Need help on final decision

Hey POTN!

I am about to make my first Canon L Series lens purchase and am starting to feel conflicted. First off, I have saved up $750 to by my Canon 70-200mm F/4 L USM Non-IS lens, but keep reading online that everyone suggests the IS version. I sadly can't afford the IS version since it is $1,400 new, but I am noticing on KEH that I can get an EX+ quality one for $1,000. This is where the questions come in:

1. Is it worth buying a used IS version over a new non-IS version?
2. If the non-IS version works, is buying used from sites like KEH worth it (Since there is an EX quality one for around $499)?

I plan on using this lens for portraits, landscape and travel photography. I am sorry if this thread is in the wrong area! Thanks everyone!

I'd never buy a long lens w/o IS, I'd rather save an other couple of months (or rent if needed quickly for something). I prefer IS on my wider zooms too, but you can get away w/o it, but it has been great to have on my 70-200f4 many times. I'd rather not have that range than have it w/o IS.

phantelope wrote in post #16893938
I'd never buy a long lens w/o IS, I'd rather save an other couple of months (or rent if needed quickly for something). I prefer IS on my wider zooms too, but you can get away w/o it, but it has been great to have on my 70-200f4 many times. I'd rather not have that range than have it w/o IS.

Thanks for the input! In terms of buying it used, would you say it's best to do?

ShadowKingpin wrote in post #16893943
Thanks for the input! In terms of buying it used, would you say it's best to do?

I don't think you're going to have a problem buying a lens from KEH. I'd do it.

My 2 cents.... KEH is wonderful. IS would be preferable. Both from the standpoint of it being a long lens and also for it being weather sealed.

-Chuck

jrsamples wrote in post #16894074
My 2 cents.... KEH is wonderful. IS would be preferable. Both from the standpoint of it being a long lens and also for it being weather sealed.

-Chuck

F/4 IS is weatherproofed? I thought I read somewhere that it wasn't?

Ive had both. The IS version is more versatile because of the IS. I can handhold as slow as 1/30 a second. Without I would have to be at 1/200, thats huge. The IS version is a newer design and was canons sharpest zoom until the 70-200 2.8 IS II came out. I bought mine used and its worth getting. KEH is reputable vendor.

gonzogolf wrote in post #16894095
Ive had both. The IS version is more versatile because of the IS. I can handhold as slow as 1/30 a second. Without I would have to be at 1/200, thats huge. The IS version is a newer design and was canons sharpest zoom until the 70-200 2.8 IS II came out. I bought mine used and its worth getting. KEH is reputable vendor.

Many thanks for the info! I keep reading around about how conservative KEH is about their quality scoring--which is nice to read, so I am really starting to feel a lot better about buying it used.

ShadowKingpin wrote in post #16894092
F/4 IS is weatherproofed? I thought I read somewhere that it wasn't?

http://www.lensplay.co​m …s/lens_weathers​ealed.html

According to this... it is.

I have had very good used products buying from KEH.

I'd go for the IS used

I have this lens. IS is the way to go.

Having had both these lenses -- I agree IS is the way to go.

Also KEH is a fantastic store. Highly recommended.

You can also watch Canon's Website for a refurbished unit. They are currently
sold out, but do regularly have them.

http://shop.usa.canon.​com …m-f-4l-is-usm-refurbished

Good luck in your search, and I hope you find one.

--Evan

IMO the f4 IS is not worth the retail price. It is however, worth every penny of the used price. $1000 for used is too expensive. You can find them in great condition on here for $8-900.

I would also add to buying from KEH. Everything I've gotten from them were as good as or better than stated condition. Highly recommended for sure.