Canon EF 70-200mm f/4 L is USM Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras
Brand | Canon |
Focal Length Description | 70-200mm |
Lens Type | Telephoto |
Compatible Mountings | Canon EF |
Camera Lens Description | 4 |
About this item
- 70-200mm telephoto zoom lens with f/4 maximum aperture for Canon digital SLR cameras
- Fluorite UD lens elements produce excellent optical performance in resolution and contrast, Closest focusing distance : 3.94 feet, Focal length: 70-200mm
- Ring-type ultra-sonic monitor (USM) for quick and quiet autofocusing; lightweight construction
- Image Stabilizer provides up to 4 stops of shake correction; water- and dust-proof construction
- Measures 3 inches in diameter and 6.8 inches long; Weight : 1.675 pounds (lens only) ; 1-year warranty
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From the manufacturer
Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras
The EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM is a lightweight, compact L Series telephoto zoom lens with Image Stabilizer. The optical Image Stabilization in the EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM lens provides up to an incredible four stops of shake correction - for Canon IS lenses. The use of fluorite UD lens elements provides optical performance in terms of resolution and contrast. These features, together with its water-and dust-proof construction, provide both the performance and portability to meet user demands.
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Price | $649.00$649.00 | $1,499.00$1,499.00 | -14% $1,798.00$1,798.00 New Price: $2,099.00 | -11% $2,499.00$2,499.00 List: $2,799.00 | $1,294.99$1,294.99 | $149.99$149.99 |
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Customer Ratings | ||||||
Auto focus | 4.6 | 4.7 | 4.8 | 4.7 | 4.4 | 4.5 |
Image stabilization | 4.5 | 4.8 | 4.9 | 4.7 | 4.4 | 4.4 |
Picture quality | 4.6 | 5.0 | — | 4.7 | 4.3 | — |
Sold By | District Camera and Imaging | Amazon.com | BUYDIRECT & SAVE, USA | Amazon.com | Global Camera USA | Global Camera USA |
lens type | Telephoto | Telephoto | Telephoto | Telephoto | Telephoto | Telephoto |
compatible mountings | Canon EF | Canon RF | Canon EF | Canon RF | Canon EF | Canon EF |
lens design | Zoom | Zoom | Zoom | Zoom | Zoom | Zoom |
focus type | Ring-type ultrasonic | Auto Focus | Auto Focus | Auto Focus | Auto Focus | Auto Focus |
minimum focal length | 70 millimeters | 70 millimeters | — | 70 millimeters | — | 75 millimeters |
max focal length | 200 millimeters | 200 millimeters | — | 200 millimeters | 400 millimeters | 300 millimeters |
fixed focal length | 4 millimeters | 200 millimeters | — | 200 millimeters | 400 millimeters | 300 millimeters |
model name | 1258B002 | CNRF70200F4 | canon ef | 3792C002 | 2577A002 | 6473A003-CR |
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Product information
Product Dimensions | 6.77 x 2.99 x 2.99 inches |
---|---|
Item Weight | 1.7 pounds |
ASIN | B000I1X3W8 |
Item model number | 1258B002 |
Batteries | 1 Lithium Ion batteries required. |
Customer Reviews |
4.6 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #595 in Digital Camera Accessory Kits |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Date First Available | June 17, 2003 |
Department | Digital Camera Lenses |
Manufacturer | Canon Cameras US |
Warranty & Support
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Product Description
Product Description
Canon's EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM is a lightweight, compact L Series telephoto zoom lens with Image Stabilizer. The optical Image Stabilization in the new EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM lens provides up to an incredible four stops of shake correction-a first for Canon IS lenses. The use of fluorite UD lens elements provides excellent optical performance in terms of resolution and contrast. These features, together with its water-and dust-proof construction, provide both the performance and portability to meet user demands.What’s in the box: Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM Lens, E-67U 67mm Snap-On Lens Cap, Lens Dust Cap E (Rear), ET-74 Lens Hood, LP1224 Lens Case and 1-Year Warranty. Filter size: 67 mm, Closest Focusing Distance: 3.94 feet.
From the Manufacturer
Capture the far-off action of fast-paced sports or zoom in for an intimate portrait with the Canon EF 70-200mm telephoto zoom lens. The L-series lens offers an Image Stabilizer that provides up to four stops of shake correction--a first for Canon IS lenses. The use of fluorite UD lens elements, meanwhile, produces an excellent optical performance in terms of resolution and contrast. Add in a sturdy housing with water- and dust-proof construction and you have a lens that's both portable and high performing. Other details include an f/4 maximum aperture, a ring-type ultra-sonic monitor (USM) that enables quick and quiet autofocusing, compatibility with circular polarizing filters, and a lightweight body. The lens carries a one-year warranty.
- Focal length: 70-200mm
- Maximum aperture: f/4
- Lens construction: 20 elements in 15 groups
- Diagonal angle of view: 34 to 12 degrees (with full-frame cameras)
- Focus adjustment: AF with full-time manual focus
- Closest focusing distance: 3.94 feet
- Zoom system: 7-group helical zoom (72-degree rotational angle)
- Filter size: 67mm
- Dimensions: 3 inches in diameter, 6.8 inches long
- Weight: 26.8 ounces
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the quality, portability, and value of the lens. For example, they mention it's a fabulous lens, produces nice bokeh, and is ideal for portraits, landscape, and outdoor sports. They appreciate the sharpness, saying it'll produce better contrast. Some appreciate the weight and size of the product. Overall, most are happy with their purchase and recommend it to others.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers are impressed with the build quality of the lens. They say it's a fabulous lens with excellent optical quality. Customers also mention that the inside of the camera lens is flawless, making for tack sharp eyes. They also say that the lens is tough, but reasonably light.
"...(trim) construction and seals on switches and mount make it tough, but reasonably light...." Read more
"...It is solid and doesn't wobble like the kit lens...." Read more
"...I got several bits inside my Tamron 17-50, but the inside of this lens are flawless...." Read more
"...-200 f4 is definitely one of Canon's better built lenses, it is built like a Tank. Another good thing is the size and weight...." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the image quality of the lens. They mention that it produces nice bokeh when taking portraits, and is a perfect nature and portrait lens. The 70 to 200mm range is ideal for portraits and landscapes, with sharpness in low light. The IS is unreal, and there are no blurry shots.
"The 70 to 200mm range is ideal for portraits, landscape and outdoor sports. Here's what I thought of my new EF 70-200 4L IS USM...." Read more
"...Picture Quality -- So far, picture quality is really good but to be frank, it isn't improved by leaps and bounds compared to the kit lens..." Read more
"...Now I do. Having a constant f4 aperture is great. The bokeh is fantastic with this lens.Will this lens make you a better photographer?..." Read more
"...background blur that you get with the f2.8 version, but the Bokeh is more than adequate especially at longer focal lengths...." Read more
Customers like the portability of the camera lenses. For example, they mention the weight is light enough that it doesn't put too much strain on their backs, and the size and weight are very light compared to typical L zoom lenses. They also say that the lens is easy to move around and comfortable to carry around all day.
"...construction and seals on switches and mount make it tough, but reasonably light...." Read more
"...Portability -- this lens is quite small and light..." Read more
"...Even though this is a big lens, it is not too heavy. Image quality is spectacular!..." Read more
"...Another good thing is the size and weight. Unlike the f2.8 version you wont need Ben-Gay after using this lens...." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the sharpness of the lens. They mention that it's really sharp, has great Bokeh, and has better contrast. Some say that the lens is sharper in low light. Overall, most are happy with their purchase and recommend it to others.
"...: Paired with my EOS 6D, the EF70-200 4L IS USM proved to be an extremely sharp, contrasty and flare-free zoom, a notch above my EF 70-200 4L USM in..." Read more
"...taken with this lens required no sharpening at all and they are razor sharp...pictures taken with my kit lens (which I sold several months ago) that..." Read more
"...This lens focuses faster and takes sharper pictures than any of the lenses I was using before. Will you notice a difference. YES...." Read more
"...This lens is very sharp, the focusing is quick, but not blazing fast. The contrast and colors are Canon great...." Read more
Customers like the value of the lens. They say it's worth the cost, the price is nicely placed between a third-party zoom and Canon's 70-200mm f/2.8, and it takes excellent, crisp shots.
"...These are all good lenses for the money and I enjoyed using all of them...." Read more
"...The IS version is well worth the extra money." Read more
"...The f/4 lens is not as fast, but it's much cheaper, much lighter and actually its a bit sharper...." Read more
"...The IS performance is very good, I found it very usable and I leave it on most of the time...." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the performance of the lens. They mention that it works well in day light, produces amazing results on rainy days, and has an excellent performance. The 4 stops IS really works, and it has high utility in travel and nature. The lens works great with extension tubes and shoots with perfection. The image stabilization helps out a lot, and is perfect for their needs.
"...AF worked flawlessly on my EOS 7D and 6D bodies. That is, AF is fast, accurate and decisive...." Read more
"...Image Stabilizer -- The IS appears to work quite well. It makes a lot more noise compared to the kit lens which was a surprise...." Read more
"...The lens has performed quite well. My first indoor shots were a bit on the dark side...." Read more
"...Once I figured that out, the results have been spectacular - I have had hand-held shots at less that 1/10th of a second." Read more
Customers are satisfied with the focus of the lens. They mention that it has a very rapid focusing system, is the sharpest and fastest focusing zoom lens in Canon's lineup, and has excellent IS/Autofocus performance. The zoom and focus rings are easy to turn and the switches on the lens barrel are snug enough.
"...It has FTM, allowing you to manually focus without switching out of AF mode...." Read more
"...This lens focuses faster and takes sharper pictures than any of the lenses I was using before. Will you notice a difference. YES...." Read more
"...This lens is very sharp, the focusing is quick, but not blazing fast. The contrast and colors are Canon great...." Read more
"...The zoom ring is very smooth as is the manual focus ring (if you decide to ever use manual mode)...." Read more
Customers like the fit of the camera lens. For example, they say the size is perfect, the zoom length is a good compromise for the size, and the weight is light enough. The lens is small enough to fit unmounted in the bag and the diameter makes it very comfortable. Some say that the lens is well made and the length doesn't change when you zoom in or out. The manual focus ring is large, ribbed, rubberized, and nearly as smooth turning as other lenses. Overall, most are satisfied with the fit and functionality of the lens.
"...The large twist action zoom ring is smooth and fast. The manual focus ring is large, ribbed, rubberized and nearly as smooth turning as the manual..." Read more
"...Portability -- this lens is quite small and light..." Read more
"...it was too large and heavy to carry around on hikes longer than a few miles and 2)..." Read more
"...My only complaint: it is a nice looking, long, white lens...." Read more
Reviews with images
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CONSTRUCTION: The hybrid metal (barrel) and polycarbonate (trim) construction and seals on switches and mount make it tough, but reasonably light. Build quality is better than the EF 24-105 4L IS USM and similar to the EF 300 4L USM. The off-white finish is elegant and stays cool even in blazing sun.
This zoom is a classic two-touch design: focus ring near the end of the barrel and zoom ring near the mount. Both zoom and focus mechanisms are internal, making it less prone to sucking in dust than front extension designs. Also, internal zoom mechanisms do not loosen and drift as the lens ages. The large twist action zoom ring is smooth and fast. The manual focus ring is large, ribbed, rubberized and nearly as smooth turning as the manual lenses of yesteryear. The focusing ring is on the barrel. Once you get used to the design, handling is nimble and decisive.
AUTO FOCUS: Ring-type USM (Ultrasonic Motor) drives a lens group between the front element and diaphragm. The combination of internal focus and ring-type USM yield very fast AF. The front element does not rotate nor does the barrel expand or contract during focus or zoom operations. AF worked flawlessly on my EOS 7D and 6D bodies. That is, AF is fast, accurate and decisive.
The motor of the EF70-200 4L IS USM is silent during AF, but in a quiet room I hear a pianissimo "rolling" sound as the elements move along the gear train. It has FTM, allowing you to manually focus without switching out of AF mode. If you prefocus manually, the distance window in meters and feet is extremely useful. It also sports an AF limiter. However, AF is so accurate I found little use for the limiter.
IMAGE STABILIZATION: This would be a great lens without Image Stabilization (IS). However, IS propels it straight into hog heaven. Wee gyro sensors coupled to a CPU detect the degree and direction of camera shake and counteract vibration by moving a compensating optical group. Subsequently, I can get get a sharp picture three to four stops below my normal hand held shutter speed (e.g. 1/15 sec instead of 1/200). If I brace myself or shoot a volley of shots I can get away with another stop or two! Like most modern Canon zooms, this model includes both standard and panning IS modes.
IS sound levels are pianissimo so I can only hear it in a quiet room--never in street or field--but it grinds and clicks more than both my EF 24-105 4L IS USM and EF-s 17-55 2.8 IS USM. The only louder IS unit I've heard was in the EF 75-300 4.0-5.6 IS USM.
IMAGE QUALITY: Paired with my EOS 6D, the EF70-200 4L IS USM proved to be an extremely sharp, contrasty and flare-free zoom, a notch above my EF 70-200 4L USM in terms of sharpness and flare control. Images were sharp edge to edge, even at F4. An advantage of this lens over consumer zooms is it exhibits little image degradation at large apertures or the long end. In other words, it's sharp wide open and across the zoom range.
The contrast and snap of this optic is apparent even through the viewfinder. After all, there's exotic glass in there: 1 Fluorite and 2 UD elements. Image magnification is a little less than my EF 200 2.8L USM, so I suspect this zoom is shy of 200mm. There is little distortion and flare control is the best of any zoom I have owned. Canon has improved its Super Spectra coatings and interior flocking as suppression of flare and ghosting in blazing sunsets is extremely effective. This zoom has 4 more elements than the older EF 70-200 4L USM, so reduced flare is an impressive feat.
EXTENDER: Most L series telephotos and telezooms are designed to use L series Extenders. The rear of these lenses have a space for the protruding element of the Extender. The EF 70-200 4L IS USM has 20 elements, so I'm not excited about adding more elements with an Extender. Nevertheless, the Canon Extender 1.4x yields a reasonably well performing 98-280 F5.6 zoom and bests the EF 75-300 4.0-5.6 IS USM I previously owned.
TRIPOD RING: The Tripod Mount Ring A II W (white) is an optional accessory and desirable for ease of flipping between vertical and horizontal without touching the head. This collar is interchangeable between the EF70-200 4L USM, EF80-200 2.8L, EF200 2.8L USM, EF300 4L USM and EF400 5.6L USM.
FINAL BLURB: If you need a telezoom with IS and weather seals, this one is among the best, and even edges out my old EF 70-200 4L USM in terms of flare control and sharpness. For discriminating hikers, travelers and amateurs this zoom deliverers quality without breaking their shoulder albeit at a fairly beefy price point.
This is my very first L-lens. The only other lens I've got is the 28-135 f/3.5-5.6 IS kit lens that came with my 50D camera. So here, I'll try to give you my impression of this lens in comparison to the 28-135 lens.
Construction quality - This lens is cream white with black stripes where the focus and zoom rings are. It is solid and doesn't wobble like the kit lens. The first time I turned the zoom ring it almost freaked me out...it was so smooth and without any friction. I still have trouble believing it can be physically made that smooth --> impressed...it's like driving a Mercedes after years of driving a Camry (which I also did)...no actually even better...Similarly, the switches (e.g. focus distance, AF --> MF, ...) are much smoother.
Picture Quality -- So far, picture quality is really good but to be frank, it isn't improved by leaps and bounds compared to the kit lens (in the zoom ranges that are comparable)...it didn't wow me like the mechanical construction did. I guess the kit lens is very good in this area.
**UPDATE: 8/28/2010 - Now: 3/30/2011 Now that I have had this lens for 7 months and have taken several thousand pictures with it I want to give you the update on Picture Quality. Picture Quality is GREAT, not as I previously thought. Most of my pictures taken with this lens required no sharpening at all and they are razor sharp...pictures taken with my kit lens (which I sold several months ago) that seemed sharp then look quite blurry now... I think the reason for the change in perception is simply that I now have enough sample to compare and perhaps I've improved as a photographer. Take a look at my pictures when you have a chance on flickr user tongho58.
Portability -- this lens is quite small and light (it is slightly skinnier than the 28-135 kit lens but a few inches longer and very long with the hood on). Today I walked 6 miles with it on the 50D and didn't feel tired due to its weight at all. One thing I noticed, the leather bag that comes with the lens is way too big.
**UPDATE: 3/30/2011 - With superior portability, you give up impressibility...this lens looks puny next to the 70-200 f/2.8L bretheren. When taking pictures of birds, I rub elbows with many photographers with very impressive looking lenses and that sometimes make you feel "small" but the quality of the pictures taken with this lens speaks for itself.
UPDATE: The f/4 versus f/2.8 debate: It's obvious f/2.8 is better than f/4 when talking about pure performance - No argument there. When it comes to price and portability and practicality, there can be some debate. I can tell you I made the conscious decision to get the f/4 over the f/2.8 not at all because of the price. It's for the portability. Plenty of people talk about how f/4 is not fast enough to capture moving objects in low light and somehow the f/2.8 can. Imho, while correct, that's the old book answer, more applicable to films that have fixed ISO. In practice, there's little difference. You bump up the ISO to keep the shutter speed the same as the f/2.8. Modern DSLRs can handle high ISO admirably. I routinely use ISO 1600 (I won't go above that) on my Canon 50D with great results. Birds in flight at dawn and dusk haven't held me and my f/4L IS USM lens back at all.
Image Stabilizer -- The IS appears to work quite well. It makes a lot more noise compared to the kit lens which was a surprise. You can hear it working (starting up and shutting down) quite distinctly. I guess it has something to do with the 4 f-stop capability versus 3 or less of other lens. I haven't tried the IS Mode 2 yet so I can't report. I panned with Mode 1 and the result was quite OK. **UPDATE: I tried IS Mode 2. It works equally well as Mode 1. I don't see much difference. I simply set mine to Mode 1 all the time even when spanning...pictures still turn out razor sharp anyhow.
The autofocus -- There is a switch that allows you to switch from 1.2m-infinity and 3m-infinity. The default was at 1.2m-infinity. I shot about 150 shots of birds in flight at 200mm with the switch at the default and the camera on AI SERVO and high speed (6.3fps)...Out of these 150, the lens couldn't focus on the bird in about 30 shots. With the kit lens (no such switch and at its max 135mm), it only fails in about 5 out of 150. I was disappointed until I remembered there was this switch. After switching to 3m-infinity, I shot about 50 pictures and I had zero focusing failures...I'm happy with this discovery. The lens manual says switching to 3m allows faster focusing and it wasn't kidding...so my recommendation is to do so. I'd only switch back to 1.5m if I need to focus objects closer than 3 meters. The USM motor is faster, quieter and much smoother than the kit lens's.
Prior to getting the 50D DSLR, I used a Canon 10SX-IS that has an 35mm-equivalent 600mm zoom. I miss the reach...This lens is only 200mm, even with a crop camera body (equivalent 320mm), sometimes it didn't have enough reach for these darn birds...they are too small and far away :). Other than that, this lens is a clear winner. Like someone said...once you own an L lens, you'll never go back.
Reviewed in the United States on August 29, 2010
This is my very first L-lens. The only other lens I've got is the 28-135 f/3.5-5.6 IS kit lens that came with my 50D camera. So here, I'll try to give you my impression of this lens in comparison to the 28-135 lens.
Construction quality - This lens is cream white with black stripes where the focus and zoom rings are. It is solid and doesn't wobble like the kit lens. The first time I turned the zoom ring it almost freaked me out...it was so smooth and without any friction. I still have trouble believing it can be physically made that smooth --> impressed...it's like driving a Mercedes after years of driving a Camry (which I also did)...no actually even better...Similarly, the switches (e.g. focus distance, AF --> MF, ...) are much smoother.
Picture Quality -- So far, picture quality is really good but to be frank, it isn't improved by leaps and bounds compared to the kit lens (in the zoom ranges that are comparable)...it didn't wow me like the mechanical construction did. I guess the kit lens is very good in this area.
**UPDATE: 8/28/2010 - Now: 3/30/2011 Now that I have had this lens for 7 months and have taken several thousand pictures with it I want to give you the update on Picture Quality. Picture Quality is GREAT, not as I previously thought. Most of my pictures taken with this lens required no sharpening at all and they are razor sharp...pictures taken with my kit lens (which I sold several months ago) that seemed sharp then look quite blurry now... I think the reason for the change in perception is simply that I now have enough sample to compare and perhaps I've improved as a photographer. Take a look at my pictures when you have a chance on flickr user tongho58.
Portability -- this lens is quite small and light (it is slightly skinnier than the 28-135 kit lens but a few inches longer and very long with the hood on). Today I walked 6 miles with it on the 50D and didn't feel tired due to its weight at all. One thing I noticed, the leather bag that comes with the lens is way too big.
**UPDATE: 3/30/2011 - With superior portability, you give up impressibility...this lens looks puny next to the 70-200 f/2.8L bretheren. When taking pictures of birds, I rub elbows with many photographers with very impressive looking lenses and that sometimes make you feel "small" but the quality of the pictures taken with this lens speaks for itself.
UPDATE: The f/4 versus f/2.8 debate: It's obvious f/2.8 is better than f/4 when talking about pure performance - No argument there. When it comes to price and portability and practicality, there can be some debate. I can tell you I made the conscious decision to get the f/4 over the f/2.8 not at all because of the price. It's for the portability. Plenty of people talk about how f/4 is not fast enough to capture moving objects in low light and somehow the f/2.8 can. Imho, while correct, that's the old book answer, more applicable to films that have fixed ISO. In practice, there's little difference. You bump up the ISO to keep the shutter speed the same as the f/2.8. Modern DSLRs can handle high ISO admirably. I routinely use ISO 1600 (I won't go above that) on my Canon 50D with great results. Birds in flight at dawn and dusk haven't held me and my f/4L IS USM lens back at all.
Image Stabilizer -- The IS appears to work quite well. It makes a lot more noise compared to the kit lens which was a surprise. You can hear it working (starting up and shutting down) quite distinctly. I guess it has something to do with the 4 f-stop capability versus 3 or less of other lens. I haven't tried the IS Mode 2 yet so I can't report. I panned with Mode 1 and the result was quite OK. **UPDATE: I tried IS Mode 2. It works equally well as Mode 1. I don't see much difference. I simply set mine to Mode 1 all the time even when spanning...pictures still turn out razor sharp anyhow.
The autofocus -- There is a switch that allows you to switch from 1.2m-infinity and 3m-infinity. The default was at 1.2m-infinity. I shot about 150 shots of birds in flight at 200mm with the switch at the default and the camera on AI SERVO and high speed (6.3fps)...Out of these 150, the lens couldn't focus on the bird in about 30 shots. With the kit lens (no such switch and at its max 135mm), it only fails in about 5 out of 150. I was disappointed until I remembered there was this switch. After switching to 3m-infinity, I shot about 50 pictures and I had zero focusing failures...I'm happy with this discovery. The lens manual says switching to 3m allows faster focusing and it wasn't kidding...so my recommendation is to do so. I'd only switch back to 1.5m if I need to focus objects closer than 3 meters. The USM motor is faster, quieter and much smoother than the kit lens's.
Prior to getting the 50D DSLR, I used a Canon 10SX-IS that has an 35mm-equivalent 600mm zoom. I miss the reach...This lens is only 200mm, even with a crop camera body (equivalent 320mm), sometimes it didn't have enough reach for these darn birds...they are too small and far away :). Other than that, this lens is a clear winner. Like someone said...once you own an L lens, you'll never go back.