Canon EF 70-200mm f/4.0L USM

[Keiffer]

Did Canon fix the focusing problem or should I say quality control with these lenses?
Even better whats your take on it? Good buy? If not whats anohter good option?

[ed rader]

i hadn't heard about many problems with this lens but the AF crapped out on my first copy after about 50 shots.

i've since received another copy and i am very happy. the lens is super sharp, light and compact.

ed rader

[sharky]

I'm using that lens with a 10D (which supposedly is renowned for focus problems) and have never had an issue with the focus. Remember the people that tend to speak loudest are the ones that perceive themselves as having a problem.

[khiemluu]

Have had this lens for 9 months on a 300D and now on a 20D and haven't had a single problem with it.

Oh i lie! It has given my L fever over and over again! :p

Khiem.

[Keiffer]

Thanks for the input guys. This lense is very high on my list.

[allanc]

I've had mine for a couple of weeks now and it has barely left my DRebel. I love that lens and have had no problems. It is going out tonight to shoot fireworks photos.

[RikWriter]

I love mine. I could and have walk around with nothing but that lens and my 50 when I was on vacation.

[Keiffer]

Cool beans I may start to look at getting one Friday(Payday :-) )

[Keiffer]

Oh yeah, Where did you guys buy yours? Know of any deals out there on this lense? Thanks

[ddelallata]

Thanks for the input guys. This lense is very high on my list.

Sell the Tamron that I sold you and buy the Canon. There was a guy looking for a Tamron 70-300 in the Marketplace a day or two ago.

[Wildman]

I have had this lens for a couple of months (bought it from Buydig.com) and have experienced no problems with it. It's very sharp (even wide open) and focuses very quickly.

I recently added an inexpensive Tamron 1.4X TC. No serious degradation of focus speed or image quality... a nice addition for $80. You'll need to use a tripod for really long shots with this combination unless you're a lot less shakey than this old guy.

[Keiffer]

Sell the Tamron that I sold you and buy the Canon. There was a guy looking for a Tamron 70-300 in the Marketplace a day or two ago.
Yeah David I was thinking of that and maybe getting rid of my 28-105 also, but I'm still undecided.

[JK]

Well, unfortunately it's back-focus central for me with this lens. I'll be shipping it off to Canon for the 2nd time one of these days... :(

[Inspired Photography]

I was going to import one of these from B&H, but they have told me that it is Out Of Stock with no delivery date... could this mean something?


Rob

[summerwind4]

yeah, it means they don't have any LOL
they quit giving approximate due dates for obvious reasons.
check them daily and most likely you'll see them in a few.

[unners]

why not have a look in the buy and sell on this forum? you might just find a very nice 70-200 f4L at a good price with absolutely NO focus problems on my 1dII or 10d :D

[chenzhan]

How does the Sigma APO 100-300mm f4 compare with it?
Anyone has any experience with both?

[condyk]

Yes ... I have owned both and there is no comparison for me. I'm a big fan of the Canon and I still own the Sigma. The Sigma has a much more useful range, is just as sharp and dynamic and works beautifully with a 1.4 TCon. Lightening fast AF and works better than my ex Canon in lower light. The Canon felt like a toy in comparison BUT I only really shoot wildlife and length counts ... 400mm plus is standard. If you just want a fairly lightweight, good quality, shorter walkaround then the Canon will suit you better.

Owners of the 100-300mm f4 seem to love it. Try it f5.6 or f8 on a monopod or tripod and you'll be amazed. 1/800 for handholding works. I have never seen a single complaint about it. Check out this thread at FM:

http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/247078

Also includes a tripod mount!

[emurph2]

I have the f/2.8 lens and did have some problems with it. It kept shutting down my camera and it seemed to be related to the IS. I took it to Canon twice to get it fixed and they were great about fixing it. I'm not sure if it really is fixed since I use it mostly on a different camera now. The problem only happened for me on my 10D and has never happened using my 1D. Canon seemed to be very aware that the lens has a problem.

[93octane]

By reading this threat it seems that even with a Canon L glass lens it still a hit or miss on getting a good lens that is sharp and doesn't back focus. I figured for being Canon L and costing $569 you would get a decent lens that you wouldn't have any problems with but that doesn't seem to be the case. Can't wait to get my camera back to test mine out.

[RikWriter]

By reading this threat it seems that even with a Canon L glass lens it still a hit or miss on getting a good lens that is sharp and doesn't back focus.

Doesn't seem that way to me.

[khiemluu]

By reading this threat it seems that even with a Canon L glass lens it still a hit or miss on getting a good lens that is sharp and doesn't back focus. I figured for being Canon L and costing $569 you would get a decent lens that you wouldn't have any problems with but that doesn't seem to be the case. Can't wait to get my camera back to test mine out.

That is a strange conclusion after reading all the posts in this thread.

It seems as though you unfortunately have had a bad experience with one lens, this is a fact of life, with the volume of lenses that are produce, a select few will inevitabley be faulty. Nothing in life is perfect.

Hope it goes well for you when you get your lens back so you can turn that frown :cry: into a smile :) .

[Ray.Petri]

Hi Guys
I have the 70-200f4L - on my 20D - No problems, but regarding focus, I use the centre spot and get it bang on target because the narrow depth of will make your subject out of focus if you miss. If you examine an out of focus image - you may find the part you didn't want is in focus while the subject is out of focus. Hope that makes sense!
Regards
Ray.P

[blue_max]

I don't know whether the wrong impression has been created in this thread, but I didn't have anything particular to add to what has been said already.

However, just for the sake of balance, my 70-200f4L is an incredible piece of glass. No focus problems (on a 10d), no usm issues, sharp from f4. Colour, saturation, sharpness are all top notch - and the price is just the cherry on top.

Small print:
IF you use that range.
IF you don't find an f4 aperture a problem.
IF you don't mind white.

If buying a new one, I would advise anyone to buy from a reputable source. I think there are rebates to be had on this lens, so the savings to be made elsewhere are less attractive. If it's not right, get it changed. It's worth it.

Graham

[lancea]

IF you don't mind white.
Nice summary! But will the "white" thing ever be knocked on the head? ;) They're beige. Very subdued. Very tasteful and not at all bright white like in the picture on the Canon site. There's a few threads on the topic as it has surprised many readers of these forums when the box finally arrives. Someone had a theory that photographers just don't like admitting they know what "beige" is ...

I'm very pleased with mine. No focusing problems at all.