Canon EF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM Review
General information
This is a zoom lens manufactured by Canon and the lens was released 2006.
The lens belongs to the category
telephoto zoom lenses, a telephoto lens where you have the possibility to zoom in and out.
Product description from Canon
At launch 2006 Canon wrote this regarding Canon EF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM :
"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 new 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.
EF70-200mm F4L IS USM employs fluorite and UD (Ultra-low Dispersion) lens elements to offer professional and advanced amateur photographers the outstanding optical performance expected of an L-series lens. Expanding on the high-performance capabilities of the EF70-200mm F4L USM lens, released in September 1999, the new compact and lightweight telephoto zoom lens incorporates an image stabilizer that gives the equivalent effect of a shutter speed approximately four stops faster*. In addition to offering full-time manual focusing, Canon’s EF70-200mm F4L IS USM zoom lens boasts several enhancements, including dust- and moisture-proof construction and a round aperture. Canon’s new lenses employ optimized lens element positioning and lens coating to ensure excellent color balance while minimizing the ghosting and flare that can easily occur when shooting in the digital format. Also, in consideration of the environment, the two models use only lead-free glass c omponents. "
Compatibility, autofocus and focal length
This lens is constructed to fit all models of Canon cameras, regardless of camera model or type of sensor.
The ability to use autofocus is available for all cameras.
The lens has a focal length of 70-200 mm. Depending on which camera the lens is used, the experienced and perceived focal length will be different. Please visit the list of compatible cameras below, it will provide the equivalent focal length you get on each camera.
A positive thing is that this lens has a versitale zoom range, where the difference between 'maximum zoomed out' to 'maximum zoomed in' increases the lens versatility since you as a photographer easily can compose your picture without moving yourself physically.
- See compatible cameras and perceived/equivalent focal length
- See a full camera compatibility chart for Canon EF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM
- Read more about focal length and your field of view
- Read more on the cameras impact on the perceived focal length
Lens brightness and image stabilizer
The lens brightness and aperture value is f/4.
The lens is to considered fairly bright. This will make it so much easier shooting in darker environments where you do not want or can use flash lighting, for example in churches or at different sports venues. Lenses with good aperture values and longer focal lengths, such as this lens, tend to be popular amongs sports and nature photographers.
A feature worth commenting, which is also related to lens brightness, is that the brightness and maximum aperture-value remains constant regardless of focal length used. This makes it easier for you as a photographer. No matter if you are have the focus ring and focal length at 70 mm or at 200 mm the aperture value can be f/4.
Inside the lens there is an image stabilizer, which helps to fend off possible movements and tremors. This is very positive and can be of great help in situations and conditions where the light is inadequate and not enough for decent shutter speeds.
Filter and Lens Hood
The lens has a traditional filter thread on the front and its measuring 67 mm which also the filter you will use must have. If you use for example an UV filter can be a cheap insurance against scratches and dust.
If you buy this lens it will come with a lens hood, whose model name is "ET-74".
Images of Canon EF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM
In order to see larger product images of the lens, click the link below.
Things to consider before buying
Below you will find some summarized points and facts that can be considered as the 'pros and cons' of this lens. These are based entirely on the facts and values that are accessible through the lens specification, so we highly recommend that you also read the reported reviews available (see tab 'Reviews'); this in order to get a more complete view of the lens and its capabilities. Reviewer opinions reflect the lens, its use and its optical performance in a more accurate way, but any way - here a few different points to consider before buying this lens.
- Constant maximum aperture value regardless of focal length
- Has a built-in image stabilizer
- An impressive focal range
- Works on all sensor types
- A lens hood is included
- The lens is sealed against dust and moisture
- Light weight (760 gr)
- The lens can be used with a tripod mount but this is not included and must be purchased separately
Our Review Ratings
Time to grade Canon EF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM .
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| Overall rating | 3 of 5 |
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