70-200 f/4L

[t5Nitro]

For doing outdoor shots, is the f/2.8 really needed for this lens? The price difference is huge and both are an L lens with different apertures.

Also the f/4L version has the imported as $600 whereas the USA version is $1025. Why would you want to pay $400 more for the same lens?

This is based off of B&H.

Just was looking for a really nice telephoto lens that wasn't really expensive.

 

[BlueCorn]

The non-IS f/4 is the bargain of the century. I would avoid the imported as you have no warranty.

 

[t5Nitro]

Oh, I didn't see the USA non IS version. Had to scroll down more. So still with the rebate the USA 70-200mm f/4L non IS is $599. Is it a really good lens or why would that lens be so cheap? :lol: I want an L series zoom and that seems awesome. Anyone ever use it?

 

[t5Nitro]

Actually I just read the reviews from people on B&H's website. Not one disliked it.

 

[BlueCorn]

It's just older than the IS version. It used to be a $1000 lens until they released the IS version. It's tack sharp, compact and relatively fast. It's a really nice piece of glass.

 

[IPT]

Sigh, due to "upgraditis" I have all 3 (and would be willing to part with the Non IS if you like). Personally the only reason I got the F2.8 version was because of the MAJOR trip to Churchill to shoot the polar bears. I wanted every last little bit of light I could get if I needed it for that once in a lifetime trip (I think I might have used that lens for less than 5% of the images I took and even then it was at F8 - good lighting the entire trip really!).

All of them are tack sharp. The F2.8, depending on your camera body will ebagle a few extra sensors for focusing but that is the higer end bodies anyway (not sure which bodies, maybe Doug or someone knows). The F2.8 is a beast compared to the F4 and like I said if I wasn;t paranoid I would have stayed with the F4 and been totally fine (turns out I could have as it were anyway).

You can't go wrong with any of them.

L

 

[TitusvileSurfer]

The 70-200 f/4 is possibly the sharpest zoom lens in Canon's lineup. I have the 70-200 f/2.8 IS because...well...I can justify both the extra stop of aperture and the IS. If you don't need the f/2.8 or the IS, the f/4 version isn't any less of a lens by any stretch of the imagination.

 

[t5Nitro]

Why do people not use the IS anyway? Like my 24-70 is not IS either. I've seen people with IS lenses turn them off for nature/landscape shots. Why? What does it do to the lens that isn't beneficial?

Thanks.

 

[BlueCorn]

Generally, landscape and nature shots use a tripod. Canon recommends that IS be turned off when on a tripod as it can actually cause less sharp images.

 

[TitusvileSurfer]

The 70-200 will realize it is on a tripod and turn IS off automatically. A tripod is a far better IS than any in-camera or in-lens system, but it isn't as convenient. IS adds a noticeable burden to the battery as well.

 

[Maxxumless]

I have the 70-200L IS f/4 and use it mainly for day sports shooting. It's lightning fast focusing and sharpness are very nice. However, at f/4 IS does come into play a good bit at dawn and dusk and when I'm indoors. However, this is not a great indoor or low light lens. The general rule when hand holding is if your speed dips below your MM of your lens then you'll likely get blurry shots - and don't forget to multiply the crop factor. So, if you have this lens and a Canon XTi (x1.6 crop) and your camera is telling you that the speed 1/100 is good you're going to have a blur picture with the non-IS version of this lens at 200MM. Minimum speed for that lens @ 200mm on a budget digital camera is 1/320 - IF you have a steady hand. Otherwise, 1/400 should be the slowest shutter speed you would use. The IS version could get you down to 1/60 if you had a steady hand.

 

[IPT]

Like has been said the IS is a non issue with the tripod. At the longer focal length shutter speed become an issue but not as much as if yo had a 300 or 400mm lens. IS really depends on your shooting style and subjects. Even on the tripod I have occasionally used IS (I think only the new ones can sense it and shut themselves off but I am not positive - mine doesn;t do that) when there are real windy conditions and vibratinon or small movements are happening (I have a big tripod but in plce like Churchill and the mountians of AK the wind can be pretty fierce! Let me know if you decide non IS.

 

[t5Nitro]

I sent you a PM.