counpsych

I recently bought a one-year old Canon 7D from a friend who was moving up to a 5D. I've been using my kit lenses from my T1i and they work fine, but I've been looking at the Adorama website where they list a Canon EF 70-200mm F4L USM Autofocus Telephoto Zoom Lens with case and hood (USA) for $629.00. I am a retired professor and money for frills doesn't flow generously so I wanted to get some input from my Hedgehog friends. :) Thanks!

Rich Maher Loc: Sonoma County, CA

Also try KEH camera. they are very reasonable.

dooragdragon Loc: Alma , Arkansas

Also check out canons factory refurbished line on lens, nikon user here myself but hey know what its like being on a budget .

Blurryeyed Loc: NC Mountains.

That seems like a really good price on that lens, I would only ask if that is the lens that you will get the most use out of. Personally I do not use telephoto so much and on your camera it will be a 112-320mm equivalent on a full frame. If you are comfortable with that zoom range then it is a solid purchase, it is certainly a good lens, but is it the lens that will satisfy the majority of shooting situations that you find yourself in. I personally find more opportunity to shoot between 15 and 50mm than I do between 70-200mm.

One things I did that helped me with my lens choices was to look at different flickr groups and see the photography posted there. You can find a group for just about any lens out there and then decide if what you see posted in that group is the type photography you think that you will be shooting.

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

Canon USA EF 70-200mm f/4L USM
Telephoto Zoom Estimated Retail Price: $709.99
http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/ef_lens_lineup/ef_70_200mm_f_4l_usm

Canon USA Refurbished Lenses
http://shop.usa.canon.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductListingViewAll_10051_10051_-1_22751

ASR666 Loc: Singapore

I use a Canon 550d and have an EFS 55-250 lens that's light and sharp. I love that lens but the problem is slow focusing and 'hunting' esp when the subject is moving. And so I bought a faster lens .... The Canon EF f/4 70-200 is a fast focus lens with great image quality. However, the version you're looking at has no image stabilization and so, steady hands (or higher ISO, faster shutter speeds are required as compared to the IS version)

allen finley photography Loc: Sunshine State.

I love the lense (lens for USA folks),(I own it), great sharpness and color, a lot lighter weight than the 2.8 version. You might consider spending just a bit more though and get the IS version instead.

dugole Loc: Matawan, New Jersey

Hi counpsych - When I first started with DSLRs a few years ago I got the same lens - it was date coded 2005. It took really decent pictures but required a shutter speed of at least 1/250 minimum. So, if I didn't have a tripod to use with it, my picture taking opportunities with that lens were somewhat limited.

Last fall I bought the 70-200 IS "L'" and there is a world of difference - I use it often and just love the results - it is my favored lens. The pictures are, generally, tack sharp and I have had good results at speeds as slow as 1/15 (although I do try to use faster shutter speeds if possible). The IS factor is critical. Also the IS lens is date coded 2011 and, from what I have read, Canon's glass for the newer "L" has been upgraded making great improvements on image quality. I am on a fixed income so price is a factor. I bought both lenses used from a respected retailer. Used prices: non-IS was $550 and the IS was $900.

Bottom line - overall, the IS greatly out performs the non-IS. The non-IS does give high quality results but its usability is somewhat diminished without IS. If you decide to buy used, keep the date codes in mind.

MountainLover Loc: Columbia, TN

Great info as I am looking to upgrade from my digital point and shoot to a good dslr camera with a couple of lenses.

rsnoeyink Loc: Schererville, Indiana

I have this lens for my 7D and love it. The image quality is top-notch, and it's not as heavy and clumsy as the 2.8 IS models.

Photo-Al Loc: Sonoma County, CA

Not sure what you primarily shoot, but $$$ was also a factor for me, but I needed a wide lens because I like to shoot night-time rodeo in small arenas (county fairs). So I bought a Tamron SP f/2.8 70-200 from Beach Camera (like KEH or Adorama or B&H) for WAY less than the Canon L series and ratings that were nearly as good. If you need low light fast shutter capability, don't be afraid to look at a 2.8 70-200 from Sigma or Tamron ... Canon & Nikon aren't the only ones with good quality lens. If you have all the money you want, then buy Canon. If you can't afford the best Canon lens, check the others. I have since bought two other Tamron SP lens ... 200-500 and 24-135.

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

Usually Adorama (as well as B&H) is one of the best online retailers to do business with. Their pricing is always fair and the quality of products top notch, btw., the lens you're looking at is one heck of a lens, I think you'll be happy with it.

larrywlb Loc: Omaha, Nebraska

I have canon 7D also. you might try a Tamron 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 DI-II VC PZD Piezo Drive Ultrasonic Motor Aspherical (IF) AF Zoom, for Canon EOS Digital SLRs rather than the canon lens. The above Tamron is $419 at Adorama. I have a Tamron 70-300 and with the APSC sensor of the 7D, that makes the 70-300 like a 112-480mm lens. my tamron experience has been very good. tamron also has a 70-200 if that is specifically what you want.

GaryS1964 Loc: Northern California

Are you looking for one "walk around" lens? If so the 70-200 will not serve you well. In 35mm equivalent is 112mm to 320mm on a 7D. It won't work well at family gatherings or when walking the streets of Paris or Carmel, CA. If on the other hand you don't mind changing lenses as necessary it will complement your 18-55 kit lens quite well with only a small gap in coverage.

My favorite "walk around" lens is the Canon 15-85. It's on my 7D 90% of the time. Good quality images and works quite well at Disneyland, Pier 39 in San Francisco, Carmel, family gatherings, etc. I have a Tamron 70-300 when I need more reach. I also have a Canon 18-200 when I only want to carry one lens and know I'll need more reach than the 15-85 provides.

In the end it boils down to how you are going to use it. It's a good lens at a good price but if it spends most of time in your bag instead of on your camera because it doesn't fit what and how you shoot then it's not worth buying. Just my opinion and you know what they are worth.:-)

Photogdog Loc: New Kensington, PA

I bought a Canon refurbished 7D from BHPhotoVideo where I get most of my equipment (and it was a GREAT deal) along with the EF 70-200mm f4.0L lens and it's really good combination. If I had my druthers I would have purchased the 70-200mm f2.8L IS USM but I already have the 100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS so that would be a bit of overkill.

I know these are crappy shots. I t jumped out of my car and took them on the fly, but I think they show what the camera/lens is capable of doing.

Canon 7D, EF 70-200mm f4.0L, f9.0, 1/250", ISO 640. Shot with Manfrotto Monopod


Canon 7D, EF 70-200mm f4.0L, f9.0, 1/600", ISO 640. Shot with Manfrotto Monopod