LindaChaplin Loc: South Dakota

Hello everyone. I'm considering the purchase of the Canon 70-200 F4 IS lens and I wonder if anyone on the Forum has the lens and if you like it. I would be using it on a full-frame 6D. I do mostly portraits, family groups, landscape, still life photography. I'm an enthusiastic hobbyist, but always working to improve my photography. The same lens in the 2.8 version is very expensive and heavy which are both factors in my thinking. Being retired has many benefits, but a limited budget for things such as lenses is also a consideration. I will thank you ahead of time for your expertise and thoughts.

Big Stopper Loc: London

Hi Linda, I've had that lens now for about 3 months and I absolutely love it, particularly for portraits. I use it on my 5D mk3. Prior to owning that lens I had the 70-200 f4 without IS. Now, I liked that lens too and I chose it because it was light in weight. I then noticed that the f4 IS version is not a lot heavier but a whole lot lighter than the 2.8 versions. All in all I am very happy with my decision to go with the f4 IS. It's light enough to use as a walk around lens and when I want a little extra reach I can add the 1.4x extender so I'd say go get one. Cheers, Bob

haroldross Loc: Walthill, Nebraska

I also use the Canon 70-200mm f4L IS with the 5D MKIII. Occasionally I use the Canon 1.4x teleconverter with this lens.

I find it fairly light and well balanced on my camera. It focuses extremely fast in fair to good lighting. It is a very sharp lens for a zoom. It is my 'go to' lens for portraits and nature shots when I know that my 85mm is not going to be long enough. The only complaint I have with it is the IS is noisey- it didn't seem to be distracting to others when I used it at a school play but I could hear it.

RichardSM Loc: Back in Texas

Linda I also have this lens it is a very very great lens, yes buy it you will be happy with it.

the f/stops here Loc: New Mexico

Linda, as with Harold Ross, I've had that lens for a few years and love it. I started out with the 2.8 version and found it heavier than I wanted. The f/4 version that you're thinking of getting is very comfortable to hold and use Lite in weight) and is extremely sharp. I use this lens in both cropped sensor and full sensor bodies. I don't photograph indoors in semi dark rooms where the f/2.8 version might focus faster, therefore I have found this lens just perfect. I'll attach a few images. I know you'll enjoy it! Best, J. Goffe

with 70-200mm f/4 lens

(Download)

with 70-200mm f/4 lens

amehta Loc: Boston

The f/4 makes a lot of sense for many photographers, and your intended uses seem to put you in that group. If you decide you sometimes want a shallow depth of field for some portraits, you can complement it with an 85mm f/1.8 lens and still spend less money than the 70-200mm f/2.8. The main advantage of the f/2.8 is for action shots, which you do not seem to favor.

mrtobin Loc: North East Ohio

And if you are on a budget you can save some money and drop the I.S. The strait 70-200 f4L is one of canon's best L lens deals, as far as cost go.

LindaChaplin Loc: South Dakota

Thank you, everyone. I knew my Ugly Hedgehog friends would respond quickly. I think I'm convinced that this lens will compliment the other lenses I have. Now it is just a matter of gritting my teeth and pushing the button! Thanks again.

Raymond Loc: Portland Oregon

Linda,
I purchased my lens in May 2009 and had taken 1,000's of pictures, it is a superb lens. I have posted 100's of shots on Flickr. Gooogle 33RW for pictures on Flickr.
Ray

MTG44 Loc: Corryton, Tennessee

How far away were you when you took the photos you posted? i am also considering this lens. Thanks

davidrb Loc: Half way there on the 45th Parallel

Hi Linda, and welcome to yet another endless discussion on Canon's best lens(es). The best part of this discussion is that you can not make a mistake with any of the choices you have. All four are great, and each has it's own targeted user. Some points to ponder to make your decision more difficult: 1. Canon refurb. Nuff said, best deals going on non-used products. 2. You mention both still-life and landscape, both offer tripod usage shooting, IS is off for this. 3. Lens weight is a consideration and IS adds weight i.e. EF70-200 F/2.8L IS is 54.9 grams while the non-IS is 2,9lbs. 4. Filters for the f/4.0 are 67mm while the f/2.8 are 77mm, more cost for the larger filters.

These are several of the differences you need to decide whether to have or not to have. Several samples are being displayed in response to your post, they are all very good. Canon has very definite reasons for marketing four different versions of this lens, the most important is THEY SELL! Whichever you choose will be a lens you will go to on many, many shoots. I know many people who use a version as their "walk around" lens! It is that good. Best of luck with your new acquisition, please share your results, but don't tell us which you chose. Let our resident expert decide on sight, if they can :lol: :lol: :lol:

the f/stops here Loc: New Mexico

Well, I have to be honest and say "probably" 10-25 feet. I really can't say the distance because when I'm doing this kind of photography, I'm concentrating on following the bird and not how far away they are. This (the 70-200mm f/4 lens) is my carry around lens when at the refuge. My tripod lens is either a Canon 400mm f/4 or a Canon 500mm f/4 or a Tamron 150-600mm lens. I also have been known to carry a 10-22mm lens. Sorry I can't be more exact on distance. Best, J. Goffe

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Linda, you don't mention what other lenses you have?
Let me give you my 2 cents before you grit and push the button.
For what you describe you don't really need the IS.
You could save your money and get the f4 non IS.
If you are using flash or strobes for your portraits then the speed is a non issue and IS is not necessary. For outdoor work generally the speeds are high enough for hand-holding. If you do not already have one you might want to consider the 24-105 for your portraits. Both lenses are f4 so that's a wash.
I have both lenses and frankly the 70-200 is my Least used lens. For portraits I use mostly my 24-105. It's not often I do a portrait at 200mm and not often I use a prime.

And for a few others, for me the 70-200 on a FF, even with a 1.4x is way to short for nature. I would look at the 100-400.
Anyway, that's what works for me. ;-)
SS
PS, and on a tripod, leave the IS ON! That lens is Auto Tripod Sensing. That's why you shot a Canon! :lol:

MTG44 Loc: Corryton, Tennessee

Does leaving the IS on when on a tripod apply to all Canon lens or just L lens.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

MTG, there are only 4 Canon lenses where the IS is turned off.
But one is the very popular 100-400.
The other three are of the same vintage, they were Canons' very first generation IS lenses, the old 28-135, 75-300 and 300 f4.
In the tripod sensing lenses the IS does NOT turn itself off, it merely just starts to correct for low frequency vibrations like tripod vibrations and mirror slap.
That it needs to be turned off is a rumor perpetuated by folks that shoot other brands of lenses that have a less sophisticated IS systems that DOES need to be off. ;-)
MTG, I hope that helped.
SS