lens

Radiant Review: Canon 70-200 f4L

Posted by Mike Piatek-Jimenez

I thought I would try something new and do a video review of a product. I typically will check YouTube for video reviews of camera gear I’m thinking of buying, just to see what other people say about it in a more visual way.

I’m not much of a video guy, but decided to give it a shot. So here it is, the inaugural Radiant Photography YouTube video: a video review of the Canon 70-200 f4L lens.

I talk about the quality of the lens in the review, but wanted to provide a few examples of what you can expect from the lens.

First up is a sports image. This lens is great for outdoor sports in smaller arenas. It’s not quite long enough for football, but it does a nice job of capturing the in-field of a baseball game. Here’s one shot I made from the stands:

ISO 400, f5.6, 1/1600s. Notice that even at 1/1600 shutter speed, motion in the frame isn't quite frozen. This is intentional to show the intensity of the action.
200mm, ISO 400, f5.6, 1/1600s. Notice that even at 1/1600 shutter speed, motion in the frame isn’t quite frozen. This is intentional to show the intensity of the action.

If you are photographing concerts, this is a good focal length to use. Note that most standard ticket-holders aren’t allowed to bring zoom lenses into the venue that are this large. Either you have to use it at an open-air event or have press credentials. Here’s one from a Shubha Vedula concert:

200mm, ISO 200, f4, 1/1250s. At longer distances, a lot of area still remains in focus at f4. However, out of focus areas are smoothed out nicely with this lens.
200mm, ISO 200, f4, 1/1250s. At longer distances, a lot of area still remains in focus at f4. However, out of focus areas are smoothed out nicely with this lens.

And another from OK Go:

200mm, ISO 800, f5, 1/800s. There wasn't much light during this event, but the lens is still bright enough to make some good images.
200mm, ISO 800, f5, 1/800s. There wasn’t much light during this event, but the lens is still bright enough to make some good images.

I mentioned the lens’ macro abilities. Now, the 70-200 definitely isn’t a macro lens, but you can get some nice close-up photography with it.

200mm, ISO 200, f5.6, 1/400s. Notice that even though I'm at f5.6, the background bokeh is buttery smooth. The color reproduction is also amazing; this photo has no saturation or contrast adjustments applied.
200mm, ISO 200, f5.6, 1/400s. Notice that even though I’m at f5.6, the background bokeh is buttery smooth. The color reproduction is also amazing; this photo has no saturation or contrast adjustments applied.

Overall a very good lens. If you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the YouTube comments.