Canon 70-200mm f4, about to order but....

Anything I should consider before I do. I want this lense(zoom tele) and if I get it now I get another $100 rebate so there is no better time. Anything I should consider, my only other lense is a 50mm f/1.8 right now.

I would say the only other main consideration is whether the new 70300IS would suit you better. Both lenses are excellent and the f4L certainly has a strong following for good reason. I just posted this at my site: http://www.pbase.com/f​stopjojo/70300s

I can only say I am very happy with mine, fast focus, AF is precise and the manual focus override is very good to have on odd ocasions. But I guess it depends on the type of shooting you do. If you want it for birds (to short focal range) or indoors (f4), forget it.

I would say go for it!!! I love mine. Not sure about a different lens hood. What is wrong with the one that comes with it?

You sure on that rebate amount? The base rebate for the 70-200 f/4 is $25. You may have read the rebate for the slightly more expensive 70-200 f/2.8 IS, which has a $50 rebate.

I have the Rebel XT too, it's $75 alone but if I get the lense I get $150 and $50.

The 70-200 f/4L is an excellent lens. Easy to pack, light and has great image quality.

By far the best Canon zoom, opticaly wise (I use both the f/4, 2.8 IS, 24-70 f/2.8 and 17-40 f/4 L). Just make sure to dump the UV filter. Go for it!

Lovely lens if you feed it decent light. A bit hit and miss otherwise. Generally a very sound purchase if you know exactly why you're buying it.

I like mine. the hood it comes with is designed for it. I would only use that one. why would you want a different on ein the first place? color? paint it. shape? can't help you there.

Great lens ! What`s wrong with the hood ?

you can always get an aftermarket hood but that would be so gauche .

ed rader

This lens is great for daytime shooting and it's relatively light weight makes it easy to carry when on the move. For indoor use consider the 2.8 version - but a lot heavier and more expensive (and the cheaper f4 will give as good image quality). Then again, if indoor/low light is your main interest you would be better to get a fast prime than any of the 70-200 zooms. Maybe the ideal setup would be the f4 zoom for outdoors AND a fast prime for indoors? Or use a tripod.

It's a great value 'L' and excellent picture quality. The hood that comes with it is fine.

After looking at the 70-300 IS and F4L tests that jojo posted I have come to a conclusion.

Canon needs to lower the price of that F4L. Now.

hehehe of course lower prices are always nice, but consider the image quality you are getting, then take a look at the prices of other L's...