Still using 70-210 3.5/4.5 USM lens anyone?

[BobT]

I'm interested in hearing from anyone who still uses the Canon EF 70-210 3.5/4.5 USM lens. What do you think of it? Does it see much action anymore? And...where would you rate it among the more recent Canon lenses of roughly similar zoom length and value?

I don't see many of them showing up very often used; leaving me to think that those that have them still like and use them.
Thanks

 

[rpras]

Yes -- almost every time I go out birding -- don't have an option. That said, the lens has been with me since 1996 -- since my days with the Rebel XS (not digital!).

Apart from my 85 f1.8, this is the next best lens (I don't own any Ls -- yet!). I have a Tamron 1.4 teleconvertor on it all the time to get a little bit more reach. It's no L, but has the ability to get me that odd image that makes me go out shooting again -- I'd add that this speaks more about my skill level than what the lens is capable of.

Only one nit though -- mine has a bit of zoom creep when the lens is pointing down -- I believe this issue was typical of this lens, though.

As for your question about not seeing it appear on the used market -- you're not going to see mine for sale at all. Even after Canon makes me an EF-S 500mm f5.6 IS for $1000!!

--
RP
http://rpras.zenfolio.com/

 

[Kitacanon]

I got this lens a few months ago...and like it very much....
as for zoom creep...here's the solution I found effective...
http://www.instructables.com/id/Lens_creep_fix_for_Canon_EF_28_135mm_f35_56_IS_/

 

[BobT]

Is there anywhere to compare this lens to, let's say, the Canon 70-300IS USM lens? I haven't found anywhere yet.

 

[j4jamal]

I just got this lens from craiglist for about $140, i don't have the moneys to get the 70-200L lens, read alot of reviews about this lens as an alternative, and it's sharp, very very fast, quiet, and sharp, i don't know if i want to spend about 1000 dollars extra to get the L lens at all.
Wait for me, i will post a few pics i took from Birthday Party yesterday.

 

[Justhandguns]

I still have this lens. But I have not been using it for ages since I got my 70-200L 2.8 IS.

My impression of this lens is, it is a bit soft, probably because of the lack of IS with such an old lens. But if you stop it down to around F8, it is definitely not bad. It used to be the best non-L tele-zoom with a relative large aperture, which gives a relative shallow depth of field when wide open. This lens gives a distinctively soft, pleasant portraiture shot.

 

[jiks]

I just grabbed on off ebay last night for £80... Should be coming tomorrow.

I've read all the reviews and thought at that price, you cant really go wrong if its anything like its reputation...
Expect my 2 cents when ive had a bit of a play with it!

 

[BobT]

Justhandguns,

Looking to part with your 70-210 3.5/4.5 USM lens? If so, let me know.

 

[Karl Gnter Wnsch]

It's my lens when I want to do some lightweight shooting, standing in for my 70-200 f/2.8L USM - it's a shame that it isn't being produced anymore...
--
regards
Karl Günter Wünsch
Visit my gallery at
http://www.fotocommunity.de/pc/pc/mypics/461808

 

[pgb]

Mine has produced many sharp contrasty shots. Quite sharp wide
open, fast focus. The zoom creep can be a hassle. Still worth about
the same as when purchased 6 years ago.

The only issue is lack of IS. The 55-250 seems sharp from what i've seen
but slower.

peter

 

[jiks]

Here's a short review with some samples from me; having had the lens for 2 days now, im quite impressed with most aspects of it...

http://joehicksphotography.blogspot.com/2009/10/canon-70-210mm-f35-45-usm-review.html

 

[j4jamal]

as promised but kindda late.
Daylite no flash



in the shade, no flash.



it's a gem for $150 dollars.

 

[BobT]

I'd have to agree. Thanks for the samples.
Bob

 

[j4jamal]

I'd have to agree. Thanks for the samples.
Bob

no problems, you will not regret to put this lens on your camera at all.

 

[davegorton]

Thanks for this info. Hope the zoom creep fix works.

I've been using this excellent lens for work for about 7 years. It is probably not as good as the white L lenses, but it's much cheaper to buy (if you can find one) IMO it's WAY better than any of the latest Canon non-L tele zooms. My clients are all very happy with the results and so am I. The ONLY problem with it is the zoom creep.....................

Dave

I got this lens a few months ago...and like it very much....
as for zoom creep...here's the solution I found effective...
http://www.instructables.com/id/Lens_creep_fix_for_Canon_EF_28_135mm_f35_56_IS_/

 

[madmaxmedia]

I think the newer lenses and even the 28-135 IS have overshadowed it. But it is a nice lens for the price, if you are aware of shutter speed with a non-IS telephoto lens. The USM focusing is quiet and fast, so the lens is excellent to use.

--
'By my discipline of seeing I put myself where photographs can find themselves.'
-Minor White

 

[zenit_b]

Ok its a bodge but its completely cured the issue for me.

I built a small "step wedge" out of black insulating tape which I have stuck, out of sight,underneath the lens on the inner barrel. So when you zoom the lens back to the 70mm position the outer barrel snugs up against the wedge and stays put. You fine tune the wedge by adding extra strips of insulating tape. To clarify you build the wedge by putting the shortest bit of tape on first, then the next longest etc. This way you get a nice smooth ramp for the outer barrel to roll up against. There is a slight bit of resistance as you zoom out from 70mm position but this is tunable to exactly what you want.

I agree with the other posters the lens is nice. It's one of Canons first non-L ring type USM lenses and was light years ahead of the competition when released in the early 1990s. The focus speed is excellent. Canon seem to have regressed now and dont put proper ring type USM into cheaper teles - it seems to be an L-only option now. So I have toyed with the idea of replacing this lens with the newer EF-S 55-250mm lens but suspect it would be a downgrade for focus speed (even if you do get IS with the newer lens). So I just soldier on with the 70-210mm for now. Mine was £88 on ebay and was one of my best value lenses ever.

Seriously though the zoom creep fix is worth doing. Its practically invisible and cures the only real hassle with this lens.

 

[zenit_b]

Here's a sympathetic review of the lens, really from the perspective of film, but it covers AF, flare etc and puts the lens into context with other contemporary film lenses. Theres a nice pic of the lens as well for anyone who hasnt seen it ...

http://emedia.leeward.hawaii.edu/frary/toolbox3.htm

Generally reviews of the lens are hard to find since it was discontinued so long ago.. I note that even the canon lens museum doesnt have a picture of it (although the spec is listed)

http://www.canon.com/camera-museum/camera/lens/ef/data/telephoto_zoom/ef_70~210_35~45_usm.html

 

[davegorton]

I built a small "step wedge" out of black insulating tape which I have stuck, out of sight,underneath the lens on the inner barrel.

This is an even better idea than the elastic band fix.
Works really well.
Thanks very much for sharing this.

Have a good afternoon
Dave

 

[kalnitz]

hi all:

Due to some positive reviews here and elsewhere, I just purchased this lens off ebay. Thanks for everyone who recomended it.

One thing, anybody know if there is will be a lens profile for this lens in ACR or Lightroom. There is some CA.

Thanks!