- Sexiness Ratings:
- Value to your kit
- :(5 of 5 stars)
- Image quality
- :(5 of 5 stars)
- Build quality
- :(5 of 5 stars)
- Jealousy Factor
- :(5 of 5 stars)
- Bang for your buck
- :(2 of 5 stars)
- Overall Sexiness
- :(5 of 5 stars)
There isn’t much I can say about this lens that hasn’t already been said. It’s been called “the best lens Canon makes” and “favorite” more times and by more respectable photo people than I can count. Just search google and see for yourself. The day this puppy was handed to me by the UPS guy, my little "photo hobby" became an obsession. Why, you might ask? Lets see, this is my first “L” lens. Anyone out there who can relate to this, please chime in. Yes, I had briefly used L’s before, but this one was mine, I finally got that red ring around the lens I had been craving. But, it’s so much more than just a red ring…
With that notorious red ring comes a level of quality that to this point had been unknown to me. I finally understood how and why a single lens costs more than my camera. First, the overall build quality of L lenses is far superior than standard consumer canon lenses, and this one takes the cake. You can feel it from the moment you take it out of the box, and this feeling continues every time you use the lens. Whether it’s the the super-quick autofocus, the silky smooth zoom ring, or the weight of all that UD-Glass , when you use this lens, you know its the shit.
The quality of images delivered by this monster is also outstanding. Contrast, colors and sharpness are all on-point across all apertures and zoom levels. The combination of f/2.8 across all zoom levels and three-stop Image Stabilization extend the versatility of this lens to lower-light situations as well. Another interesting and useful feature is the Mode 2 IS, which is specifically tailored for panning shots. The lens includes a hood, a tripod ring, and a nice case…all benefits of the "L" line.
The Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS is a superior performer across the board. Build & image quality, jealousy factor, and kit value are all topped out by this lens. The only drawback I can mention is the cost. At around $1700 bucks, this lens is by no means cheap, its actually more expensive than most Canon DSLR camera bodies. I must say though, with this lens, you are really paying for what you get. Its quality is worth the cost. If you can afford this lens, go out and buy it tomorrow.
Test Shots
| Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 Tech Specs (from bhphoto.com) | |
|---|---|
| Filter Size | 77mm |
| f/Stop Range | 2.8-32 |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 4.6′ |
| Magnification | 1:5.8 |
| Zoom/Focus Control | Two-touch |
| Angle of View | 30 to 12 Degrees |
| Groups/Elements | 18/23 |
| Tripod Collar | Yes |
| Length | 7.7″ |
| Maximum Diameter | 3.4″ |
| Weight | 3.2 lb without tripod collar 3.5 lb with tripod collar |
Additional Resources
- Canon USA Website Product Page
- The-Digital-Picture.com Review
- Photo.net 70-200 Review
- Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS Flickr Group
I got my first “L” in February, Canon’s brand, spankin’ new 70-200 F4L IS, and after day one vowed never to get a non “L” lens again. Last week I picked up the 24-70 F2.8. Wow! I always realized these were good, bt never knew how much. Last June I rented the 24-105 F4 for a trip to Ecuador. Never took teh lens off the body (the 70-200 stayed home for that trip). Of course I was looking at the 105 and thinking that’s what I should get, but finally the 2.8 won out. Last month I rented the 85 F1.2L. I will have that lens one day. “L”s have become an addiction. Going to Galapagos next June, everything is coming with me this time, plus a couple of other “L”s I’ll be renting. Great write-ups, spot on.
iam also got my first 2.8 L type 70-200mm it is very nice to used.
it is good lens what ihave now.
great.
I wouldn’t go so far as saying its the best lest Canon makes-Probably the best “zoom” that Canon makes.
One of the best, those would be one of the primes, such as
200mm F1.8L
85mm F1.2L-II
etc..
Anyway, great review and great lens!