Canon 70-200 f4l

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robz

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I was looking at the Sigma 70-200 f2.8 as it has IS and is significantly cheaper than the Canon, but have seen the Canon f4l is significantly cheaper still and reportedly cheaper.

I'd be using it for portraits, walkabout / Street shots, and for Zoo's & the odd bit of wildlife...

At £450 now, would this be a good lens for the above?

Anyone with Sample shots please and general owners opinions?

Thanks
 
I looked at the 2.8 but chose the f4 instead. Quite simply because of the weight. I didn't fancy carrying the 2.8 round all day and as I seldom use it for really poor light shots I was happy with f4. I could always up the ISO on a 5D3 if needed.

That seems to be the common consensus - if you want the 2.8, are happy to carry the weight and are happy with the hefty price go for the 2.8. The f4 is a damned good lens. You can get one with IS for not much more than you've quoted.
 
It all comes down to this: f/2.8 vs. relatively lightweight. Simply choose what's more important to you.
 
Thanks, I think that kinda settles it then. Why spend more on a heavier lens for the sake of one stop. How much is the IS going for? Best I've seen is over £800
 
£800? No way. You can pick them up on here for £600 or so. Trouble is they don't come up very often - which says a lot!
 
i chose the f4 just couldn't for the could not justify the extra money and weight
 
I picked up the F4 L IS on here a little while ago,around the £580-£600 is about right & a fantastic lens,very rare i would use F2.8.:)
 
The IS on the f4 buys you couple of stops.

Remember lenses focus 'wide open' irrespective of the aperture your using. I found AF through the f2.8 superior and handy for certain subjects and conditions but I never really found the f4 IS to be wanting.
 
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mickledore said:
£800? No way. You can pick them up on here for £600 or so. Trouble is they don't come up very often - which says a lot!
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I think his price of £450 in the opening post suggests he might be referring to new rather than 2nd hand.

Non IS can therefore sometimes be picked up as cheap as £300 second hand so still a fair bit cheaper than IS version (ie about half the price).

If price is a factor I'd go for the Canon 70-200 f4 non IS. If you want to spend more I personally would go for the sigma 70-200 f2.8 OS or tamron 70-200 f2.8 VC over the Canon 70-200 f4 IS.
 
Cheers guys, yes was referring to knew but open to buying second hand from someone trusted or where I can test the lens.
 
I've just sold my F4 non IS for £365 and bought the Sigma F/2.8 as I found the F4 poor under non-league floodlights. First impressions of the Sigma is, damn heavy but pictures are good during day, will get chance to use under floodlights in a couple of weeks.

Would have preferred the Canon F/2.8 but not at that price!
 
The Canon 70-200 F4L is a belter of a lens and definitely worth it. I had one and loved it - keep thinking I might buy another one some day...

If you can stretch to the F4 IS then go for it...
 
The f/4IS is the one to go for
 
The canon 70-200mm f4 non IS a cracking lens, just sold mine recently after many years of use. By all accounts the IS version of that lens is supposed to be even better, sharper and top notch IS system, although its heavier.

The 70-200mm f2.8 non IS is supposed to be very good as well and the top of the shop the 70-200mm f2.8 MKII IS

It really depends what you want to spend
 
pete.rush said:
The canon 70-200mm f4 non IS a cracking lens, just sold mine recently after many years of use. By all accounts the IS version of that lens is supposed to be even better, sharper and top notch IS system, although its heavier.
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There's only a couple of ounces difference between the two
 
I've had both at the same time, kept the canon with no regrets. It may struggle a little more in low light but the image quality in decent light more than makes up for it.
 
robz said:
Cheers guys, yes was referring to knew but open to buying second hand from someone trusted or where I can test the lens.
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Hi Rob,

If you read the feedback from most sellers you'll be fine buying second hand. I've owned both the Canon 70-200 F4L and the Canon 70-200 F2.8L both without IS and they are both excellent. If you want to choose just ask yourself what it's being used for. If it's outside or inside in low light then the f2.8L is your winner and if it's decent light then save your money and buy the F4L. The image quality of both is great and you'll not be able to tell the difference in good light.

I would never buy new anymore as the savings to be had when buying second hand from someone with good feedback here could be put to much better use.

Regards

Scott
 
scottduffy said:
I would never buy new anymore as the savings to be had when buying second hand from someone with good feedback here could be put to much better use.
tt
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I'd second that... Bought and sold the Canon f4 on ebay for good prices & good savings over new. Bought the Sigma f2.8 with no use on it for £100+ less than cheapest I could find on the net.

Only time I'll buy new from a dealer is if I need 0% finance option... Which should be considered IMHO....
 
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