Cameras-n- Stuff

By Wayne Rasku

You bought that DSLR for the versatility and ability to change equipment to handle any and all situations. There is one piece of equipment you don’t want to leave on the shelf. It is the Canon 70-200mm L lens.

There are actually four of these critters, and there is plenty of discussion about which is the best. But the truth is that any one of the four is an excellent choice. There are two differences which make up the four variations. First, there is an f/4 version and an f/2.8 version. Add to that the IS version of each, and the total is four.

First, it is important to know that each 70-200mm L lens version has excellent build quality and superior glass. The “L” in the name actually means Luxury. It is the highest quality of glass and building materials, making it much more expensive than non-L glass. There is low-dispersion and ultra-low dispersion glass in each of the four types. This basically means that the glass used (dispersion glass) is not subject to the same deterioration of quality as non-dispersion glass. It will not distort the images, therefore, making the image quality much better.

Another plus for the Canon 70-200mm lenses is the non-rotating front elements. This feature is important for maintaining focal quality, but it is also important if you are using certain filters, such as circular polarizers.

With the high range of focal length, having either f/4 or f/2.8 allows you, the photographer, to have relatively low light photos without the danger of poor quality that comes with higher apertures. Obviously, the f/2.8 will allow faster shutter speeds than the f/4, making it a better choice if you are doing indoor sports where you will need the fastest possible setup.

Each of these models is also equipped with an ultrasonic motor, making the focus time almost instant. There is no searching as with other lesser quality products. The non-rotating barrel is also an asset when it is focusing. Auto focus is also present in conjunction with the ultrasonic motor.

The differences among the four Canon 70-200mm lenses are in the aperture (f/4 or f/2.8) and the inclusion or exclusion of IS (image stabilization).

Starting with a non-IS f/4, you get two advantages. First you will pay the least $$$ of the four, in fact, you will pay quite a bit less – about one-third the price of the most expensive one. The second advantage is the weight. Because there is less glass, the f/4 is much smaller and lighter than the f/2.8. This factor alone has been the deciding one for many photographers. The extra weight of an f/2.8 lens can cause fatigue much quicker.

As you add IS and wider aperture range, you increase the price and the weight with each addition. But as mentioned earlier, any one of these Canon 70-200mm Lenses will make a welcome addition to your camera bag. Due to the zoom range, there is so much versatility. You can shoot portraits, modified landscapes (not enough wide angle to use for dedicated landscape photography), sports, nature, and almost anything you can think to shoot.

You may want to see some additional information along with graphic representations of all four Canon 70-200mm lenses. To do that, Click Here. Happy Shooting.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Wayne_Rasku
http://EzineArticles.com/?Canon-70-200-L-Lens-Review&id=3454474

I just came across this post at the DPreview forum (click here to see the whole thread):

100-400\L Examples. Help me convince my wife!
I really want a 100-400 L lens. Please post some of your photos taken with this lens so I can use them to convince my wife that I need one! (I have a 70-200 f/4 that she thinks is “good enough.”)
Cheers!
Jim

This just brings me back to Tim Allen in the old role on “Tool Time”. We always want (ok, we NEED) the newest and best tools. But let’s face it, sometime our wives don’t know the difference between a zoom lens and a socket wrench.

I can tell you this. Most women will not be impressed with pictures of the feather pattern of a heron in flight, at least not enough to say, “Oh, Jim, now I see that you really DO need this new Canon 100-400L lens.” But, did you notice the photos of the kids playing baseball and water skiing? Now those will help sell her on the deal.

My wife is awesome, and she is my main cheerleader when it comes to photography, but she is not always on board with the new purchases that over-extend our budget. And, quite honestly, I’m not even sure the family photo thing will work every time, but it sure is worth a try.

I must go on record here and say that aside from that new Canon EOS 7D that you really need prior to the acquisition of an additional DSLR lens, the Canon 100-400L lens is a worthy target for your next purchase. If you LOOK HERE, pay attention to the user reviews. Notice the 5 stars ? The ratings for this lens are the highest I have come across for any lens on Amazon.

Oh, I almost forgot. If you are still trying to decide which camera you absolutely need, make sure to visit www.digital-photographic-resources.com :=)

That’s it. Happy Shooting!

Just added a new page to the web site. It is an Amazon store where you can be assured that the cameras and lenses are all highly rated by camera review sites and users alike. I am excited to be able to make this available to camera buyers who are looking for an excellent camera without having to do all the research. I have done the research so you don’t have to!
Here is a screen capture of the new page.