Sharp, powerful, robust lens -- everyone stares at you

After spending a couple weeks shooting with my new Canon 20D and 24-70mm f/ 2.8 L USM lens, I decided I needed additional magnification power to reach the birds and other animals I enjoy shooting so much. I had previously looked at the 70-200mm f/ 4 lens; however, I quickly realized from using my current lens that an image stabilizing feature would be a huge benefit if I were to take the photographs I wanted. While a tripod can be a very beneficial tool, it would be more of an annoyance on certain occasions. For example, when I’m out sailing on the Pacific Ocean, shooting photos of dolphins would be impossible with a tripod. These animals come by the boat in all sorts of angles, and are too fast to adjust the camera without a free-motion hand.

Another lens I considered was the 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS USM lens. It comes equipped with the IS feature, which I liked, and offers an astounding 640mm on a 1.6x sensor camera. However, I found the slow lens could pose a problem for late night shots. I also read some reviews online of soft images at the telephoto end of the lens. One issue certain to displease me involves soft focus images. DSLR photos already tend to require some sharpening; hence, anything that requires me to do further work later would be an impediment to my enjoyment of the hobby. A final point is the weight of the lens. It’s heavier than the 70-200mm lens, and therefore a bit harder to carry on long hikes.

:-: The Lens :-:

Finally, we reach the 70-200mm f/2.8 IS USM lens. As discussed previously, it has the IS feature, which is a great feature for motion shots. I took hundreds of photos of my dogs running on the beach, and the majority came out in focus. Here are a few examples:

:-: wide angle, 70mm :-:
http://photos.imageevent.com/slo007/dogs/delmardogbeach/large/IMG_1879b.jpg

:-: wide angle, 70mm :-:
http://photos.imageevent.com/slo007/dogs/delmardogbeach/large/IMG_1884b.jpg

A few more shots, this time of people and birds:

:-: telephoto angle, 200mm :-:
http://photos.imageevent.com/slo007/encinitas/moonlight012406/large/IMG_2005.JPG

:-: telephoto angle, 200mm :-:
http://photos.imageevent.com/slo007/encinitas/moonlight012406/large/IMG_2125b.jpg

As one can see, the images are very sharp and the colors came out great. All these photos were taken without a tripod.

Note on the tripod: the lens has a removable tripod attachment ring. This ring allows you to place the lens on the tripod at any angle (i.e. camera doesn’t have to be flat); it can be vertical, at an odd angle, etc. Another benefit is that one is able to obtain perfect 360-degree photos from the same point of reference. Moreover, it’s easier to carry the camera, lens and tripod if one uses the ring. The weight is more balanced. I’ve also used it to balance the camera close to my body when carrying it on long hikes. The lens is too heavy, at over 4 lbs with the 20D, for me to allow it to hang loose on my neck.

Note on the lens: it doesn’t protrude out when you adjust the zoom. The body stays intact; hence you don’t have to constantly adjust a filter (i.e. circular polarizer) whenever you move the zoom.

The focus and zoom rings on this lens are thick and flat, making them easy to adjust without having to take my eyes off the viewfinder. They also move effortlessly, without any hic ups or feeling of obstruction.

:-: Build Quality :-:

As you can imagine, the build quality on this lens is excellent. It feels like a solid piece of glass, metal and rubber. In fact, when I lay the lens on the table in a vertical position, the lens inside doesn’t move at all. The mechanism is easy to use, yet firm.

I’ve taken the lens with me to the beach several times, and never found any grains of sand on or inside any portion of the lens. It’s a huge benefit, I think, that there are no external moving parts. Every lens should be like this...

:-: Accessories :-:

Along with all Canon L lenses, this model comes equipped with a hood and carrying pouch. Unlike the 24-70mm model, the pouch is semi-solid and does a better job of protecting the lens were you to allow it to come against a rough surface. The hood also works great, preventing solar flares on the images. Of the thousands I’ve taken so far, only a handful had solar flares.

The filter size at the end of most L lenses is 77mm. I use a B+W circular polarizer on mine, with very good results.

:-: Thousands of images later... :-:

Having purchased the lens in October of 2005, I can attest to its excellent quality in construction. The magnification and focus rings are easy to use, the images are very sharp, and the lens works flawlessly. The ultrasonic motor is very quiet, and the included hood protects the lens from solar flares. I also like how I can hook up the hood to the lens facing the camera, for easy storage inside my backpack.

The only issue one might have with this camera is that, being white, it attracts everyone’s attention. I’ve recently acquired insurance with State Farm to protect my investment. It was actually quite affordable, at $79 per year, for all my equipment.

Note that this lens is also available without the IS feature.

:-: Resources :-:

:- Reviews -:
http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/showproduct.php?product=12&sort=7&cat=27&page=1

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-70-200mm-f-2.8-L-IS-USM-Lens-Review.aspx

(non IS version)
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-70-200mm-f-2.8-L-USM-Lens-Review.aspx

:- Professional Sample Photos -:
http://www.dpchallenge.com/lens.php?LENS_ID=5

:-: My DSLR Lens Set :-:

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 USM L
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 USM L IS (this review)
Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC HSM for Canon

:-: Problems-to-Date :-:

None so far.

:-: More of My Photos :-:

Rock on beach
http://photos.imageevent.com/slo007/sanluisobispo/openhouse/large/IMG_3932%20v2.jpg

Crab on rocks
http://photos.imageevent.com/slo007/sanluisobispo/openhouse/large/IMG_3964%20v2.JPG

Helicopter
http://photos.imageevent.com/slo007/sanluisobispo/openhouse/large/IMG_4019%20v2.JPG

Ocean View
http://photos.imageevent.com/slo007/sanluisobispo/openhouse/large/IMG_4023%20v2.jpg