What is the best alternative to the Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM

What other brand comes the closest to image quality?

I've got the pair of Tamron G2 f/2.8s (70-200mm and 24-70mm) and love them.
They are superior in pretty much every way to the EF generation 1 versions they replaced.

If you're speaking about EF mount for a Canon camera, your only options are Sigma and Tamron. And the Tamon's are the better option (Generation 2). They're F2.8 though, so heavier and bigger and won't be cheaper since you're referring to the F4.

There is no alternative to the F4 with constant aperture.

Very best,

Right, I mean EF mount and f/4. I have the EF f/2.8L mk2 and often want to use a less heavy f/4 option.

chuckmiller wrote in post #19219794
Right, I mean EF mount and f/4. I have the EF f/2.8L mk2 and often want to use a less heavy f/4 option.

The only alternative is the previous version, the Canon 70-200 F4L IS (I). Should be in the $600 range, maybe at KEH (with warranty). I assume you're wanting to save a few bucks since you clearly are looking at the Mark II and probably don't agree with that price? So, just get the previous version. It's still a great lens. The only significant difference at the end of the day is the IS generation. But you don't get these lenses for low light anyways.

Very best,

how about 70-200L F4 IS version 1

I had the ver 1 and sold it several months ago in preparation to buy the ver 2. And maybe I still will but thought first I'd ask around about competing lenses.

Chuck.
I bought my 70-200 f/4 L IS in 2009. Loved it. It took a back seat to my 70-200 f/2.8 L IS mark II when purchased in 2011, now ten years ago....
2016 upon return from Europe, I decided to lighten the load and bring the 70-200 f/4L IS. My body thanked me. From 2016-early 2019, my f/2.8 stayed home and still does unless I know I “need” f/2.8.
In July of 2019, I treated myself to the 70-200 f/4 L IS Mark II for a trip to Greece. Better color and contrast, equal to my 16-35 f/4 L IS and the 24-70 f/4 L IS thus completing my “Greek Trilogy of the Kanon f/4 L IS.... There is no Letter C in Greek....
Since you had the f/4 L IS and now want a new 70-200 f/4 with Stabilization, I wouldn’t look elsewhere. It’s soooooo gooood.
The next best option...... you’re old 70-200 f/4 L IS.... Still a great lens.

TAMRON 70-210mm F/4 Di VC USD

alfaber wrote in post #19220194
TAMRON 70-210mm F/4 Di VC USD

Well well! That snuck in! $800 for a 70-210 F4 constant with VC and its modern from the G2 family? Sweet!

Very best,

Well shoot, I didn't know about that one either!

A review;
https://www.the-digital-picture.com …m-f-4-Di-VC-USD-Lens.aspx

This Tamron seems to be the most direct competitor. It may not be quite as good overall as the Canon counterpart but that's why it is $500 less. That's how Canon competitors sell products. 90% as good while 40% less retail price. I have canonpricewatch set to alert me when it sees this canon lens, new or refurbished, priced less than $1000 and I think it has alerted me all of 2 times in a year.

https://www.adorama.co​m/us1393144.html

The Ver 1 is pretty damn good. It is my go-to hiking lens. Sharp as a tack. The II has more stops of IS and probably a better MTF curve, but the Ver 1 is no slouch.