( 106 reviews )
-
Posted: Aug 13 2009
I will save my fingers from usage. If you are contemplating it, get it! Wouldn't part with it for anything! Best ever! Enough said!
-
Posted: Jul 30 2009
I needed a zoom lens in this range for aviation photography and for general family photos. My primary requirements were for excellent image quality good performance in low-light conditions. My photographs with this lens have displayed superb image quality. Detail is sharp at all corners of the frame, and color control is excellent. The bokeh (out-of-focus quality), especially at f/2.8, is very eye-pleasing, too. The extremely shallow depth-of-field at 200mm and f/2.8, though, means that I have had to work at my focussing technique to achieve reliable results. In poor lighting, the Image Stabilizer has allowed me to take repeatedly sharp, shake-free photographs at night using shutter speeds as slow as 1/15th second at 70mm; this equates to about 2.5 stops slower than I would normally expect. I have been able to reliably take hand-held photographs in conditions which I would normally expect to require a tripod. Focus in all but the darkest lighting is achieved very quickly and accurately. The build quality of this lens in outstanding. The all-metal construction and finish give the lens a very robust feel and inspire confidence in use. The focus and zoom rings are comfortable and easy to employ, although the tripod mounting bracket can hinder access to the zoom ring; positioning this at the 3-o'clock position (viewed from the rear) negates this problem. I have often found that I have moved the side mounted control switches inadvertently when taking out and packing away the lens. This lens is heavy at around 4lb. Combined with its large size, carrying this lens for extended periods can be tiring; a recent outing at Disneyworld led to an aching shoulder! An unexpected factor is the high conspicuity of the lens; the white finish is associated with expensive pro-cameras, and I can envisage travel with this lens potentially leading to unwelcome attention. The lens is also very expensive. This fact is mitigated by two factors; firstly, the outstanding build quality means that this lens will outlast consumer-grade lenses. Secondly, the resale value of Canon L-series lenses on eBay is typically around 80-90% of the new cost. In Summary: Pros - Superb image quality - Excellent low-light performance - Excellent build quality - High residual value Cons - Weight - Size - Cost - Conspicuity For me, the benefits of superb image quality and low-light performance outweigh all of the cons. This lens is a joy to use and produces photographs which simply ooze quality; I recommend it without reservation.
-
Posted: Jul 17 2009
Flawless operation. Super sharp. Great Bokeh. I wish I got this sooner.
