REVIEWED: Canon EF 70-200 f/4L IS USM zoom lens
Lightweight 70-200mm telephoto lens that’s perfect for landscape photography and wildlife when on the move
Taking a long lens on a long journey just got easier. Serious photographers carry a lot of stuff in a gazillion different styles of backpack, but it’s all too tempting to leave behind that long lens that weighs so much and takes up a lot of space. That’s until this lightweight piece of glass slides into view.
Versatile & lightweight
The Canon EF 70-200 f/4L IS USM is equally as good for shooting wildlife and for isolating areas in vast landscapes. Capable of f/4.0 (to f/32.0), it goes head-to-head with a version from Canon that manages f/2.8 , though as well as costing twice as much that particular lens weighs double this lens’ 760g, too (though also includes a tripod ring, which for this lens is an optional extra). The Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM measures 76x172mm when fully extended.
Landscapes & close-ups
In our test we zoomed-in to isolate objects in a vast landscape at sunrise using a tripod (and slow shutter speeds), then used it to take super close-ups of wildlife while hand-held (with fast shutter speeds). Both exercises produced super-sharp results, with plenty of colour. However, while focusing, the Image Stabilization – otherwise a great reason for buying this lens (it’s activated each time you half-depress the shutter release button) – kicks-in, causing some clicking and whirring noise for a few seconds
Great value
With sharp images, great colours, a reasonably quiet operation and a lightweight though robust build, this 70-200mm lens in perfect for both wildlife and for isolating subjects in landscapes while on the move. For Canon cameras, there are few better value or more versatile options more suited to travelling.