Just got my 70-200 f4 L USM

[jhmaeng]

Generally you shouldn't be going slower than 1/(focal length)(x sensor size multiplier, according to some people) in terms of shutter speed. So, depending on who you ask, at 400mm you should go no slower than 1/400 (w/o sensor size adjustment) or 1/600 (w. sensor size adjustment)

With IS, they have varying levels of claimed effectiveness, ranging from 2 stops to 4 stops. Taking a claim of 3 stop advantage at face value as an example, at 300mm you would need to be faster than 1/75 (1/300 x 4)

 

[clv101]

I've spent some time with the Cannon 70-200 f2.8 IS, it's a fantastic lens but too expensive and too heavy for many people though. Using it did convince me that the 70-200 f4 lens would be very limited, at 200mm with no IS you need to be close to 1/200 shutter speed. With only f4 you need some serious light to get the shutter speed that fast. The f2.8 IS not only allows a lot more light but also offers some protection from handshake so allows slower shutter speeds.

Question to the people with the 70-200 f4 lens, where do you use it? What for? And do you find yourself constantly restricted by there not being enough light to allow fast enough shutters?

I'm now thinking that the Canon EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM lens might be the best bet. It's only 765g and 83.2mm x 136.2mm. Similar price to the 70-200 f4 but faster in exchange for no zoom. It gets fantastic reviews

 

[SDK^]

The 70-200 F4 is definitely more of an outdoor lens – Motorsport, wildlife or portraits.

 

[hoodmeister]

Slightly OT, but I use an old Nikkor 70-210mm f4.5-5.6 ~ fantastic lens, very well built, especially for the money, but the f4.5-5.6 is limiting. I use it pretty much exclusively outdoors in good light...

 

[cyKey]

im off work next week so will get a tripod any way for indoor work and is how the lens is outside in the light do u think the pics look ok even with my wobby hands

Its a telephoto lens designed for outdoor use really, not inside macro/portrait shots. If you want a low light lens get the Canon 50mm.

 

[dod]

Question to the people with the 70-200 f4 lens, where do you use it? What for? And do you find yourself constantly restricted by there not being enough light to allow fast enough shutters?

I used mine out doors only, mainly motocross and horses. There was only once I had to bump up the ISO to 800 to get useable shutter speeds using F4, the light was really poor that day..