Canon 70-200 f4.0 USM- Any comments on it?

[impressme]

Canon | 70-200mm f/4.0L USM Autofocus Lens | 2578A002 | B&H

Does anyone have this lens or have comments on it? I'm looking for a 70-300ish range lens that's fairly fast. I can't afford the f2.8 but it appears faster than the 70-300. Any thoughts?

I'll be using the lens to capture fire scenes for the local fire department.

 

[Big Mike]

This is an outstanding lens. The quality is much, much higher than the 70-300mm lenses. It is, after all, an L lens.

The only downside, is that there are three similar models in the line up that are better.
The 70-200mm F4 L IS
The 70-200mm F2.8 L
and the best one; 70-200 F2.8 L IS
They do get progressively more expensive though.

You might also consider a 70-200mm F2.8 from Sigma or Tamron. I believe the price for those are closer to the price of the Canon F4.

 

[impressme]

The only downside, is that there are three similar models in the line up that are better.
The 70-200mm F4 L IS
The 70-200mm F2.8 L
and the best one; 70-200 F2.8 L IS
They do get progressively more expensive though.

You might also consider a 70-200mm F2.8 from Sigma or Tamron. I believe the price for those are closer to the price of the Canon F4.

I would love to get the 2.8 L or L IS but right now those are definitely out of my price range. I don't know but maybe it's just me that's bias to Canon lenses. Are you just paying for the name or is there more to the Canon lenses than that?

 

[Big Mike]

Well, some of it is probably the name...but for the most part, L lenses are better than other brands like Sigma, Tamron etc. Just how much better is up for debate.

A top of the line Sigma or Tamron lens can be very good...maybe 90% as good as a similar Canon L lens. However, the price of the Canon lens might be twice that of the Sigma/Tamron. So is the extra cost worth that extra 10% in quality? For some people, yes it is....for others, it's not. It's up to you to decide.

 

[gsgary]

I have one and it is a fantastic lens, it is a lot lighter than the 2.8 if that is a issue, i have read a very good report about the Tamron F2.8
If you want some sample shots let me know

 

[impressme]

can you post a few? I'd love to see some!

This is my biggest lens purchase thus far so I'm a bit nervous making the plunge- photos of what it can do would def help me justify the expense- to my husband if no one else!

 

[jwsciontc]

i was very close to getting the tamron 2.8, didnt have all the cash though

 

[gsgary]

can you post a few? I'd love to see some!

This is my biggest lens purchase thus far so I'm a bit nervous making the plunge- photos of what it can do would def help me justify the expense- to my husband if no one else!

No problem

 

[impressme]

Thanks Gary for sharing! Amazing detail in those portraits!

 

[Beth81]

I'm no good at blog posting so I don't know if this will be a new blog or if this is a reply to someone else's post BUT here goes:

I'm currently entering the photography world. I've known since I was a child that this is what I'm meant to do. I have such a strong passion for it, and sometimes I feel like it consumes me. I'm constantly trying to gain new knowledge. Can someone please help me to pick the right camera and accessories?? I'm torn between the Nikon D90 and the Canon Rebel XSi. I'm about to go crazy reading review after review so i decided to post to see if someone had some personal experience or advise to help me. I'd really appreciate it. Thanks ahead of time.:lmao::lmao::lmao:

 

[gsgary]

Thanks Gary for sharing! Amazing detail in those portraits!

Found some more, not fantastic shots this was the first time i had been in the studio

and one on my EOS5 35mm (Ilford Delta 100)

 

[table1349]

Here is the general story line for the 70-200 f4L. You buy it because of the price. The quality of the lens is outstanding, the build excellent and it blows you away for a while. (It never really quits blowing you away for what it can do)

After a while you begin to discover the down side, it being an f4 instead of an f2.8. You save your money for the f2.8, you sell the f4 for more than you probably thought you would get for it (if it is well cared for and in good condition) and you end up at some point in time with the f2.8 version with or without IS.

It seems to be the natural progression of things.

Oh and your used f4 ends up going to someone that thought they would never own an L lens. They get hooked and the whole cycle starts again.

 

[Derek Zoolander]

While we're on it. Would you get a Sigma or Tamron? Also, anyone have pics that they've taken with either of them? Obviously the Canon is supposed to be superior but im poor.

 

[impressme]

Here is the general story line for the 70-200 f4L. You buy it because of the price. The quality of the lens is outstanding, the build excellent and it blows you away for a while. (It never really quits blowing you away for what it can do)

After a while you begin to discover the down side, it being an f4 instead of an f2.8. You save your money for the f2.8, you sell the f4 for more than you probably thought you would get for it (if it is well cared for and in good condition) and you end up at some point in time with the f2.8 version with or without IS.

It seems to be the natural progression of things.

Oh and your used f4 ends up going to someone that thought they would never own an L lens. They get hooked and the whole cycle starts again.

I completely agree with you! I figure, I'll buy this one and if I find I'm using it alot, I'll want an even faster lens- progression: the 2.8.

While we're on it. Would you get a Sigma or Tamron? Also, anyone have pics that they've taken with either of them? Obviously the Canon is supposed to be superior but im poor.

I'm not necessarily apposed to the Sigma or Tamron... I've just never used one or looked into them. All of my lenses are Canon. I'd probably be interested in the resale aspect of either of the brands. It's something that probably a few years down the road I'll replace for the 2.8- along with a full format body.

 

[Ejazzle]

ive read a ton of reviews for the sigma 70-200 f/2.8 and it sounds like a whole bunch of horror stories.
FM Reviews - 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG APO MACRO HSM

this version seems better

FM Reviews - 70-200mm f2.8 EX APO IF HSM