The Canon RF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM ($1,599) is, at its heart, a more affordable version of the RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM, a top-end lens that sells for $2,700. It's just as well made, and takes up less room in your camera bag thanks to a retractable design. It doesn't gather as much light, so you'll still want to pay for an F2.8 lens if you work in dim light or cover events. For the rest of us, the RF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM is a fantastic performer that pairs perfectly with pro and enthusiast Canon R cameras, and an Editors' Choice award winner.Telescoping Barrel Like the RF 70-200mm F2.8, the F4 edition features a retractable design. It's in contrast to 70-200mm lenses for SLRs and other mirrorless systems, which almost exclusively use internal zoom. It makes the lens as small as a typical 24-70mm when retracted, about 4.7 by 3.3 inches (HD). The F4 lens is a little smaller all around than the RF 70-200mm F2.8, and lighter—1.5 pounds versus 2.6 pounds. The lighter build means yo...

The Canon RF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM is a compact zoom with quick focus and exquisite optics. Pros may still want a F2.8 zoom, but this is more than enough lens for most photographers.

Light, compact telezoom; Excellent resolution; Dust, splash, and fluorine protection; Quick, quiet autofocus; Optical stabilization works with IBIS; On-lens controls

Gather less light than an F2.8 lens; Shows some focus breathing; Divisive telescoping design

Offering a similar level of performance to the much more expensive RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM lens, the RF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM represents a wise choice for photographers who don’t need the one-stop advantage the f/2.8L lens provides as well as those looking for a more portable lens for hand-held...

A major upgrade of Canon’s popular 70-200mm f/4 IS lens, the new Mark II remains relatively compact and lightweight, but packs a heavyweight punch in terms of performance.

Stellar sharpness and contrast, Super-fast autofocus system, 3-mode, 5-stop stabilizer

As pricey as Tamron’s f/2.8 lens, Optional tripod mount ring is expensive

The new EF 70-200mm F4L IS II USM represents a major update of Canon's venerable 70-200mm F4 lens, replacing the 12 year old Mark I version by introducing a number of significant improvements.

Overall, the f/4 lens clearly plays second fiddle on paper but it is a very easy lens to carry and to use. Though it is expensive it is only roughly half that of the f/2.8 version, based on Canons SRPs.

Can the high price be a con too? I did write this as a con and I would leave it if the stabilization was the only difference between the 70-200 f/4L IS and its predecessor. But there is more! The picture resolution is a bit better and the bright light performance is better.

great picture quality in the center and at the edges of the frame, well controlled chromatic aberration, almost absent coma and astigmatism, very small vignetting, small astigmatism, fast, quiet and efficient autofocus, very solid build, high quality build, efficient stabilization

if we try hard to find some flaws, we might say that the performance for f/4.0 and at 70 mm focal length could be a bit better

With built-in image stabilisation and strong image quality, but the widest aperture of f/4 isn’t the best on the market.

A compact telephoto zoom lens from Canon's 'L' series sporting an image stabilisation and silent ultrasonic focusing.

The Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Lens was a game-changer, and the Canon RF 70-200mm F4 L IS USM Lens is the same, taking the game down to a new size and weight low. Those carrying this frequently-needed telephoto zoom lens for extended periods will love this lens's new size and weight.

With the RF 70-200mm f4L, Canon’s once again shown how a new lens can match or exceed the performance of a popular classic while adding something different - in this case a much more compact design, at least when set to 70mm.