Canon EF 70-200mm f/4 L IS USM Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras | 
 enlarge | Brand: Canon
Category: Photography
List Price: $1,349.99
Buy New: $1,208.99
You Save: $141.00 (10%)
New (12) Used (6) from $1,025.00
Rating:  124 reviews
Format: CD
Media: Electronics
Autographed: No
Memorabilia: No
Batteries Included: No
Operating System: N/A
Optical Zoom: 2.9
Maximum Focal Length: 200
Minimum Focal Length: 70
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.7
Dimensions (in): 0 x 0 x 0
Legal Disclaimer: Warranty does not cover misuse of product.
MPN: 1258B002
Model: 1258B002
UPC: 013803064568
EAN: 0013803064568
ASIN: B000I1X3W8
Release Date: October 23, 2006
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Features:
| • | 70-200mm telephoto zoom lens with f/4 maximum aperture for Canon digital SLR cameras | | • | Fluorite UD lens elements produce excellent optical performance in resolution and contrast | | • | Ring-type ultra-sonic monitor (USM) for quick and quiet autofocusing; lightweight construction | | • | Image Stabilizer provides up to 4 stops of shake correction; water- and dust-proof construction | | • | Measures 3 inches in diameter and 6.8 inches long; weighs 26.8 ounces; 1-year warranty |
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Product Description
Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM lens offers the highest possible optical quality with no change in aperture over the full focal range of the lens. This allows photographers to set exposure at the widest aperture and zoom all the way through to 200mm without having to decrease shutter speed. Developed for use with a Canon SLR camera, this autofocus telephoto zoom lens offers optimized use with the Canon EOS series digital cameras. Of particular note, Canon has introduced an image stabilizer (IS) that adjusts to meet the demands of professional photography. IS reduces dramatically the image blur caused by camera shake. Gyro sensors detect unwanted vibrations, triggering the corresponding movement of a correcting lens group perpendicular to the optical axis. This alters the light path, returning the image to its correct position on the sensor or film plane. For shooting immobile subjects, Mode 1 corrects for movement in the image along both the horizontal and vertical axes. For shooting while panning horizontally to follow a moving subject, Mode 2 turns off vertical correction and prevents the effect of dragging the subject back through the frame. The lens' Ring-type USM employs ultra-sonic frequency vibrations to drive auto focus with unrivalled speed and near-silent operation. A powerful CPU and improved AF algorithm contribute to speed performance. The EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM includes distance metering information, providing compatibility with the E-TTL II flash system of late model cameras such as the EOS-1D Mark II, EOS-1Ds Mark II, EOS 5D and EOS 400D. When used in conjunction with Canon's range of EX Speedlite flash units, the lens passes distance information to the flash algorithm for markedly improved flash exposure metering. Includes Lens hood and soft pouch
Amazon.com Product Description
Capture the far-off action of fast-paced sports or zoom in for an intimate portrait with the Canon EF 70-200mm telephoto zoom lens. The L-series lens offers an Image Stabilizer that provides up to four stops of shake correction--a first for Canon IS lenses. The use of fluorite UD lens elements, meanwhile, produces an excellent optical performance in terms of resolution and contrast. Add in a sturdy housing with water- and dust-proof construction and you have a lens that's both portable and high performing. Other details include an f/4 maximum aperture, a ring-type ultra-sonic monitor (USM) that enables quick and quiet autofocusing, compatibility with circular polarizing filters, and a lightweight body. The lens carries a one-year warranty. - Focal length: 70-200mm
- Maximum aperture: f/4
- Lens construction: 20 elements in 15 groups
- Diagonal angle of view: 34 to 12 degrees (with full-frame cameras)
- Focus adjustment: AF with full-time manual focus
- Closest focusing distance: 3.94 feet
- Zoom system: 7-group helical zoom (72-degree rotational angle)
- Filter size: 67mm
- Dimensions: 3 inches in diameter, 6.8 inches long
- Weight: 26.8 ounces
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| Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 1-5 of 124
My first L lens August 29, 2010
Diverhank (Huntington Beach, CA United States)
I got this lens for less than a week and have shot about 300 pictures with it. So far I'm very happy with it.
This is my very first L-lens. The only other lens I've got is the 28-135 f/3.5-5.6 IS kit lens that came with my 50D camera. So here, I'll try to give you my impression of this lens in comparison to the 28-135 lens.
Construction quality - This lens is cream white with black stripes where the focus and zoom rings are. It is solid and doesn't wobble like the kit lens. The first time I turned the zoom ring it almost freaked me out...it was so smooth and without any friction. I still have trouble believing it can be physically made that smooth --> impressed...it's like driving a Mercedes after years of driving a Camry (which I also did)...no actually even better...Similarly, the switches (e.g. focus distance, AF --> MF, ...) are much smoother.
Picture Quality -- So far, picture quality is really good but to be frank, it isn't improved by leaps and bounds compared to the kit lens (in the zoom ranges that are comparable)...it didn't wow me like the mechanical construction did. I guess the kit lens is very good in this area.
Portability -- this lens is quite small and light (it is slightly skinnier than the 28-135 kit lens but a few inches longer and very long with the hood on). Today I walked 6 miles with it on the 50D and didn't feel tired due to its weight at all. One thing I noticed, the leather bag that comes with the lens is way too big.
Image Stabilizer -- The IS appears to work quite well. It makes a lot more noise compared to the kit lens which was a surprise. You can hear it working (starting up and shutting down) quite distinctly. I guess it has something to do with the 4 f-stop capability versus 3 or less of other lens. I haven't tried the IS Mode 2 yet so I can't report. I panned with Mode 1 and the result was quite OK.
The autofocus -- There is a switch that allows you to switch from 1.2m-infinity and 3m-infinity. The default was at 1.2m-infinity. I shot about 150 shots of birds in flight at 200mm with the switch at the default and the camera on AI SERVO and high speed (6.3fps)...Out of these 150, the lens couldn't focus on the bird in about 30 shots. With the kit lens (no such switch and at its max 135mm), it only fails in about 5 out of 150. I was disappointed until I remembered there was this switch. After switching to 3m-infinity, I shot about 50 pictures and I had zero focusing failures...I'm happy with this discovery. The lens manual says switching to 3m allows faster focusing and it wasn't kidding...so my recommendation is to do so. I'd only switch back to 1.5m if I need to focus objects closer than 3 meters. The USM motor is faster, quieter and much smoother than the kit lens's.
Prior to getting the 50D DSLR, I used a Canon 10SX-IS that has an 35mm-equivalent 600mm zoom. I miss the reach...This lens is only 200mm, even with a crop camera body (equivalent 320mm), sometimes it didn't have enough reach for these darn birds...they are too small and far away :). Other than that, this lens is a clear winner. Like someone said...once you own an L lens, you'll never go back.
My First "L" Series Lens August 20, 2010
InfoSeeker (Northeast)
I purchased a Canon 50D beginning of this year with the kit lens (28-135). My first step up from a 35mm Pentax ME Super and boy am I ever enjoying photography more now! No more worries about enough film. After that purchase I next purchased a 17-55 2.8 lens. Never having a lens that fast before put me at another level. I always spend a lot of time researching before I buy camera equipment, or anything for that matter, and my next wish was a "L" lens. Since I started in photography back in 1984 I've found this hobby to be very addicting. This 70-200 4.0 IS zoom is awesome. I've only had it 3 weeks and I've shot over 400 pictures and I love it. When I've used it the way I'm supposed to the pictures are awesome in the camera. Canon prices are very expensive but ....... quality comes with a price. I highly recommend this lens if you can afford it.
Now my favorite L lens. August 17, 2010
B. Reynolds
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
All the good praise given for this lens is deserved. This is my 7th L lens, and it immediately has become my favorite. I like it much more than my f2.8 28-300L IS, which requires a tripod for me to use. I thought that the extra stop in the 2.8 version of this lens might be useful enough to warrent the extra expense, but after reading the reviews of the f4, I gave it a try. I am glad that I did not spend the extra money for a feature that does not seem to be needed. The quality of the pictures taken by this lens is just wonderful. My only regret is that I did not make this my first L lens.
Why You Need This August 10, 2010
Branden (Northern California)
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
Much deserving praise has been heaped on this lens, and I can't help but contribute more, but I'll also try to explain why in the vast world of telephoto zoom lenses, this is the one you should pick.
First off, compared to its non-IS cousin, this lens offers an amazing four stops of stabilization. If the rule of thumb for shooting 200mm says shoot no slower than 1/250th of a second (the nearest stop above the reciprocal of the focal length), and four stops slower is 1/15th. Obviously this is slower than you'll likely need to go, but that's how good this IS is. It is among the best Canon offers.
The other obvious choices for comparing this lens are the 70-200mm f/2.8 non-IS and f/2.8 IS versions. Without IS, the f/2.8 price is the same, yet even if you can afford the $2,500 version, this f/4 IS is still, in my opinion, the best choice. Yes, the f/2.8 versions give a full extra stop of aperture, an advantage which should not be discounted, but the drawbacks of using those lenses are their far greater heft. For one stop of aperture, you'll be toting up to double the weight. The f/4 version can still fit in camera bags, the f/2.8, not so much.
Other options you may be considering are the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens for half the price, or the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM Lens which goes for about the same price. While these lenses do give a little extra "reach" going to 300mm, you'll not miss it. On the contrary, with the 70-200mm f/4L IS you will greatly appreciate the much greater image quality (including sharpness and contrast), the aperture that doesn't change with zoom amount, the amazing easiness of use, and the lens barrel that doesn't change in length when zooming that come with this nicer lens.
This non-changing lens length should not be discounted -- using it is like a breath of fresh air, and you will never go back. Not only does the focal length never zoom on its own, but you never have to "store" the lens at a set focal length.
This is my absolute favorite lens for nature and event photography. It comes with the lens hood, and I personally have accessorized it with a Janco Metal Tripod Collar Mount for ease of use, and a B+W 67mm UVA Haze MRC Filter #010.
great lens... July 25, 2010
thomman (WI,USA)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
I am not going to list down all the performance characteristics of this lens here: much better and smarter photographers have done that already at too many places(If you haven't seen one yet, try photozone.de). I am just going to list down what "I" felt with my my first L lens :)
I am not a pro, and I am not a complete novice either. I dont use a mag glass and pixel peep, but I can easily make out what went wrong with pictures I take. I bought my first DSLR (Canon Digital Rebel) in 2004. I still use the same body, but bought two lenses on the way: Canon 50mm f/1.4 and Sigma 70-300 APO Macro. I use the 50mm almost always. I use the Sigma when I am traveling to some parks or visiting botanical gardens (for its macro capability as well). The problem with Sigma was that I could rarely get sharp pictures "hand held" beyond probably 150mm. Many of my photos suffered from camera shake. Even when there is no shake, that lens is quite a beginner lens in terms of IQ - after shooting with it for 2-3 years, I now see something bad with every picture out of that lens :) That's when I hit the market to get a new lens. I decided that I will buy only those lenses that I would keep for a long time (if not forever).
I started off looking for a lens that goes all the way to 300 with a budget of under $600. My requirements were great IQ, easy handling (I have a small build), and that I shouldn't grow out of its capabilities in the next few years. The Canon 70-300 IS was the first I looked at. Though it is a great lens, I figured from online reviews that I will end up with another upgrade when I upgrade my body later this year (mostly to 50d). I also found that there is no other good 300mm zooms at that price point or even $1000. So I started looking 200mm zooms. I started with a Canon 70-200 f/4L. It is rated high at just about every review online and it fit the budget too. But from my Sigma 70-300 experience, I knew it was difficult to hand hold a lens at 200 and beyond unless it is bright outdoors. For the next set of candidates, I realized my $600 budget isnt going to cut it. So I made it ~$1200. That brought in 3 candidates: Sigma 70-200 f2.8 EX, Canon 70-200 f/4 IS and Canon 70-200 F/2.8. This decision was tough from a performance stand point. They all are VERY good. The Sigma didnt have OS, but it was F/2.8 and $400 cheaper. The Canon F/2.8 IS didnt make the list because it was way over my budget. There were many reviews online that mentioned that f/4 IS is probably the best optically among all 4 Canon 70-200 lenses. However, F/2.8 was tempting on the sigma and the canon. After a long while, I finally made my choice: Canon 70-200 L IS. Why? At 3 pounds, I cant carry the Sigma and the Canon 2.8 for long. At half that weight, I can carry the F/4 IS much longer. I lose an f-stop, but I can compensate with the better IS that F/4 has (which is 4 - making it effectively F/1.4 when there is no subject motion), and possibly higher isos (which is not as bad with the new bodies as it used to be in the past).
I received the lens about a month ago. First thing I realized is how good/balanced it feels. When I read reviews about the build quality of L-lenses, I could never comprehend it. How good could it be, was always my thought. Now I know :) I have shot hundreds of shots now, and I can confirm that there is a big difference in the results compared to my Sigma. Of course, it is expected because the Sigma is a $200 lens, but the point is "I" could take better pictures with this lens with a 6MP Digital Rebel. I am very happy with the purchase, and I am convinced I am now prepared for a 50D :)
A point of caution for first time users of IS: you need to wait a second (or fraction of second) with shutter half-depressed for IS to compensate for motion. If you dont, it is as if there was no IS itself. I didnt know this initially and I was disappointed with the results. Once I figured that out, the results have been spectacular - I have had hand-held shots at less that 1/10th of a second.
Showing reviews 1-5 of 124
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