rarely use it. Well it will be one of the lenses I bring on my USA holiday next month.

[bimbo]

Here you find a comparision of Sigma 28-200, Sigma 70-200 F2.8 HSM EX, Canon 70-200 F4 L USM, Canon F2.8 L USM and Canon 75-300 IS III:
http://www.slo-foto.net/reviews-56.html

[HJMinard]

(1) For your stated purposes, I don't think you need to spend the extra money for the 2.8.
(2) Yes, it can be used on a tripod without a ring. I bought one, however, and I prefer the feel and balance.
(3) Yes!!

[IainB]

Great stuff, Bimbo.

[Wavy C]

Tnx for the advice guys.

Could you be a bit more specific about the difference between this lens and the 28mm-135mm? Better sharpness, better contrast - both? It's just that I also have the 28mm-135mm on my list of possible future purchases as it seems a great range for general purpose use.

[Medic1]

I think that you will find that you will much prefer the 70-200 f4L over the 28-135. I think that if you want to cover the lower range you could look into the 17-85 or something comparable like the Tamron in the same range. If you were pleased with the quality of the 28-135, you will be ecstatic about the 70-200 f4L

[HJMinard]

I think that you will find that you will much prefer the 70-200 f4L over the 28-135. I think that if you want to cover the lower range you could look into the 17-85 or something comparable like the Tamron in the same range. If you were pleased with the quality of the 28-135, you will be ecstatic about the 70-200 f4L

Yeah ... the Tamron 28-75/2.8 is slightly cheaper than the 28-135 ... its focal range fits nicely with the 70-200 ... and by most accounts and reviews (with which I concur) its optical quality is markedly better than the 28-135.

And yes to all of the above, Wavy ... the 70-200 will provide better sharpness, better contrast, better color, better bokeh, better self esteem :D

[digitalnewbie]

Hi there,

can you folks kindly share your views and experience on lense quality and value between the two brands tamron and Sigma. Contemlating on buying a telephoto zoom and wide angel to complement my EOS20D. Any advise is most welcomed.

[HJMinard]

Hi there,

can you folks kindly share your views and experience on lense quality and value between the two brands tamron and Sigma. Contemlating on buying a telephoto zoom and wide angel to complement my EOS20D. Any advise is most welcomed.

Welcome to the forum, d-newbie. All comparisons between Tamron, Sigma, Tokina (even Canon) need to be on a per lens basis ... you can't make an accurate comparison on brand name alone. For example ... the Tamron 28-75/2.8 is generally accepted to be better than the Sigma equivalent ... however, the Sigma 70-200/2.8 is a better lens than any Tamron equivalent. Tell us exactly what focal range you have in mind ... we'll go from there.

[mezcal]

Got the Tamron 28-75/2.8 and the 70-200/f4L. I did a lot of research before making my lens purchase. Being on a blue collar hobbyist budget, I am very delighted to say that my forum education here has paid off. I also bought the 1.4 extender for the 70-200 lens for those motorcyle races I like to go to so much. I feel relying on the advice from the great people here, I have been able to buy high quality lenses that fit my budget. Can't recommend enought the Tamron 28-75 and 70-200/f4L. I am now patiently saving to get a 10-22 and a 550 or 580 flash for my 20d.

Good luck digital,

mez

[MackRoe]

Wavy....I can only add my $1064.00 worth, which is what I spent at B&H when I ordered both the 70-200mm 4.0 L USM telephoto, and the 100mm 2.8 USM Macro glass to go with the Canon 10D I just bought, and I have never seen any lenses produce these kind of results. The sharpness and clarity are remarkable, and both lenses are good portrait lenses as well, meaning you get great versatility with great quality. Both of these units are so well made, and while the 100mm macro is not "L" glass, I love the beautiful 1:1 macro shots that lens can provide, they are fabulous. In the next little bit, I'll throw a couple shots online from both lens, so you can see what I mean.........Later, Mackroe