Have Canon got anything in the pipeline...

Hazza · 27 Dec 2011

That would make their EF L 70-200 F4 USM suddenly worthless? Reason I'm asking is that I've got sufficient money to purchase one as I type, however I'm almost investing in it as opposed to buying it. Lenses don't appear to depreciate much and I was just wondering whether Canon are likely to replace it with a newer version anytime soon? It's getting on a bit now :lol:

Also should I be hanging my nose around the faster Sigma alternatives to this lens for around £450 second hand?

Many thanks, Harry.

Gazamonk · 27 Dec 2011

Highly unlike they would replace this with a lens of similar spec. I would think they would go down the "is" road they have taken in the last year or two. I would also think its a case of "If it aint broke don't fix it" the 70-200f4 L is such a tried and tested lens and the fact it has been around so long without any significant upgrades is testament to its longevity.
If you want a Canon fit lens in that focal range and around that price there is none better.

Don't dismiss a good used one either. They crop up on the classifieds all the time and most Togs in the forums have gear that is very well looked after so it can represent great value. Mine is 2nd or 3rd hand (from the classifieds on this forum) and produces results as good as a brand new one.

onform · 27 Dec 2011

The only people that know the answer to your question all work for Canon and they are not going to tell you!

What sort of photography are you into? Do you need F4? Do you need a very sharp medium telephoto lens?

ShrubMonkey · 27 Dec 2011

A mk2 version of the 70-200 f4 IS version has been rumored for 2012, no mention of a replacement for non IS version.

Hazza · 27 Dec 2011

onform said:
What sort of photography are you into? Do you need F4? Do you need a very sharp medium telephoto lens?

I quite fancy a telephoto lens although I don't think I need one as such, hence asking this question. If I find I don't use it often enough to justify the money spent on it I can sell it for round about what I bought it for. I enjoy using my friends 75-300 (old one, no USM or IS) and I figured the F4L would be something I'd use regularly whilst delivering great IQ.

Gazamonk said:
Don't dismiss a good used one either. They crop up on the classifieds all the time and most Togs in the forums have gear that is very well looked after so it can represent great value. Mine is 2nd or 3rd hand (from the classifieds on this forum) and produces results as good as a brand new one.

I'm planning on sitting it out and purchasing a used one from MPB, I really have no problems with buying second hand as long as it's been looked after. I got my camera from MPB and was very impressed with service and price. I would be looking at the ads on here but I'm 10 posts short :bonk:

ShrubMonkey said:
A mk2 version of the 70-200 f4 IS version has been rumored for 2012, no mention of a replacement for non IS version.

Good

Thanks for the replies, Harry.

andyred · 27 Dec 2011

The 70-200 F4 is a cracker of a lens and you won't be disappointed with it if you do decide to get one.

The Canon 70-300 IS lens is a great lens to look at and a cheaper option if budget is restrictive.

Hazza · 27 Dec 2011

andyred said:
The 70-200 F4 is a cracker of a lens and you won't be disappointed with it if you do decide to get one.

The Canon 70-300 IS lens is a great lens to look at and a cheaper option if budget is restrictive.

I've read every review on Amazon and they all come to that conclusion! I've had my heart set on it for a while now and I've finally got the cash

Just a case of finding one in good nick or if the worst comes to the worst I shall just order a new one.

onform · 27 Dec 2011

ShrubMonkey said:
A mk2 version of the 70-200 f4 IS version has been rumored for 2012, no mention of a replacement for non IS version.

Rumours are just that! Don't hold your breath because 99% of the time they simply don't materialise. As mentioned earlier there is a reason it's been around for a long time!! It is a cracker of a lens if that's the lens you need. So If you have the cash and it's what you want, just get it??

Hazza · 27 Dec 2011

onform said:
So If you have the cash and it's what you want, just get it??

Just wanted to know if there was any chance of a significant drop in value before I invested my money into one, after all this is supposed to be my driving lesson money

modchild · 27 Dec 2011

I bought a 70-200 f4 L off a member of the forum for around £350 and it is as sharp as a tack. I use it for wildlife on my 7D and 5DMkII and it's absolutely awesome wide open. I wanted a IS version but at twice the price I just couldn't afford/warrant getting one. I very much doubt they will drop in price any more than they are already (£350-400) as they are so good. Now I've used it for a while I'm glad I didn't get the IS version as its light enough to control handheld all day long without getting the shakes. If you can get a good one for less than £400 I would snap their hand off for it and enjoy it.

Gazamonk · 27 Dec 2011

Hazza said:
I'm planning on sitting it out and purchasing a used one from MPB, I really have no problems with buying second hand as long as it's been looked after. I got my camera from MPB and was very impressed with service and price. I would be looking at the ads on here but I'm 10 posts short :bonk:

Thanks for the replies, Harry.

And the good news is you're only 4 posts away from the classifieds now