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Canon 70-200 f4L IS unusable at f4

Started Oct 5, 2017 | Discussions thread
sobrien
sobrien Senior Member • Posts: 1,756
Re: Canon 70-200 f4L IS unusable at f4

I believe this is a known issue with some copies of this lens. My first copy, at least, had similar problems at F/4 - I could see a very significant improvement stopping it down to F/5.6. The discrepancy seemed to be most pronounced at infinity/relatively long distances. I spent a long time making sure that it was not a AFMA issue and also checking online reviews that showed the difference in sharpness at different apertures and focal lengths. As soon as I tested out a different version of the lens, however, I knew immediately that mine was not functioning as it should. Really, the difference in sharpness between F/4, F/5.6 and F/8 is very negligible. I honestly doubt I would be able to tell the difference, even looking at 100% view, in many instances. So I sold my first copy (with full disclosure) and bought another copy that is extremely sharp at F/4 at all focal lengths. Autofocus is really reliable too. This lens really is as good as everyone says. And I love how lightweight it is considering the quality it produces. Works great with the 1.4 extender too. I would never consider buying the F/2.8 version unless perhaps if I was to become a pro wedding/event photographer.

Best of luck!

Shane

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 sobrien's gear list:sobrien's gear list
Canon EOS R Canon EOS R5 Canon EF 85mm F1.8 USM Canon EF 135mm F2L USM Canon Extender EF 2x III +16 more
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