The Canon EF 70-200mm f4 IS USM L lens is a professional grade 70-200mm lens without the size and heft, as well as price, as found in f2.8 versions.

Professional grade build quality, including dust and moisture sealing; four stops of image stabilization system; relatively lightweight

The tripod collar is optional; relatively expensive

You want a medium telephoto lens for your Canon dSLR, something with a constant aperture, solidly built with pro quality, yet light enough to carry on adventure to some faraway part of the world. You have looked at the f2.8 models but didn't think you could afford them or the Sherpa to carry them.

Professional grade build quality, including dust and moisture sealing; four stops of image stabilization system; relatively lightweight

The tripod collar is optional; relatively expensive

It's the IS in the name that distinguishes the Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM from the cheaper 70-200mm f/4L USM. The lenses are virtually the same size and shape, but the more expensive of the pair comes with built-in 4-stop image stabilisation (IS).

Another great lens from Canon. I have loved this lens very much when using in tripod, unfortunately cannot use those focal lengths without IS.

great IQ and build; lightweight for its category

lack of IS with those focal lengths; but you can get the IS version if this is a concern

This lens is perfect for taking action shots in good light

Lots of professional features for a fraction of the cost ; well-constructed ; slightly slow for action/sports photography, but a marked step in the right direction

Durable; Lightweight; Rugged; Strong Construction

Slow Focus

The Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM ($1,349 direct) isn't as lauded as the company's f/2.8 IS lens with the same zoom range, but it's priced about $650 less, making it an attractive option for shooters who can live with a slower lens.

Optical stabilization system; Fixed aperture through zoom range; Relatively light.

Edges soft when zoomed; Adding a tripod collar is expensive

The Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM lens captures impressively sharp images and is optically stabilized. It's a good option for shooters who can't afford an f/2.8 zoom. (3.5 out of 5) Pros Optical stabilization system Fixed aperture through zoom range Relatively light Sharp images Cons Edges soft when...

Optical stabilization system; Fixed aperture through zoom range; Relatively light; Sharp images

Edges soft when zoomed; Adding a tripod collar is expensive

The Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM ($1,349 direct) isn't as lauded as the company's f/2.8 IS lens with the same zoom range, but it's priced about $650 less, making it an attractive option for shooters who can live with a slower lens.

First released in mid 1999, Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L USM has immediately become a choice for many prosumers and professionals alike. This lens replaced Canon's ancient EF 100-300mm f/5.6L, which was also very liked in the photo community.