Finally pulled the trigger: 70-200mm f/4 IS

I've been lusting over this lens for the past 3+ years. Then the 70-200mm f/2.8 IS II came out and I wasn't sure which one to get. I could afford the 2.8 IS II, but I didn't really want to spend that much money if I could be just as happy with the f/4 IS. After many hours of researching the pros and cons of each I went with the f/4 IS.

I'm not a pro, just a hobbyist that likes taking pictures of my family. I don't shoot indoor sports or anything that really requires the f/2.8. I just wanted a good outdoor zoom lens that I could take to the park. The larger size, heavier weight and bigger price tag were of course the main reasons I didn't go with the f/2.8 IS II. I'm sure the bokeh is creamier and performs a lot better indoors in lower light conditions, but I wanted to go with a lighter lens that I would bring with me more often. I have the 24-70mm f/2.8 L and I thought that was a pretty heavy lens (2.1 lbs). The 70-200mm f/4 IS is lighter than that at 1.67 lbs, while the 70-200mm f/2.8 IS II is 3.29 lbs.

The research on this forum from other members helped out a lot. I also found another post on dpreview that really influenced my decision: Owner's findings: 70-200 f2.8 II AF, etc. compared to f4 IS. I just wanted to say thanks to all the members out there that actually take the time and effort to do reviews or give their personal opinions about a product to help out the average joe schmoe like me. I'll be looking forward to taking a duck picture and I can't wait to take my almost 10-month old son to feed the ducks some bread.

BTW: I bought the lens on eBay last night through Beach Camera with 8% BCB (it came back instantly) and $30 MrRebate.com. Yesterday was the last day for Bing CB.

Congrats you made the right choice for your needs. The 70-200 F4 IS is one of Canon's sharpest zoom you can buy.

I also like this lens very much and use it as a walk around on the 5D II for portrait street photography.

If I'm not shooting something special and need the 2.8 I will use the F4 because of the weight.

Enjoy the lens its sharp with excellent colors and contrast.

Congrats. I had one and loved it but needed the reach of a longer lens.

Congrats. Its a great lens and I think it will work well for you. Post some pictures once it arrives.

You will love the lens! It's my sharpest lens even when wide open, can't say a bad thing about it

Amazing lens.

very very sharp lens, and light weight too. even at f4 you can get good subject/background separation because the subject will be just so darn sharp

Jeff81 wrote in post #10637150
Congrats. Its a great lens and I think it will work well for you. Post some pictures once it arrives.

I'll do my best to try & get a duck picture.

Had one for the last 4 years...love it. Good choice.

joysmahal wrote in post #10637045
I've been lusting over this lens for the past 3+ years. Then the 70-200mm f/2.8 IS II came out and I wasn't sure which one to get. I could afford the 2.8 IS II, but I didn't really want to spend that much money if I could be just as happy with the f/4 IS. After many hours of researching the pros and cons of each I went with the f/4 IS.

I'm not a pro, just a hobbyist that likes taking pictures of my family. I don't shoot indoor sports or anything that really requires the f/2.8. I just wanted a good outdoor zoom lens that I could take to the park. The larger size, heavier weight and bigger price tag were of course the main reasons I didn't go with the f/2.8 IS II. I'm sure the bokeh is creamier and performs a lot better indoors in lower light conditions, but I wanted to go with a lighter lens that I would bring with me more often. I have the 24-70mm f/2.8 L and I thought that was a pretty heavy lens (2.1 lbs). The 70-200mm f/4 IS is lighter than that at 1.67 lbs, while the 70-200mm f/2.8 IS II is 3.29 lbs.

The research on this forum from other members helped out a lot. I also found another post on dpreview that really influenced my decision: Owner's findings: 70-200 f2.8 II AF, etc. compared to f4 IS. I just wanted to say thanks to all the members out there that actually take the time and effort to do reviews or give their personal opinions about a product to help out the average joe schmoe like me. I'll be looking forward to taking a duck picture and I can't wait to take my almost 10-month old son to feed the ducks some bread.

BTW: I bought the lens on eBay last night through Beach Camera with 8% BCB (it came back instantly) and $30 MrRebate.com. Yesterday was the last day for Bing CB.

I just purchased the same lens a couple of days ago using the Ebay 8% BCB and $30 MrRebate, am a hobbyist similar to you, taking photos of my family and friends. Though I'd like to go pro and start making a little money from it someday. Then I could justify the gear purchases more easily. My lens is due to be delivered on Monday, can't wait!
Did you / are you going to get a filter for it?

you'll love it!! i love it with my 7D

eaglefan wrote in post #10638660
I just purchased the same lens a couple of days ago using the Ebay 8% BCB and $30 MrRebate, am a hobbyist similar to you, taking photos of my family and friends. Though I'd like to go pro and start making a little money from it someday. Then I could justify the gear purchases more easily. My lens is due to be delivered on Monday, can't wait!
Did you / are you going to get a filter for it?

I didn't buy the filter yet. But, I'm positive I'm going to get the B+W MRC UV (010) filter for it. I use that filter on all my lenses.

Amazon link for reference: 67mm B+W MRC UV (010) filter

joysmahal wrote in post #10638809
I didn't buy the filter yet. But, I'm positive I'm going to get the B+W MRC UV (010) filter for it. I use that filter on all my lenses.

Amazon link for reference: 67mm B+W MRC UV (010) filter

That's exactly the filter that I purchased for mine.

eaglefan wrote in post #10638660
I just purchased the same lens a couple of days ago using the Ebay 8% BCB and $30 MrRebate, am a hobbyist similar to you, taking photos of my family and friends. Though I'd like to go pro and start making a little money from it someday. Then I could justify the gear purchases more easily. My lens is due to be delivered on Monday, can't wait!
Did you / are you going to get a filter for it?

I've got this lens, it's very sharp and renders color very well. The only filter I put on it is a B&W Kas CPL. I have UV filters only for protection in blowing sand and spray. The Hood for this lens provides as much protection as I need. I'm suggesting saving for a good CPL, they can do nice things.

joysmahal wrote in post #10637045
. . . . . The 70-200mm f/4 IS is lighter than that at 1.67 lbs, while the 70-200mm f/2.8 IS II is 3.29 lbs. (

I was deciding between the 2.8 and 4 earlier this year but weight (and to a lesser extent fitting it into my Lowepro CompuRover camera bag) was a critical issue for me with trips to the Middle east and Europe and then hikes in the US and Canada in the last 4 months so I ended up going for the 4 and was glad I did. The extra light grabbing ability of a 2.8 would have been useful several times, like indoors at the Calgary Stampede, and shooting horse jumping at 9 pm in the evening but overall the 4 has been a great performer. Of the 10,000 photos I've taken on my travels so far I've taken about half of them with this lens. Today I picked up a used EF 1.4x extender in great shape so I'm looking forward to some interesting times with this combo.