70-200 f/4 IS question from a perspective buyer.

I am considering picking up one of these lenses,likely used.From my research this lens has been around since 2006,does the 2011-2012 version of this lens have any improvements over the first year lens?Maybe the IS system has improved?I used one of these lenses in the past and the only thing that turned me off was the noise the IS system made(loud).Maybe it was just the copy I had,or is it something that is just part of the make up of this lens?Any thoughts on things I need to be concerned about on the used market would be appreciated.

I have a 2011 version and the IS is stiil quite loud!

I have had this lens for a number of years. Yes, the IS is loud but it works well when needed. The lens itself captures great pictures. You will not be disappointed. Here are a couple samples...

Both taken with my 7D and 70-200 F4 IS. Obviously IS was not used in the baseball picture but the dog picture was taken hand held using IS....at 200mm, F4, 1/10 sec...ISO 3200. Gives a pretty good indication of what is possible.

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From my understanding there have been no changes since it was released. So a 2006 version of the lens will be exactly the same as one from 2012

As far as what to check for when buying used: Check for any fungus in the lens, check to make sure it auto focuses fine, that the zoom and focus rings turn without any problem, the the buttons works, that the filter threads and ok, and that the hood mounts without an issue.

I have one that is a little over a year old. When I'm outdoors I can not hear the IS.
Indoors yes, but only if it is real quiet.
It's something that I don't consider loud.
One of my best lens purchases to date.

DoninIA wrote in post #13830084
I have one that is a little over a year old. When I'm outdoors I can not hear the IS.
Indoors yes, but only if it is real quiet.
It's something that I don't consider loud.
One of my best lens purchases to date.

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if you compare the IS noise to the 17-55mm how loud is it?

Go for it, the 70-200 f/4 IS is an excellent lens! I don't consider the IS is loud, I can hear it when shooting indoor at a quiet place, but not loud enough to put me off! I am more than happy with it!

Sorry, I have never used a 17-55mm.
I would go for it.
I read a lot about the IS noise before I bought mine and have come to the conclusion that it is not near as loud as I thought it would be.
I've learned long ago to take what you read on the internet with a grain of salt.

I sold mine awhile back.

I took others' advice here as it's said to be one of the sharpest (just behind 70-200mkII) in a small package. Fact is yes it's sharp, but f4 is simply too slow for a lot of situation except daytime outdoor (unless you are willing to sacrifice heaps of iso). I thought I can work around it but it just didn't work out.

If I have to do this again, I wouldn't hesitate to spend a bit more for the 2.8 version. It just makes so much more sense in the long run imo.

"Perspective Buyer".. I like that term.

Stir Fry A Lot wrote in post #13831383
"Perspective Buyer".. I like that term.

I thought that made me look intelligent

i bought a used non is today and only got a chance to snap a couple of pictures. it takes almost 0 pp. i shot them hand held. i can only imagine how much is could improve it. i can't wait to put it on a tripod. if you will be in good lighting situations i'd say definitely go for it assuming the glass looks good and it seems mechanically sound. the is on my 300 f/4 is loud and clunky, it has one of the worst reputations if i'm not mistaken. i don't think it's loud enough to scare a deer if i was in a blind. you'll get used to the is noise quickly.

My only other lens I am considering is the 70-300l IS,it looks like a good option either way,but it comes down to extra reach or wider aperture.Decisions,dec​isions

1.4x t/c

still at f/5.6 at 280mm