osti101 Loc: Wisconsin

Hi everyone, I have been reading these posts here for a couple of weeks now and I enjoy reading all of them. I am looking at upgrading my lens and I'm looking at a Canon 70-200mm f4 non IS used lens at B&H photo Has anyone bought used lens here and is it worth buying a used lens ? I have a Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 I bought new last month and really like it. I shoot with a Canon 7d. I also have a older Tamron 28-300mm that I don't use much anymore. Thanks in advance for any help...

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Hi osti101. I own this lens and highly recommend for your 7D, a camera I once owned. The majority of my lenses were purchased used, from a variety of sources including B&H. My thinking about equipment is that for a camera or lens that has been released for an extended period where a large quantity exists in the after market along with new copies: why pay a full 'new' price for something as good as new but slightly used at a discounted price? From online reviews and my own experience, I've found the f/4 non IS model sharp wide open although it performs slightly better at f/5 at the maximum 200mm zoom. It performs just as well stepped down where a smaller aperture is appropriate to your composition. That is: you don't have to step down simply for improved sharpness. If you use a tripod or monopod, look for a copy that includes a tripod collar as this piece is sold separately from the f/4 model but used copies will many times come from someone who purchased the collar. The lens is light, relatively speaking as compared to IS-enabled models.

crazydaddio Loc: Toronto Ontario Canada

Best Canon lens they make when it comes to Price relative to Performance. I sold it when I went to the 2.8is version but I do miss it sometimes simply for the ease of use (size and weight). Optics are excellent as per other UHHers comments.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

I don't know that specific lens, but I have purchased two used Canon lenses from B&H and have been very happy. They are a highly reputable company, with many fans on this site. "Worth buying used" for the savings, for sure, IMO. In fact, I just bought a gently used Panasonic Lumix camera and lens combo from B&H.

Bob Boner

I own and recommend the IS version of the f/4 lens. It is an excellent lens. It is lighter and sharper than the original f/2.8 lens which I own but don't use anymore. The IS gives more stability when shooting handheld, though when possible I have it on a tripod.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

It is a GREAT lens. Make sure you get a third party tripod collar to go under it and a Tamron SP 1.4X to go behind it. Then try to shoot always with a monopod and tilt head if possible.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Don't be afraid to put a Canon 500D lens on the front for close-up work !

Billy Bob

I use Canon, I buy a lot of used lens on ebay. B & H is a camera store would not sale you junk. One of my best deals on ebay was a 800mm f8.3 HD zoom lens for $100. shipped.

inbigd

I bought this exact lens used a week and a half ago for 400.00 from a local camera store. Should have checked it at the store because when I got home I discovered the AF wouldn't work. Took it back, got a refund, then bought the lens new for 600.00 from a different local store.

I usually buy used, mostly from eBay, but sometimes the peace of mind is worth the extra money spent. And I love the lens.

rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA

How would this be an improvement over the lens the OP already has? Would it still provide better IQ even after the degradation that inevitably results from using a tele-converter??

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

No contest ....it is an L lens with Fluorite and internal zoom. And YES for the TC !

osti101 Loc: Wisconsin

Thanks everyone for all the info. I ordered the lens today with a Friday delivery. I can't wait to use this as it is my first L lens. The brown truck isn't going to come soon enough.

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

Unfortunately, Canon doesn't make a 500D in 67mm diameter to fit the 70-200/4L lenses. Rather than go to a third party close-up diopter of unknown quality, you might want to use macro extension tubes... The Kenko or Opteka set are reasonably priced.

The 70-200mm f4L non-IS version is a superb lens. Very sharp, probably in large part thanks to the fluorite element it uses. It's about the least expensive lens you will find with a fluorite element. (Nikon only recently introduced a 70-200/2.8 with FL element... and charges $3000 for it... $1000 more than their non-fluorite version. The next "cheapest" Nikkor with fluorite costs over $10,000.)

If at all possible, I'd recommend the IS version of the Canon 70-200/4L. Yes, it costs more, but this lens is one you'll likely want to use handheld a lot.

Either way, the Tripod Mounting Ring A2 is a good, but separately sold accessory to have with the 70-200/4, but especially might be wanted with the non-IS version. The Canon OEM ring is rather expensive (around $150).... but there are third party "clones" that seem to work fine and cost about $50. If you shop for them and also find the even cheaper ($25 or less), avoid those. Their plastic and prone to breaking.

If you buy used and it doesn't come with a lens hood, the ET-74 it uses is pretty easily found. The Canon OEM hood is rather pricey at about $40... but there are $12 clones, such as Vello that probably would work just fine. If you prefer a "tulip" style hood, like the Canon 70-200/2.8 lenses use, JJC makes both black and white versions of one (LH74T).

All the Canon 70-200mm lenses are very well built, sealed for weather resistance, with quite high performance USM auto focus. They're truly pro-grade "work horses".

It will work well with a quality 1.4X teleconverter, too... either Canon II or III would be very good... Less expensive Kenko Pro 300 and even more affordable MC-4 also are said to be quite good. I wouldn't try a 2X teleconverter... there's more loss of image quality and the combo of a 2X and an f4 lens won't be able to autofocus on a 7D. Still, could manually focus it, but that sort of defeats some of the high performance aspects of the lens.

No worries about buying used from B&H... They screen their used items carefully, but also give some right-of-return and warranty, in case anything goes wrong. B&H has gotten a lot of my money over the years... some of it for used items.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Just use a a step up ring for the larger 500D ......

/quote- If at all possible, I'd recommend the IS version of the Canon 70-200/4L. Yes, it costs more, but this lens is one you'll likely want to use handheld a lot.

Either way, the Tripod Mounting Ring A2 is a good, but separately sold accessory to have with the 70-200/4, but especially might be wanted with the non-IS version. The Canon OEM ring is rather expensive (around $150).... but there are third party "clones" that seem to work fine and cost about $50. If you shop for them and also find the even cheaper ($25 or less), avoid those. Their plastic and prone to breaking. /quote

Especially if you use with 1.4X TC, or the close up lens, you will want to be using a tripod collar ( the third party ones @ $12 work fine !) and be on a monopod or stable support of some kind. Do NOT be tempted to hand hold with a TC or close up unless absolutely necessary or in bright sunlight with appropriate shutter speed !

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Yes, and so if you use a step up ring for the 500D, you will not be able to use the OEM lenshood ...