Canon EF 70-200mm f/4.0L USM Lens

Hi all, I have owned this lens for over a year now. My lens is the one without image stabilization. My advice to you all, who are thinking of getting this lens, is save yourself a load of money, and buy the one without image stabilization. I use this lens on my Canon 7D and my Canon 5D Mk II. I never get out of focus shots or blurred shots at any focal length and I am talking hand held here. Overall a superb lens for just under £400 second hand. Martin

With over 100 lenses produced for Canon EOS system, finding the right lenses

can be a little overwhelming. I was looking to purchase at least one Canon L series lens to go with my current kit. After researching all the information available, and the kind of photographs I would be taking, plus the most important point for me, the cost, I eventually opted for the Canon EF 70-200mm f/4 L IS USM Lens.

Professional reviewers alike have hailed the Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L USM for it's top-notch build quality and the superb optical performance at a reasonable price. It has super state of the art 4-stop image stabilizer with panning mode and tripod detection.

The lens has 4 switches,

(1) Focus limiter (sets minimum focus distance of 1.2m or 3m...

(2) Auto/manual focus,

(3) Image stabilizer,

(4) Stabilizer mode (regular mode 1 or panning mode 2). The image stabilizer is outstanding.

As with other image stabilizers on the market, it is not effective at stopping subjects in motion.

When the IS is switched on, it kicks in with a satisfying click when you press the shutter button half way.

The lens weighs in at 1.68 lbs and at 3" in width and 6.8" in length, it is a quite manageable for a zoom lens. Thanks to the inner focus, the lens does not extend nor rotate during focusing or zooming and therefore stays at 6.8" at all time. As to be expected, its ring-type USM with full-time manual override is silky smooth and fast.

Pro's

- Amazing Build Quality.

- 4 Stop Image Stabilizer.

- Outstanding Image Quality.

- Superb Focus System.

- Manageable Lens.

Con's

- You will need to purchase a Tripod Mount Ring (Bought mine through Ebay).

- Expensive (Shop around, prices vary).

- The IS system uses more battery power.

- The f4 aperture may be a little restrictive for some.

Overhaul this is one superb lens and a real joy to use. As I have mentioned, it is best to shop around for the best price, you will be very surprised on how much you can save.