Canon 70-200mm F4 L (non IS)

C

Connors37

Suspended / Banned
Messages
31
Name
Connor
Edit My Images
Yes
Hello there, I have owned my Canon DSLR now for nearly a year and now I think its a good time to get my hands on one of their L lenses, because I photograph a lot of Wildlife and Aircraft and money is an issue I am thinking of buying the Canon 70-200mm F4 L (non IS) lens.

I was wondering if anyone can tell me if this is a good lens to start off with and if they have any images they have took with them they could share? Especially if you have a Canon 50D which is what I currently own.

Many Thanks

Connor Owen Skidmore
 
It's a very good lens indeed. Fast focusing, well built, sharp, quite lightweight and a relative bargain used.
 
Thanks Joe, heard lots of rumors that the lens focuses fast and gives sharp photos, just thought it clarify that on here :)

Thank you Mark for the sample images, very sharp and great quality, definitely considering this lens now.

The price of the lens being only £500 at Jessops is a real temptation.
 
Great Photos Martyn, nice sharp photos, loving the Red Arrows!
 
Exactly the same setup as I am considering, seems a very good lens to upgrade to. The IS version goes for 3 times the price!

If you do end up going for one please update this thread, as it will be a while before I manage to gather funds, and always nice to hear about others experience.

Also Martyn, cracking pictures :)
 
it's a good lens and works well on the 50d it also take the canon 1.4x converter well for a bit of extra reach

a couple of pics taken with the 50d and 70 - 200mm F4 L

quite a heavy crop on this one


same combo same day


playing with a light tent




all taken a few years ago but it should give you some idea
 
The 70-200 f4 is an excellent lens and is really good value. I don't have mine any more but when I did I was always impressed with the results and the AF. Be warned however that for a lot of wildlife you might find that 200mm seems to short, with wildlife you will fidn taht whatever lens you use you will at times want more reach.
 
Not too sure of your budget, but if you can afford it have a look at the 70-300mm L lens (not the cheaper USM version). This gives much better reach than the 70-200mm, has a superb image stabiliser, better close-focus abilities and top notch quality throughout the zoom range. I had the 70-200mm f4 (non IS) and sold it here to buy the 70-300mm L for the extra reach and IS. It can't take the 1.4x though.
 
Hi Connor,

The 70-200L f/4 non-IS was my first L series lens and 5 years on it's still the sharpest lens I've ever put on a DSLR. I adore mine, I'm sure you won't be disappointed if you go for it! :)
 
It was my first 70-200 Canon lens and it's a fantastic lens. Sharp as a tack, fast to focus and light to carry. Just be aware though, it could lead to pining for the latest model as it did me. I ended up with the 70-200 f2.8 IS MkII after the MkI version after the f4 non IS version so your wallet might end up lighter in the future.
 
I believe the IS version (F4) is even sharper if you can afford that one, which is also weather sealed. Used it on my 50D and its a very good lens.
Matt
 
Thanks everybody for your feedback, very much appreciated. I have decided to not save up for the IS version, simple reason being is id rather buy another lens ( second hand, possibly a Canon 24-105 F4 L) as well as the 70-200 F4 (non IS) This will then allow me to have two sets of good L lens series for my 50D rather than paying the extra for the IS version. I will keep you updated Scott when I do purchase the 700-200mm F4 L

Thanks

Connor Owen Skidmore
 
As above, it's superb, and probably the best value of all the L series lenses if you're on a tight budget. I thoroughly enjoyed mine, and only sold it because I had no further use for it and needed the money.

200mm is a bit short for wildlife, unless you're thinking about zoos and other places where you can get fairly close to the subject, but the 70-200L will take a 1.4 converter successfully. This will give you a 280mm equivalent field of view on a crop body, and retain autofocus. You could also look at Canon's 70-300 f4.00 - 5.6 IS - not the L version - which sells for around £300 on Amazon. I haven't used this lens but it gets excellent reviews, for the price.
 
Connors37 said:
Thanks everybody for your feedback, very much appreciated. I have decided to not save up for the IS version, simple reason being is id rather buy another lens ( second hand, possibly a Canon 24-105 F4 L) as well as the 70-200 F4 (non IS) This will then allow me to have two sets of good L lens series for my 50D rather than paying the extra for the IS version. I will keep you updated Scott when I do purchase the 700-200mm F4 L

Thanks

Connor Owen Skidmore
Click to expand...

Have actually lost all reason and purchased one from the classifieds! Can't wait to get out and try it. shall await your update as well :)
 
PMN said:
Hi Connor,

The 70-200L f/4 non-IS was my first L series lens and 5 years on it's still the sharpest lens I've ever put on a DSLR. I adore mine, I'm sure you won't be disappointed if you go for it! :)
Click to expand...
Yes same here, it's sharper than my 24-105 and that's not bad at all - quick focusing too.
It's a bit on the long side with the hood on - otherwise hard to say a bad word.
 
I had one a few years ago and really liked it - would certainly recommend one and would certainly buy another in the future
 
Sko77y said:
Have actually lost all reason and purchased one from the classifieds! Can't wait to get out and try it. shall await your update as well :)
Click to expand...

Thanks Scott, please do post some of your images using the lens if you can mate, much appreciated
 
Superb lens, on full frame 5d edges very slightly unsharp at 70mm, the IS version bit better here, but otherwise sharp at all focal lengths. Both versions superb on a crop sensor - slightly better than the. 70-300 mm L, but only when pixel peeping.
 
Connors37 said:
Thanks everybody for your feedback, very much appreciated. I have decided to not save up for the IS version, simple reason being is id rather buy another lens ( second hand, possibly a Canon 24-105 F4 L) as well as the 70-200 F4 (non IS) This will then allow me to have two sets of good L lens series for my 50D rather than paying the extra for the IS version. I will keep you updated Scott when I do purchase the 700-200mm F4 L

Thanks

Connor Owen Skidmore
Click to expand...

Good thinking, keep in mind if you buy 2nd hand and wait for a decent price you can normally resell a lens for the same amount you paid if you decide to upgrade to the IS version. ;)
 
I've agreed a trade on my 70-200 f4 IS, and to be honest will be sad to see it go as it was my sharpest lens, it's crazy sharp. However, for aviation and wildlife it will come up short. I better, more flexible route may be to go for a used 100-400L f4-5.6 IS. Its a little softer above 300ish but its still sharp and has the benefit of IS. If your planning on going to airshows it seems the display line is getting further and further away these days.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top