Camera Craniums: The Photography Community for Enthusiasts
Photography Equipment => User reviews => Topic started by: anglefire on September 07, 2009, 08:55:15 PM
This is the first L lens that I bought, back in around 2005.
I went for the f/4 version purely down to cost. I would have loved the 2.8 IS version, but at the time, I'd only got back into photography and I reallycouldn't justify the extra cost - probably a grand at the time.
Anyway, the lens.
At the time it was reported to be the sharpest of the 3 70-200 L lenses available. Now it is beaten by the f/4 IS version. Just.
It is very light, and can be used as a walk about lens all day without any problems or tiring.
It doesn't come with a tripod colar, and doesn't really need one - I actually share the one that comes with the 400mm f/5.6 - I'm pretty sure the 300mm f/4 has the same colar. The only advantage of the colar is when mounting the lens on a monopod, when it makes turning the lens from portrait to landscape very quick.
In operation, the lens focus's very quickly - not a quick as my 400mm, but quick enough for most subjects.
I use it mostly for motorsport and portraits, as its a bit short for most wildlife, though is good for captive subjects.
The colour and contrast of the lens is very pleasing - rich colours and as I've siad, very sharp.
Some examples, of most subjects follow!
(http://www.mark.colston-online.co.uk/Motorsport/Sporting%20Trial/slides/IMG_3429%205D.jpg)
(http://www.mark.colston-online.co.uk/Motorsport/Rally%20of%20the%20Midlands%202008/slides/IMG_7067%20EOS-1D%20Mark%20III.jpg)
(http://www.mark.colston-online.co.uk/Wildlife/slides/African%20Lions%20copy.jpg)
(http://www.mark.colston-online.co.uk/People/slides/IMG_4209%205D.jpg)
Have the IS version and absolutely love it.
Small enough and light enough to use with out needing a tripod or monopod.
As said, extremely sharp IQ when needed.
Glad i opted for this model as opposed to the 2.8 IS version.
Just bought myself a 70-200 F/4 from jessops. Was up at £1058, then next time I went in it was £500! After much umming and arring, I've got it, and not had chance to use it yet. Should be better than the kit 55-250mm I've been using! :tup:
should be immensely better than the kit lens. Should make you wonder whether you will ever settle for a cheaper piece of glass again!