70-200 f/4 On The Way, What To Expect?

I'm getting mine next week. I couldn't wait, either. Could someone tell me if I need the ring for it or is it light enough I can do without it?

Trust me on this (very long leap since I'm not sure what you consider light or heavy).

But in general IMO, the lens are REALLY light.

If you've seen it before, you already know the size. It's small compared to its 2.8 counterparts, but the most significant characteristic you'll notice is the weight.

My girlfriend is also into photography and she isn't a fan of heavy lenses at all. When I had the 70-200/4Ls, it surprised her by how light it really is.

malcolmp wrote:
Great shots Mr 24Zero!

The 70-200 f/4 is as great as everyone says. The only factor to consider is that on very cloudy days or evening you will have to up the ISO to keep the shutterspeed up. That's usually not a problem -- I use noise ninja to reduce noise as well...

My parents freak out when they see me with the 70-200 because they regard the pictures showing too much detail (each wrinkle )

Malcolm

Here's a very cloudy day - yesterday, in fact!

ISO 500, 1/2000 sec at f5.6 full frame and 100% detail...

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I've actually held the 2.8 IS and it is heavy and that's why I think the price includes the tripod ring. I used to have the AE-1 Program for sports (we're talking over 20 years ago) and I had very long FD lenses without a tripod. I'm familiar with the weight issue, but the idea of my first while lens is a little exciting, I have to admit.

SuzyView wrote:
I've actually held the 2.8 IS and it is heavy and that's why I think the price includes the tripod ring. I used to have the AE-1 Program for sports (we're talking over 20 years ago) and I had very long FD lenses without a tripod. I'm familiar with the weight issue, but the idea of my first while lens is a little exciting, I have to admit.

I know the feeling

The 70-200/4L were my first white lens and I almost regret selling it to be able to get my 300/4L IS (I don't regret getting the lens, but I sure miss the 70-200s).

I can't wait to get it back. Almost feels like an unfinished fairy tale for me right now...

I heard the 70-200 f4 is excellent with the extenders as well. Can't wait!

SuzyView wrote:
I heard the 70-200 f4 is excellent with the extenders as well. Can't wait!

Just stay away from the 2x extender and you'll be fine

Thinking about the 1.4x actually.

Yeah, I'm purchasing that 1.4x extender today

Whoa! Funny: So many people happy with the lens, but there are loads of them being sold for the 2.8 IS'. I don't think I would ever want a 2.8 IS one - I've tried it dozens of times and it's so heavy...

Are the focus and zoom ring on the 70-200 f/4 well damped?

Regards,
Aero145

PS: Tripod Ring A (W) good when using a monopod?

The focus and zoom is excellent IMO. It doesn't bang, and the ring doesn't slide so easily.

A tripod ring IMO doesn't help too much (as it does with the heavier lenses) when it comes to balancing the weight (since it's light to begin with), but it does balance the camera setup a bit since your pivot point is on the lens instead of the camera body. So I would say that it does help when used on a monopod.

You made an excellent choice with this lens. I use the Canon 1.4 with it and rarely take it off. Keep the shutter speed close to 1/200 {unless you're purposely trying to blur the background while panning} and you'll get excellent results..

Thanks BryanP and erdavis.

There are 2 reasons why people go from the f/4 to the f/2.8 version - the need for speed and/ or IS, and the need to have the best. Both valid reasons. I am 100% satisfied with my f/4 version. If it weighed twice as much it would get used half as much. It is absolutely fine outdoors, even in gloomy UK, and indoors is OK with a flash, but for most purposes is probably too long indoors anyway.

Tripod ring is probably unneccessary, but would be nice if you used a tripod a lot., it would balance better, but it is an easily hand holdeable lens.

All the good things people write about this lens are probably understated! I can't find enough good things to say about it. the IS version does intrigue me, but the price is off-putting, being little less than the 2.8 version anyway.

I reckon you will be very happy indeed with this lens!

Mine comes on Wednesday, hoorah!