I've owned three copies of this lens... and I keep trying it but I keep getting disappointed. I'm not really pleased with any of the zooms I've owned. I think my primes blow them out of the water. I have owned the 70-200mm f/2.8L USM as well, and I like it... but not at that price. This is a solid value for someone wanting to get an outdoor L lens, but I don't love it... and I think my old 55-250 was as solid as long as you are making huge prints.

jdramirez

Mechanicsburg, PA

**This is a superb lens! My brother talked me into buying this lens when I was shopping for a new telephoto lens. The images produced from this gem are tack sharp, even without IS. This Canon lens is not too heavy, and it's an L!! This was my only zoom for 2 years and I loved it! I took it whale watching on a boat in the ocean, to the zoo, the aquarium, to sports events and even just the park for wildlife an portrait photography. I love the bokeh produced from this lens and the image quality. I started out using this on a Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi and now I use it on a Canon EOS 50D and it worked/works great on both. My brother borrows it all the time for his Canon Digital Rebel XT and it works great on that too. If you are looking for a decent priced HIGH quality Canon brand lens, this is the one I would recommend. I don't even think you really need the IS one, and the IS weighs a LOT more than this one, making it more inconvenient.**

residae

Florence, OR

The 70-200F4.0L is a great lens all around but where it shines is its image quality.  The colors are always fantastic out of this lens.  The 70-200F4.0L is also not very heavy so it is easily transported with you wherever you may leave it.  Remember, the lens you have with you is the one you are likely to use!  With the 70-200F4.0 the 4.0 maximum aperature does not blur the background like a 2.8 would and you don't have any image stabilization, but all those extra features also cost extra money.  You can find the 70-200F4.0L for 450-550 used and that is a great deal.  A 2.8 or 4.0IS would cost you twice the amount and the gain is very little.  You can add a non-canon teleconverter to this lens (from Kenko or Sigma) and you can get 1.4X the reach if you need to.  Then your max aperature is set to 5.6 but if you are in bright sunlight (such as shooting your kids sporting events) then it may be worth it to you!

STEVEZ32

Berkeley, CA

This lens was my first experience with the Canon L series lens, and it was truly amazing. To begin, regardless of L series or not, I am a huge proponent of fixed aperture zoom lenses with this one being a fine example of the power and image quality. This focal length, whether on a full-frame or crop body, is a perfect compliment to a walk-around lens. I use a 17-55mm to cover most of my shots indoor or portraits, however this lens is ideal for getting extra reach when necessary. The autofocus on this lens is lightning fast and spot on, making it a great lens for outdoor sports. If you are looking to shoot indoor sports like hockey or basketball, you may want to consider the Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 as it handles low light much better. If you don't need that wide of an aperture, then this is the lens for you. In addition to being great for outdoor and sports shots, the image quality of this lens is more than sufficient for portrait and close-up shots from a far. Pair this lens with a 17-55mm (on a crop body) or with the 24-70mm (full-frame body) and you will be set to shoot anything and everything.  

pdrober2

Durham, NC

The Canon EF 70-200 f/4L USM lens is just fantastic.  Arguably (at least on the canon interwebs forums) the sharpest of the Canon 70-200 L line up, and glorious colors.  It's lighter than it's f/2.8 and f/4 IS sisters, but the top notch build quality remains.  The focusing and zoom rings are in nice places and have a very "natural" feel.  While this lens is a fixed aperture of f/4, it's rare that you will find yourself needing more.  Plus the light weight of this lens helps counter balance the lack of Image Stabilization.  It's easily handheld at shutter speeds of 1/60 with a proper stance, but super zooms such as this are typically more useful outdoors and in situations where you'll find plenty of available light.  I use mine for weddings and sports and just love it.  It also can capture a nice portrait and the creaminess of this lens's bokeh is just unmatched.  The colors are incredible out of the camera and leave little desire to add anything in post processing.  

Sadyrose

Lexington, KY

This lens while being one of if not the cheapest L series lens, is great. It takes beautiful photos, and is built like a tank. It is built with all steel construction, so it has some heft to it. This may hinder you perception of the lens. I like it feeling substantial, my wife would prefer it to be lighter.  I usually take it on day trips for the coverage range it provides. I was comparing this lens and the Canon EF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 IS, when I was shopping for it. The in hand feel of the 70-200 made up my mind for me(with a little help from positive reviews all over the web). I would definitely purchase this lens again if the situation repeated itself.  

jmholmes25

Winchester, MA