| Product: |
Canon EF 70-200mm f/4.0 L USM Zoom Lens |
| Date: |
18/08/07 (266 review reads) |
| Rating: |
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Advantages: Image quality, light, good price, good second hand value.
Disadvantages: It's not F2.8, it doesn't have IS (Battery talk time not very good!)
A 70-200 telephoto is "standard kit" for many photographers, which is why Canon have four models at this focal length.(F4, F4 IS, F2.8 and F2.8 IS) (IS = Image stabilised)
There's little point in talking about the F4 without comparing it to the others.
All 4 have superb image quality, some say the F4 is sharper than the 2.8 IS (My 2.8 IS is very slightly sharper than my F4 so who knows) either way all of them are stonkingly good from 70-200, from wide open.
If you measurebate you might spot some differences but they will be irrelevant in real world images
The question is which one to get. Each one is compromise over weight, speed, and price, to my mind this is how they stack up.
F4 (Non IS)
Very light, great price but F4 makes it limited in low light. I.E. sports hall, high motion, high ISO, you're at 1/60th, you need at least 1/125 (i.e. the one stop you get with the 2.8)
So ideal for use outside in good light, F4 will be less of an issue as high ISO performance improves in future bodies.
F4 IS
Slightly heavier, more money, with the IS you're 2-3 stops better off for hand holding, but the shutter speed will be the same for motion.
So better for a Church interior, not a gym
F2.8 (Non IS)
Considerably heavier, loads more money but you can't beat having an extra stop when you need it.
Very useable in low light, weight can be a issue for some people. (Both the 2.8 and the 2.8 uses more common 77mm filters and come with a tripod mount. The F4 doesn't really need it anyway)
F2.8 (IS) "The ultimate solution", bit heavier than the 2.8 it's a long way from the F4 in price but ticks all the boxes, if you using it for a living it's a no brainer.
If you shoot in low light and need the speed, (and have the money) this is what you need.
The 70-200 F4 is a great lens, and will give outstanding results in good light, if you have a 5D or a 1D Mark III you'll probably get acceptable results in lower light with high ISOs
It also depends on what you're shooting and how deep you're pockets are.
It seems many people buy the F4 and upgrade after a couple of years. They hold their value very well. I sold mine for more than I bought it for after 12 months!
So you might like to consider looking at "previously enjoyed" one, I doubt you'll loose much on it in a year.
Summary: Buy one and upgrade later if you think you need to
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