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!

Copyright 2006 All rights reserved. ProfAudio1

I have owned many lenses in my time including the Sigma 70-300mm Apo DG lens that retails at about £120.00. Whilst this was a great lens with excellent colour it never felt particularly nice to use as a lens. I have been toying with many lens choices for some time and then I came across this lens at a reasonable price. Having now used it on my canon 5D I love it! It's really sharp and even at F4 the background is nicely blurred for portrait shots and I've even had some really good indoor shots both with & without flash - HANDHELD! If you're looking for a good lens for a good price then this is the one for you!

So far it has lived up to all my expectations. It is Clear at all focal lenghts although if i was using it all say i would buy the colar and put it on the mono pod it could be a bit heavy but undoubtably you can feel its quality.Looking at the next generation with IS i think it's a bargin.

If, like me you have lusted after a Canon EF 70-200 f2.8L IS USM lense, but just can't afford it, then this lens is a great starting point.

The build quality is as you would expect from a Canon L lens - excellent. For all but the darkest of days it performs fantastically - crystal clear photographs every time.

It is a small thing, but the lack of a tripod mount on this lens is the only thing I can criticise it for. Handheld at 200mm really could benefit from the extra support. Fortunately these mounts are to be found on Ebay for a reasonable amount.

I am looking forward to many hours of happy photography with this lens mounted on my camera.

Good sharp lens - worth every penny.

If you're also considering the 70-300mm IS, get this, you won't be disappointed! Cropped pics from this look better than the 300mm any day.

Package arrived well packaged and exactly as described.
Only one minor issue, the outer packaging had a description of the contents which may be a red flag to some unscrupulous individuals.

I have previously spent hunreds of pounds on lenses. Why didn't I just buy this one first ?
Yes it is big but light, the image quality is obvious immediatley. I am going to now save up for a short F4 L lens zoom such as the 24-105 F4 L to complete my collection.

excellent ebayer, goods as described promt delivery good first experience..............................................................................................................................................................

I bought this lens as a stand in for my f2.8 version that developed a fault (while I got it back after repair), as I needed this zoom range for a shoot. My first reaction was isn't small (in comparison), on using it on my 5D I was amazed at the sharpness right across the frame, even wide open it's as good as the f2.8 is at f4.0. The saving in weight and bulk make this lens ideal when I don't need that extra stop, at the price the lens is superb. One note of caution though, at least with my version, this lens is not weather and dust sealed, check out the instruction book under features, if it doesn't say it; it isn't. That's why I will keep the f2.8 because it is, but if you don't need that feature why pay extra. In conclusion I feel this is one of the best bargains Canon produce.

this is a complete rip off it is not genuine and i have requested my monies back from the supplier extremely disappointed