Most pristine camera lenses can be very expensive. The 70-200mm f/4.0 L USM Canon zoom is an exception. It's not only superb in photo quality, but it’s reasonably affordable. Prices generally start around $650.00, but with a little shopping around, the lens can be found for less.
Canon 70-200mm f/4.0 L USM Features
With a 70-200mm zoom, this can be considered both an excellent portrait lens and zoom for distant photo opportunities. On a Canon D-SLR body, with a 1.6x crop conversion factor, the zoom range would be approximately 112-320mm. This is quite useful.
The lens is made to high quality standards and it feels like it. On the Canon 40D or 50D body, the lens offers a nice balance. It’s light enough to hold both the camera and lens with one hand when not shooting. On the smaller Rebel camera line, the lens is a bit heavier and might somewhat feel awkward to some photographers. It’s still perfectly useable.
The zoom and focus rings are made of rubber. Each turns very smoothly and easily, making this lens a joy to use.
A 67mm filter is recommended not only to cut down on UV rays, but also to protect the optics.
Focusing Speed and High Optical Quality
Using auto focus on a Canon 40D or 50D body, the 70-200mm f/4.0 is extremely quick to lock focus. This is especially useful when photographing high speed action such as sports and children. In bright light, the lens virtually has no lag time.
Because the lens has a slower aperture, it’s recommended to use a tripod for photographs where light is low, or a flash unit. Canon makes three other “L” series lenses with this same zoom range. Depending on the model, a photographer can upgrade to Canon’s “Image Stabilization” (IS), a faster f/2.8 aperture, or a combination of IS and a f/2.8 aperture.
The optics on this lens are exceptional, especially in bright light. Photos are very sharp with lush color detail and nice contrast. Background detail (or bokeh) is pleasing, and there’s virtually little or no distortion.
Sharp Photos
Photographers using this lens will no doubt be struck by its sharpness. Of course, there are variables in shooting sharp photographs. Nonetheless, the “L” series optics are highly sharp to begin with.
“Pixel Peepers” will be delighted. Zooming into an image on a computer screen will reveal skin detail, such as pores, with ultimate sharpness. A photograph of children playing softball brings out detail in their uniforms, and their determined facial expressions. Cropping a photo taken with the 70-200mm f/4.0 “L” shouldn’t be an issue. Detail will still be very high.
Pleasing Pictures with a Pleasing Price
The Canon 70-200mm f/4.0 “L” USM comes in at a very reasonable price. The lens is a perfect compliment for photographers on a budget, or for those who simply want to save a few dollars. The optical quality is outstanding and this lens is a flat out bargain.
