Canon EF 70-200 f4 USM IS

Loafer · 30-12-2007, 19:15

hi all,
This is my first of many questions I will post on the board so bear (or is it bare?) with me!

I am looking for opinions on the above lens. The review setion of the site does not have this as I believe it was only released late last year or maybe even this year.

For me, due to budget, its a choice between this and the Sigma 70-200 f2.8.

It will be a all purpose lens, used from everything to sports shots (Ice hockey, rugby and football) to events, both indoor and out as well as car shows, bike shows, etc.

The thing that appeals about the canon is the weight (700-odd grammes vs 1.2 KG of the sigma) and the fact that the IS means I can use it handheld at 1/15th sec or thereabouts.
The canon 2.8 is just out my price range so its a no go but i would be very very interested to know if anyone has 1st hand experience of the above lens and enlighten me.. or even persuade me to save money and get the non IS!

many thanks in advance!!!

**Dabhand16** · 30-12-2007, 19:41

Well, I've got the sigma 70-200 f2.8, and am very pleased with it. Not got any experience of the Canon, but I'll bet that the price of the Sigma will allow you to get a Canon 50mm f1.8 too, thus giving you better indoor options.

Loafer · 30-12-2007, 19:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dabhand16

Well, I've got the sigma 70-200 f2.8, and am very pleased with it. Not got any experience of the Canon, but I'll bet that the price of the Sigma will allow you to get a Canon 50mm f1.8 too, thus giving you better indoor options.

Thanks for the reply.

I have the 50mm 1.8 already. I should have mentioned my kit - sorry! As well as the nifty fifty , I have a Sigma 70-300 APO DG Macro (which I will sell after I buy this new lens) and a Tamron 28-75mm f2.8, which, in itself is a great lens also.

I am scouring other forums but there is no definitive answer as to which one to get. I would like to get it before Friday as I am attending the National Bike Show at the old GMEX in Manchester, then the following Thursday I am at Autosport International for their press preview day.
I think weight is going to play a major part in my decision, 1.2 kg is more than my little plastic 350D is used to!

**stepheno** · 30-12-2007, 20:09

Hi Loafer - the 70-200 f4 is in the review section here and there are three reviews. It is a very good lens but I would have only two caveats. Will f4 give you the scope for indoor shots and I think that you will find 200mm a bit limiting for some sports. You may find you will need a 1.4 or 2x converter. But it is, nevertheless, an excellent lens

Loafer · 30-12-2007, 20:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by stepheno

Hi Loafer - the 70-200 f4 is in the review section here and there are three reviews. It is a very good lens but I would have only two caveats. Will f4 give you the scope for indoor shots and I think that you will find 200mm a bit limiting for some sports. You may find you will need a 1.4 or 2x converter. But it is, nevertheless, an excellent lens

HI Stephano, thanks for the link.

I had looked at it before I posted and was impressed with the revierws given by the members. The review is for the non is version and is a contender but I wanted user opinions on the IS version of the lens.

I think my question is would the IS on a Canon 70-200 f4 outweigh the f2.8 of the Sigma lens?

I just realised also that if i want to benefit from canon's cashback, I should be buying the lens tomorrow latest!

Should have drank less and thought about this more over xmas!

**Sonsey** · 30-12-2007, 20:45

I've no personal experience of using either lens loafer but as you seem to be intending to use it indoors for moving objects I would personally go with the Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 as the extra stop over the Canon would be invaluable to get that higher shutter speed.

Whipspeed · 30-12-2007, 20:47

I've got the EF 70-200mm f4L IS USM and use it most of the time for sports and have used it at Manchester Velodrome, where the light to say the least is bloody awful, very dark. But at f4 with and without flash I got some good reslults. As for cycling outdoors in the sunshine! Lovely

One thing a journalist told me at the track was not to use the IS though, he said shots would be better without it, even in those dull conditions, and he was right. So I generally have it turned off.
Anyway, most of the cycling shots in my PF were taken with it and if you want any more info, just let me know.

Loafer · 30-12-2007, 20:57

Cheers Sonsey and Whipspeed.

I actually think what it will come down to, now I am thinking logically, will be price.

Its true that the 2.8 will allow me higher shutter speeds and IS isnt really used in sports.
But, at close to £700, even after cashback, is a lot of money and I havent really heard anyone gripe about the f4 Non IS.... yet (wait til i get it and complain! lol)
More and more, I am leaning towards the Non IS model...

P-E · 30-12-2007, 21:07

Couple of threads that might be worth a quick read........

Here and Here

Steve400 · 30-12-2007, 22:13

hi loafer,

i use the canon 70-200 f4L (NON IS). i have only really ever used it for motorsport (never had a bother) and airshows where 200mm is too small on occasions. Im afraid i have only used it indoors on a few occasions. if i was changing i'd go for f2.8 before IS, but thats just me!

Steve

Loafer · 01-01-2008, 15:08

Thanks for all the replies guys and girls.
I went and did it! I got the f4 Non-IS version yesterday. Will work oiut as £350 after cashback....
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Also got the Canon 40D too (body only)

I trhought.. why not.. its Christmas!!!

Steve400 · 01-01-2008, 15:17

woohoo! good on ye! you won't be disappointed im sure!

P-E · 01-01-2008, 16:30

Congrats on the lens and the 40D!