Canon EF 70-200mm f/4.0L USM Lens

This lens isn’t inexpensive, but especially if you shoot outdoors, this is the ultimate EOS tele zoom lens for under £400.00. Compared to most other EF professional "L" lenses, this is the least costly of all, but its PROFESSIONAL LEVEL PERFORMANCE and CONSTRUCTION are definitely NOT COMPROMISED in any way.

In the world of Canon EOS EF mount lenses, there are three levels of quality classifications. The inexpensive models are commonly referred to as “consumer grade”, designed primarily to meet competitive price points. The upgrade models are known as “mid grade” lenses. These can be very respectable in optical performance, but they are not as durable or "high performance" as the real pro gear.

The top level is reserved for true working pros, and those who are very dedicated to the art of photography. These are the “L” Series Professional lenses. Most “L” lenses are designed with very effective weather & dust seals and special optical elements to deliver superior performance and the ultimate in rugged reliability. Canon's “L” models all have a bright red ring around the front of the barrel.

This telephoto “L” is a great choice for nature lovers, hikers, street photographers, adventurers and especially for the parents of budding sports stars. You really command respect when you whip out your Canon EOS with this big off-white bazooka locked ‘n loaded. You instantly become the “Pro” (whether you actually are or not). It is amazing to watch the crowds at the soccer game part to let “the real photographer” get a little closer to the action. If you prefer to not call any attention to yourself, avoid this lens! Otherwise, be prepared for the envious stares from the guys & gals with the long skinny black lenses.

This is a real "rough & tumble" lens, with optics delivered directly from the great glass gods. It will keep functioning properly, even when the rain or snow begins to fall during the last quarter of a game or out on a long nature hike, unlike the consumer and mid-grade lenses.

However, there are other reasons to commit to this fairly costly model. The optical resolution, colour richness and contrast are absolutely superb! Chromatic aberrations and lens flare are extremely well controlled. There is almost NO DISTORTION visible through this lens, at any focal length. This is especially true on a smaller frame digital camera because these bodies take advantage of the lenses “sweet spot”, by primarily using the glass near the center portion of the lens. The Canon EF 70-200mm f/4 L USM produces incredibly sharp photos time after time, after time, after time...

This model is threaded for 67mm filters, not the easiest to find. You may have to buy some relatively expensive filters that will only be usable on this one lens, like I did, but it is definitely worth it. The front element is always stationary, so using a circular polarizer is never a problem. The zoom and focus rings are plenty wide enough, even for the most gorilla-fisted photogs out there, and yet, both rotate as smooth as a well-powdered baby’s behind.

There is no doubt that this is a real "L" lens. It is just oozing with that magic "luxury" stuff that makes it such a great optical instrument, as well as a very good investment. Considering how close it is in performance, and the high cost for most "L" models, I can easily call this one a true bargain!

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