Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L USM Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras

I haven't used it for alot of just shooting around, but I have got some awesome images of the full moon - It is heavy, but great glass!

This lens is really the best value of the L quality lenses. It covers a nice range and is small enough to fit in most lens bags. The build quality is excellent, although it is not weather sealed like most other L series lenses. It comes with a nice hood which can be inverted onto the lens front for easy storage. It is really best for outdoor photography as the f4 doesn't do that well indoors. If you are looking for a midrange telephoto it is really between this lens and the 70-300mm IS. I tried them both out and liked the build quality and lens quality a little better on this one. The lens does not change in size while focusing or zooming, which I did not look for in a lens, but is actually a nice feature. I bought this lens for a trip to Alaska and was very pleased with the results. I basically switched between this lens and a wide angle lens the entire time.

Pros-
L series quality
good range
great price for L-series (the f2.8 and IS versions are significantly more expensive)
compact size
comes with hood and case
great resale value - since it is a L-series

Cons-
not IS
not great indoors
not weather sealed
off-white color draws attention (although people think you spent a lot more than you did for this pro-looking lens)

Overall I am extremely pleased with this lens.

I have no complaints about the image quality and performance of this lens, but I wanted to post this review to note a problem I had with it that eventually led me to selling the lens and upgrading to another lens, in case this helps others with their decision. The lens is rather long and heavy, and I found that I had consistent problems in anything other than the most brightly-lit conditions in achieving a shutter speed fast enough to prevent hand shake blur. Apart from using this lens with a tripod, I consistently was frustrated by having all my handheld shots ruined by hand shake blur. I eventually decided to upgrade to the same lens (70-200mm f/4) but the model with IS (image stabilization) and have been much happier with my output using the lens. Would recommend anyone considering this non-IS version to take into consideration whether they are prone to hand shake or might have problems holding this particular lens steady - perhaps go to a camera store and try it in hand first before deciding to order.

I have a Canon 24-105mm f/4L lens and I am very satisfying with its quality. Recently, I bought this 70-200mm f/4L, and I am stunk with its quality. Super sharp image with wonderful color. It weight is perfect if you want to travel light.

Bottom line is - great "L" lens at this price ($600). Only if you can afford another $450 then I would suggest to go with the IS model. Otherwise, you will enjoy this lens for many years.

--Great shooting...

This is hands down a great lens, there is no question about it. I use it as my standard walk a round lens. It focus fast and quietly, it has great image quality and feels really nice. The only thing that is missing is image stabilization, they do have an IS version, and if you are going to be hand holding and shooting in low light, then you will need the IS, but that is true for any lens. Overall this is a great lens, for a great price, and if you don't shoot in low light, then not having the IS isn't a big deal.