EF 70-200mm f/4 USM L IS - do I need one?

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CJR

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Cathy
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Hi

Totally honest advice requested, please.

I have a Canon 30D, Sigma 17-70, Canon EF 24-105L IS (my walkabout lens) and EF 100-400 L IS. I absolutely love both the L lenses, but I'm finding that I often want a greater range than the 24-105 (for spontaneous street/outdoor photography) and the 100-400 is just that bit too bulky for me to comfortably use in such situations. I find myself reluctatnt to go out and about with it.

Price really prohibits the 70-200 F2.8 L IS, but I would welcome thoughts on whether the 70-200 f4 L IS would be a good addition to my collection. The reviews I've read online certainly give a good impression.

Mike, I blame you entirely for making me even think of this purchase!! ;)

Thanks.

Cathy
 
Cathy.
Got one. It is light enough and small enough to be used. The f2.8 is too big and heavy - similar to the 100-400, if not slightly heavier. I am selling my 2.8 for that very reason..
IS is well worth it, so go try one out.

There Mike (whoever you are) - it is now my fault as well !
 
Cathy,

The 70-200/2.8IS is actually heavier and longer than your 100-400 (except when the 100-400 is towards the longer end)

The 70-200/4IS may fit the bill but don't discount the EF200/2.8L. It's quite a bit cheaper than the zoom, a stop faster and physically quite a bit shorter (very similar weight though).
It's also black and may help if a low profile presence is desired.

Bob
 
Hi Cathy

both the f/4 anf f/2.8 versions of the 70-200 are fantastic lenses and very sharp. BUT, you wont be able to use it as a walk about lens in town as in a lot of instances it is too long, particularly when you're losing the wider end due to your sensor size (essentially you'll have the angle of view associated with 112mm).

So, honestly, do you need it? No.

Would i buy it again if i didn't have it? Yes.

Is photography for the rational thinker? Discuss ;)
 
Hi Cathy,

Just go and get one - you'll love it.

I find myself agreeing with all that's been said except perhaps Johnnyreb's comments with regard to it being a walk about lens. I use mine a lot for candid street photography on both my 400D and 5D and I find it gives just that extra bit of reach, which is very useful when it comes to not making it too obvious who I'm taking a photograph of.
 
I find it an ideal range for street stuff on a 30D but used in combination with a 17-55mm when you need some context. But stick the 24-105 at 70mm and walk around with it and see if it is wide enough for the kind of pictures you want to take.
 
Gofer said:
I find myself agreeing with all that's been said except perhaps Johnnyreb's comments with regard to it being a walk about lens.
Click to expand...

Thats a fair point, Gofer. Personal style and interest dictate requirements.

walls said:
But stick the 24-105 at 70mm and walk around with it and see if it is wide enough for the kind of pictures you want to take.
Click to expand...

And thats cracking advice walls!
 
Ok I have the 24-105 as a walkabout lens, the 10-22 as a wide, the 100-400 for motorsport, but my 70-200F4 is a lens that's always in my bag and is used a lot.

Light, quick focussing and a good range. The IS version is something I'm considering as an upgrade.

I'd say yes - get it.
 
I'd Agree with JR I have the 70-200 is Its a great lens and gets used a lot but I also wouldn't class it as a "walkabout" its a bit long a bit heavy and also a bit "conspicuous"
It depends on how "self conscious" you would feel lugging something like that around attached to your camera.
I am toying with the idea of adding a 24-105 just for that reason
 
Thank you one and all for your excellent advice. :thumbs:

Will certainly try walking about with the 24-105 at 70mm, in the sorts of areas I'm thinking of using the 70-200, and see what I think. I've looked at the reviews of the 200f2.8, and it certainly seems good for all the reasons suggested, but I just feel that a zoom would be that bit more versatile.

Hmmmm

Cathy
PS: "Mike" is Moomike, a moderator of this forum.
 
I have one (only bought it 3 weeks ago) and I'm still amazed by the sharpness, colour and contrast (and that's in the middle of winter!). It lives in my bag all the time as it's very light compared to the 2.8, or the 100-400.

Get one - you really won't regret it. the 4-stop IS is brilliant - I have taken pin sharp shots at 1/30th at 200mm, even 1/15th if you're steady enough.

I also have the Kenko Pro DG 1.4x converter - it works really well with this lens and you lose virtually nothing in image quality, and end up with a 98-280mm 5.6 - adding further to the versatility.
 
Hi Dave

Well, I've decided. So much positive feedback from this forum and others - pushing at an open door, really, as I'm always (possibly too) keen to spend money on quality camera gear! :lol:

I'll have one in my hot little hands next week!!

Cathy
 
I have one and it's fabulous but I pair it with a Sigma 17-70 as a walkabout.
 
More positive feedback - thanks Vertigo1

Cathy
 
Why did I come into this thread. The idea of my 70-200 with IS is pretty appealing. :thinking:
 
Just ordered one!! Will be in my hands on Tuesday. :)

Cathy
 
You have a lot to answer for, Mike!! ;) :lol:

Cathy
 
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