Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM Lens USA
- Price: $1,281.00
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Retaining the excellent performance at maximum aperture of the much larger f/2.8L IS but in a smaller and more travel-friendly size, the Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM Lens is a professional zoom telephoto suitable for a broad range of applications from sports to portraiture. It is fully compatible with the Extender EF 1.4x II and 2x II teleconverters (requires f/8 AF sensitivity with EF 2x II), and its built-in image stabilizer allows the equivalent hand-holding ability of a shutter speed 4 steps faster-making this a great lens for capturing still subjects with a telephoto perspective in very low light. The stabilizer can be activated to only correct shake in the vertical axis for panning action when desired as well.
Like every autofocus Canon "L" lens, the EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM delivers optical performance equal to similar fixed focal length lenses, with silent, high-speed focusing and full-time manual focus override capacity. Distortions and aberrations are remarkably small for a lens of such capability. This lens combines 1 artificial fluorite element with 2 UD (Ultra-low Dispersion) elements to help achieve images free of secondary spectrum aberrations, which are often the bane of consumer-grade telephoto zooms. Its aperture diaphragm is circular, to help create very natural out-of-focus background highlights.
This 70-200mm lens has a minimum focusing distance of 3.9' (1.18m) throughout its entire range of focal lengths, and it accepts 67mm screw-in filters.
- An autofocus telephoto zoom lens for both film and digital cameras
- Built-in image stabilizer action can be seen in the viewfinder
- Allows handheld images at shutter speeds 4 steps slower than without image stabilization
- Excellent f/4 maximum aperture performance at all focal lengths
- Fast, silent autofocus with full-time manual focus override
- Significantly lighter than the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L
- Uses 1 fluorite and 2 UD (Ultra-low Dispersion)elements to help control secondary spectrum aberrations
- Professionally sealed against moisture and dust ingress
- Internal zooming and focusing
- Circular aperture diaphragm for natural-looking out of focus highlights
- Uses 67mm filters
Go To
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 70 - 200 mm |
| Aperture |
Maximum: f/4 Minimum: f/32 |
| Camera Mount Type | Canon EF |
| Format Compatibility |
35mm Film / Full-Frame Digital Sensor Canon (APS-C) |
| Angle of View | 34° - 12° |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 3.94' (1.2 m) |
| Magnification | 0.21x |
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 1:4.76 |
| Groups/Elements | 15/20 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 8 |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Image Stabilization | Yes |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Filter Thread | 67 mm |
| Dimensions (DxL) | Approx. 3.0 x 6.8" (7.62 x 17.27 cm) |
| Weight | 1.67 lb (760 g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 531 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus (576)
- Strong construction (384)
- Consistent output (347)
- Lightweight (326)
- Durable (317)
Cons
- Heavy (32)
- Poor in low light (27)
- Noisy IS (6)
- Pricey / poor value (6)
- Slow focus (4)
Best Uses
- Sports/action (299)
- Landscape/scenery (185)
- General purpose (178)
- Wildlife photos (173)
- Wildlife (140)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Enthusiast (152), Photo enthusiast (142), Semi-pro photographer (73), Semi-professional (50), Casual photographer (28)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (159), Yes (12)
Most Liked Positive Review
You won't be disappointed!
If you are looking at this lens you are looking at the perfect alternative to the 70-200mm 2.8 for half the price. Note: if you shoot or plan to shoot a lot and ...Read complete review
If you are looking at this lens you are looking at the perfect alternative to the 70-200mm 2.8 for half the price. Note: if you shoot or plan to shoot a lot and I mean a lot of low light work then stop here and go buy the 2.8 version. Marking this lens down and comparing it to that lens is insane; buy that lens and mark it down. Two different products!
For those of you not making 2.8 money and shoot a wider range of light, not a whole lot of low light work, or you own a flash and know how to control it, you will be very happy with this lens. Believe me when I say I wanted the 2.8 version however; like most semi-pro photographers money is limited and I wanted to eat and have a roof over my head for the next few months while getting the shots I need.
I needed the reach and performance of that 2.8 without the price and this lens is it. This lens is smaller and lighter than the 2.8 which makes it nice to carry around all day especially if you are a location type photographer. It fits in my sling bag mounted to the camera (barely) keeping my load light. The lens performs excellent on my 40D and yes the IS does talk to you however; you begin to use the sound when focusing on the fly. Image quality is amazing, it made me wish I had purchased this lens sooner and I have no regrets not buying the 2.8 version. The colors come out amazing and the CA coating reduces noise seen from cropped sensor cameras . Sports Photographers will not be disappointed, I was able to shoot paraglider's from a cliff the other day and the color and sharpness at 200mm F/4 w/o a UV filter or tripod is amazing. Post processing was minimal in Lr and the prints were ready in no time. In addition, I have used this lens indoors with one 430EXII flash mounted on an umbrella combined with natural light and the shots came out just as good as being outside.
The lens comes with a hood, lens bag/pouch ( I don't like it) and no tripod ring. At first, I thought I needed that ring however; I would say it depends on what you are shooting and the size of your camera. I have the 40D with the battery pack bottom and the camera feels well balanced when this lens is mounted. I imagine if you did not have the battery pack it would feel a bit more front heavy but still manageable. If you own a smaller camera or will be shooting a lot in one day then consider the tripod ring. I was able to mount my camera using the stock camera mount with lens looking straight down and the tripod did not flip over so, I still do not need the ring. This lens is compatible with the Canon EF Extenders 2x and 4x along with the EF25II and EF12II Extension tubes. I have used it with the EF25II Extension tube and the zoom capability and image quality for macro work is amazing. You can shoot bugs at a nice distance without disturbing them and still get that close up detail. The lens comes with a manual explaining the F-stop loss using the Extenders 2x and 4x. Overall, the F-Stop loss is too great for me when starting at F/4 however; that depends on what you are shooting and the availability of light.
I did not buy this lens at B&H, I was able to buy it in new condition from another photographer who barely used it in her work flow and put it in a closet for 8-9 months. That is why I suggest taking a serious assessment of your current work flow before buying any lens. It is a lot of money to just put in a closet for 8-9months. I use this lens constantly know that I have it and I only take it off for wide angle shots. I hope this helps, I wanted to keep it short yet provide you with information that would help you make the best choice when buying this lens.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Heavy Duty Performer
I had until now been using the kit 70-200mm zoom lens that came as part of my D-SLR camera package. Having bought the Canon L macro lens earlier this year and been blown away...Read complete review
I had until now been using the kit 70-200mm zoom lens that came as part of my D-SLR camera package. Having bought the Canon L macro lens earlier this year and been blown away by it, I was all eager to get the L zoom lens too. I am pleased with the new zoom lens - colors are good, images are sharp - but am not blown away by it as I was with the macro lens. At close range there is a detectable improvement in quality of shot, detail and colors, but photographing a normal scene of my daughter at play for instance, I find it good but not brilliant and you do need a decent amount of light to get a crisp shot. This lens is heavy - but not overwhelmingly so and I find it manageable and without a tripod can get good shots. What I do not like is the overall size - toting it about and packing it to take out with me for the day is proving troublesome. I am glad I did not get the f/2.8 as it is larger and heavier however if you offered me my money back I'd be tempted to take you up on it and go buy the wide angle lens I had my eye on when deciding what lens to buy next!
Reviewed by 531 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Consistent Output
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM Lens:
Great for landscape, wild life,portraits
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM Lens:
Use for landscapes and some wildlife.Good to carry on motorcycle because it is relatively small and light. I get great color and it is really sharp on my 1ds3.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
- Noisy IS
Best Uses
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM Lens:
I originally purchased the 70-200 f/2.8 which took gorgeous photos, but weighed so much I couldn't imagine carrying it around. I purchased the f/4 instead because it was half the weight - much better to take for a walk. It also takes great photos. The IS is a little noisey though, which I've read is common for this lens.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM Lens:
This is my second l lens follow up to the my 24-70mm l ,great combI.extra sharp /detail lens just about all my shots are a keeper .I had the 2.8 non is version together with f/4is for a day in the Park and i was just about convinced,so i went a little more and test them in my low light large room at home and the f4 was over all better and stayed sharp .focus was better in most cases with the 2.8 non is but that's about it.both lens are great but the f/4is is the one ,
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Fast accurate auto-focus
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Noisy IS
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM Lens:
Lens make my very wonderful faces and images of nature
It's beautiful, strong and fast
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Poor in Low Light
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM Lens:
I opted for this lens over the 2.8 version and am so far very glad that I did. The lens is very well built and has a nice (smallish) size and weight making packing for travel and hiking a breeze.
The lens is used on my 5D Mark II and balances very nicely and produces great images.
Replaces a Sigma 70-200 2.8 non IS. Compared to that lens images are way more consistent, sharper and have better colors and contrast. I miss the 2.8 aperture but the smaller size of this lens means its with me more often.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM Lens:
this is my landscape lens, its sharpness amazed me even wide open to f4, in low light condition 4 stop IS really works if you don wanna take a tripod.
nice build quality
perfect if canon give a tripod mount ring for free as the 2.8 version
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
- IS noise
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM Lens:
So far I'm loving the lens. It is very sharp on all the tests that I have done so far. Image stabilization works great. I am able to shoot at 1/8 second at 200mm and get no blur from camera shake. This more than compensates for not getting the 2.8 and is close to half the weight and price. I went with Canon over Nikon because of this lens and I am glad I did. Nikon does not have a mid-level 70-200. All the controls are smooth and the USM gives instantaneous focus. The only thing that is a little disconcerting is that the image stabilizer makes some noise that does not sound totally smooth. I was expecting more of whirr but it sounds more like a wheel with a slightly worn bearing. I don't know if this is defective but it's something to keep aware of.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM Lens:
Haven't had this lens for very long but so far it is great.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM Lens:
My main use is landscape photograpny. The lens is very sharp. It is also fairly light.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM Lens:
I use this lens for a lot of out door photos of fast moving objects and it focuses great and pictures come out awesome, This will put any kit lens to shame.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM Lens:
Clasic lens,work all the time,sharp,decent price
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Poor in Low Light
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM Lens:
7D shooter, this is my first L lens. Noticable difference in build quality, time will tell how the image quality compares to other lenses in my kit. So far first impressions are very favorable. Lens and body together are hefty. I had considered the 2.8, but was worried that combined weight would find me shying away from long carry days. Given the weight of this one, I'm feeling better about "settling" for smaller app.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM Lens:
After taking the plunge and finally purchasing this lens, I have found it to be worth every penny. I got a refurbished copy at a reduced price, but even upon close inspection I could not find anything to suggest it was not brand new.
The image quality is stunning and the autofocus fast and precise.
If this lens is within your price range, buy it. You will not be dissapointed.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM Lens:
Light weight, tack-sharp photos. As you have certainly heard if you have done your research, shame on Canon for not including the tripod ring. Lens bag is just a waste of fabric. However, as far as the lens itself goes, it measures up to expectations in every way.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Lightweight
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Poor in Low Light
Best Uses
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM Lens:
This is a recognized high quality image lens and it did live to his reputation. Very satisfied! The 70-200 2.8L is just too expensive and too heavy for me.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
- To long for backpack
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM Lens:
Just got the lens, but first trials at our local lake produced some superb images, hand-held at distances up to 80 yards across a lake. I also tested it with a Kenko Teleplus PRO 300 DGX 1.4x AF Teleconverter. Images were still outstanding, autofocus was quick with very good detail on wings and feathers. Tracked a few air-born egrets and one little blue heron at up to 280 mm (with teleconverter) with mostly excellent results, the rejects were mostly photographer error. The only con I can find is the lens is longer than any of my other lenses and my kit would no longer fit in my backpack. So, New backpack too!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Lightweight
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Night Photography
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM Lens:
Great optics comes with hood.
sharp and high quality
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easily Interchangeable
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM Lens:
Great lens for capturing candid kid moments.
Works wonderful for kids sports, as well as, capturing your kids on-stage.
IS works excellent and as advertised.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Constant aperture
- Durable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Noisy
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Portraits
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM Lens:
I have used the product mostly for portraiture. It has fast focus, tack-sharp images, and the constant f4 is wonderful! The IS is a little noisy but not as noticeable if you have other sounds going on around you. Great product!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Displaying reviews 1-20
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What's in the Box
- 67mm Snap-On Lens Cap
- Lens Dust Cap E (Rear)
- ET-74 Lens Hood
- LP1224 Lens Case
- 1-Year Warranty
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