Product Description

The EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM is a lightweight, compact L Series telephoto zoom lens with Image Stabilizer. The optical Image Stabilization in the EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM lens provides up to an incredible four stops of shake correction-a first for Canon IS lenses. The use of fluorite UD lens elements provides excellent optical performance in terms of resolution and contrast. These features, together with its water-and dust-proof construction, provide both the performance and portability to meet user demands.

Product Details

• Brand: Canon
• Model: 1258B002
• Released on: 2006-10-23
• Dimensions: 5.50" h x 5.50" w x 9.80" l, 1.70 pounds

Features

• 70-200mm telephoto zoom lens with f/4 maximum aperture for Canon digital SLR cameras
• Fluorite UD lens elements produce excellent optical performance in resolution and contrast
• Ring-type ultra-sonic monitor (USM) for quick and quiet autofocusing; lightweight construction
• Image Stabilizer provides up to 4 stops of shake correction; water- and dust-proof construction
• Measures 3 inches in diameter and 6.8 inches long; weighs 26.8 ounces; 1-year warranty

Amazon.com Product Description
Capture the far-off action of fast-paced sports or zoom in for an intimate portrait with the Canon EF 70-200mm telephoto zoom lens. The L-series lens offers an Image Stabilizer that provides up to four stops of shake correction--a first for Canon IS lenses. The use of fluorite UD lens elements, meanwhile, produces an excellent optical performance in terms of resolution and contrast. Add in a sturdy housing with water- and dust-proof construction and you have a lens that's both portable and high performing. Other details include an f/4 maximum aperture, a ring-type ultra-sonic monitor (USM) that enables quick and quiet autofocusing, compatibility with circular polarizing filters, and a lightweight body. The lens carries a one-year warranty.

• Focal length: 70-200mm
• Maximum aperture: f/4
• Lens construction: 20 elements in 15 groups
• Diagonal angle of view: 34 to 12 degrees (with full-frame cameras)
• Focus adjustment: AF with full-time manual focus
• Closest focusing distance: 3.94 feet
• Zoom system: 7-group helical zoom (72-degree rotational angle)
• Filter size: 67mm
• Dimensions: 3 inches in diameter, 6.8 inches long
• Weight: 26.8 ounces

From the Manufacturer
High-performance, L-series telephoto zoom lens combining light weight and compactness with an f4 maximum aperture. Inner focusing and the ring USM enable quick and quiet autofocusing. Also, a circular polarizing filter can be attached and used without difficulty because the front lens element does not rotate during focusing. The tripod collar (sold separately) is the same one used with the EF 300mm f4L USM.

Customer Reviews

If the lens specifications are appropriate for you, DON'T THINK TWICE
I'm a semi-professional photographer, mostly dealing with landscape and portrait photography. After using this lens, my first thought was the truthfulness of reviews, made by the trusted sites such as dpreview. I've used many brands such as sigma, tamron as well as various canon lenses. This is the best one I've ever used in many ways.

I won't make detailed comparisons but FYI this lens beats my favorite "24-105 f/4 L IS" in sharpness. I made some test shots by using both lenses on a tripod, using various focal distances and aperture values. Colors, saturation and contrast levels seemed nearly indifferent to me but 70-200's sharpness was incredible. In one of the reviews it was mentioned that "70-200 acts like a prime lens in every focal distance" and that's true in my opinion.

Many reviews effectively and truthfully acknowledged the pros of this lens. IMO the most crucial issue is deciding on the "relevance" of this lens for your needs. Here's what I think;

1) Don't hesitate to spend extra money for the IS feature. It is a vital feature (especially for a telephoto lens) in lowlight situations. I was able to get pretty good handheld shots above 100 mm. with low shutter speeds such as 1/30.

2) Remember that bokeh (background blur) will be a problem in some situations considering the minimum aperture value of f/4. You will not be able to abstract your subject effectively from a complicated background in some shooting situations or focal distances. Additionally, minimum aperture value renders this lens slow for action photography especially in low light situations. If you care about those, go for 70-200 f/2.8. Heavier, pricey but speedy and great bokeh even the subject is not too far from the background. While deciding I used my vote for less weight and smaller size since I have to walk a lot with 4 lenses and 2 bodies.

3) IMO this is not a suitable lens for wildlife photography even if you use extenders. Without extenders, you have to get close to animals so that you can scare them or put yourself into danger. Considering this lens' sharpness, cropping with a minimum loss might be an option. On the other hand, if you are using extenders (especially 2x) you will concede from sharpness as well as higher shutter speeds to a significant level. 2x extender was totally a disappointment for me.

4)This might seem unimportant to some but it is an important asset for me; this lens does not rotate or extend while focusing and zooming. I frequently use polarization filters in landscape photography, thus the filter does not rotate while focusing. Besides, I'm free to hold the lens wherever I want while shooting since it does not extend. More important, an extending lens generally means loss of light, while the light passes through the lens. Simply because the distance between the optics and sensor increase. Therefore, in many lowlight situations (if you are dealing with stable subjects) this lens will give you what you want.

To sum up, this is the best lens I've ever had. If you think that the issues I mentioned above won't restrict your photography, then DON'T THINK TWICE.

I also uploaded two photos, which might be helpful for you. They're my first day shots without manipulations. You can see them simply by copying the link below;

http://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-media/product-gallery/B000I1X3W8/ref=cm_cmu_pg_newSort?ie=UTF8&totalImages=96&pageSize=10&sort=newest¤tImagePage=0¤tImagePageOffset=0¤tImageID=17988861&action=newSort&page=0

I should have gotten it sooner
Its already been said about this lens 100's of times. I got the f4 because of the lighter weight than the 2.8. I don't shoot indoor sports so I don't miss the extra stop. This lens is super quick to focus and very sharp. Love the build quality, focus and zoom rings very smooth.

Worth every penny
This is a fantastic lens. The pictures are razor sharp, and the smoothness of the focusing is incredible. I recently used this lens on vacation in Walt Disney World and I can say it is not something you want to use as a walk around lens, but for the animal shots at the Animal Kingdom park it was the best. If you want to get an affordable "L" series lens that produces fantastic results, this is the one.