Features: ring USM, full-time manual, included bayonet hood, weather-resistant construction, no extension during zoom, highly regarded IQ. (No IS on this model.)
Edit: This is the least expensive L-series medium-to-long-range telephoto that Canon makes. If you would like to get a taste of the L series at a (relatively) low price, this is the ticket. If you don't mind spending more than you would on the 55-250mm or 70-300 IS USM, you probably will get better-quality photos by shooting at 200mm and cropping than at 250mm or 300 on either of those.
Edit: No IS as noted in subsequent post. If you have a pretty steady hand and are shooting outdoors at high shutter speed, though, I wouldn't think this would be a big problem. Obviously a tripod will always make stead picture-taking easier.
Edit: Added FSSS -- free shipping of course.
Edit: Price dropped on 12/18 from $579 to $559.
Get Up to 3.0% Cash Back in the Following Departments:
- There is no IS (image stabilization) on this lens. You need a steady hand or a tripod to get good use of this. Great for some, virtually useless for others. - Quality is definitely better than your typical zooms that Canon runs rebates on all the time (70-200, 250, 300) - Yes, if the lens suits your use, it's still worth getting for a lower-end (Txi) series body - The IS version will run you about twice the price and the faster, f/2.8 IS, about 2.5-3x the price.
If you don't dig refurbs (or used), this is about as good as it gets.
king0fSpades
Senior Member - 3K
posted: Dec. 17, 2012 @ 3:06p
There is a serious problem with this lens. Beware.
This lens is so good that you will end up getting more 'L' lenses.
Hoogineer
Geeky member
posted: Dec. 17, 2012 @ 3:18p
king0fSpades said: There is a serious problem with this lens. Beware.
This lens is so good that you will end up getting more 'L' lenses. Ha! Nice avatar... I dropped over $300 on a Sigma 30mm f/1.4 recently -- I don't dare spend anymore and incur spousal wrath!
king0fSpades
Senior Member - 3K
posted: Dec. 17, 2012 @ 3:55p
Hoogineer said: king0fSpades said: There is a serious problem with this lens. Beware.
This lens is so good that you will end up getting more 'L' lenses. Ha! Nice avatar... I dropped over $300 on a Sigma 30mm f/1.4 recently -- I don't dare spend anymore and incur spousal wrath!
That is the beauty of this hobby. Spouse can't tell the difference between my old 50mm f/1.4 and new 85mm F/1.2L II
wahoo2x
Member
posted: Dec. 17, 2012 @ 4:03p
king0fSpades said: There is a serious problem with this lens. Beware.
This lens is so good that you will end up getting more 'L' lenses.
Green and QFT. This is the lens that gave me "L fever" when I hooked it up to my 20D, to replace my first generation 70-300 IS. Now, five years, a 5dII, and the 20-35 f2.8L, 24-105 4L IS, 135 F2L, 70-200 2.8L IS, and 70-300L IS later (along with a 100-400L IS I bought and sold), I've found tolerable glass to cover most shooting situations (as well as inner peace).
I also could be driving a different car for all the $$$$ I have locked up in L glass.
Hoogineer
Geeky member
posted: Dec. 18, 2012 @ 11:41a
Price dropped $20 to $559. Thread updated. Also added some review information.
Edit: If you don't want to spend for an L, you can still pick up the EF 70-300mm IS USM f/4-5.6 refurb from the Canon store for less than half. It's really up to you whether the improved IQ, ring USM (vice [fake] micro USM of the 70-300mm), and full-time manual of the 70-200mm f/4L USM warrant spending more.
Disclaimer: By providing links to other sites, FatWallet.com does not guarantee, approve or endorse the information or products available at these sites, nor does a link indicate any association with or endorsement by the linked site to FatWallet.com.
Members of our community may attach files to a post in accordance with the User Agreement. FatWallet is not responsible for the content, accuracy, completeness or validity of any information contained in any attached file. Files have *not* been scanned for viruses. Be especially wary of Excel files which may contain malicious content.
One-time set up
Avoid the hassle of entering your information every time you buy.
•
Instant Cash Back tracking
Since we complete the purchase, we can credit your Cash Back immediately.
•
Buy with just two clicks
One click begins checkout and another confirms your purchase.
Once set up, making a purchase with FW checkout is a breeze. FatWallet Checkout confirms the after-tax
price plus shipping and, after you confirm, completes your purchase for you.
Shopping
Earn Cash Back while you shop - just 3 simple steps.
1. Sign Up so we know who to pay! (It's FREE.)
2. Shop through FatWallet for deals from your favorite stores. Your online purchases earn Cash Back that builds in your FatWallet account.
3. Get Paid by requesting a payment via check or PayPal.
FatWallet coupons help you save more when shopping online. Use our Coupons Search to browse coupons and offers from thousands of stores, gathered into one convenient location.
Forums
As part of our FatWallet Community, you can share deals with almost a million shoppers in our forums. Forum content is generated by consumers for consumers. Share deals, money-saving tips, and more. It's FREE, fun, and addicting.
Support
Our customer experience team is here around the clock - real people ready to assist.