topic Re: Lens Review - EF 70-210, f4 in EF & RF Lenses

Lens Review - EF 70-210, f4

trossit — Thu, 01 Jul 2021 14:00:47 GMT

Has anyone owned this 1st generation 70-210 f4 from 1987? What did you think of its performance? Would it be a lens worth keeping?

Re: Lens Review - EF 70-210, f4

jrhoffman75 — Thu, 01 Jul 2021 11:54:45 GMT

Since you own the lens my suggestion is that you try it under the conditions that you will be using it and see if you are satisfied with the results. You are the ultimate judge; doesn't matter what others thing if you are satisfied (or unsatisfied).

Re: Lens Review - EF 70-210, f4

ebiggs1 — Thu, 01 Jul 2021 13:36:52 GMT

"You are the ultimate judge; doesn't matter what others thing if you are satisfied..."

Try it you just might like it. Is this a working lens or a prestige lens? So if it is a worker, what do you care what others think if it does it for you?

Re: Lens Review - EF 70-210, f4

wq9nsc — Thu, 01 Jul 2021 15:01:22 GMT

I owned this lens back when I was making heavy use of my EOS 650 film camera. I was very happy with it at the time but it has been too long since I owned and used it to compare with my current glass.

As Ernie stated, if it does what you want it to do then it is a good lens. I wouldn't buy one now unless it was REALLY cheap because it is an older lens that could fail at any time and wouldn't be practical to repair. Lens design and materials have improved a lot since 1987 but I would still give it a close look if the other option was a mainland Chinese off-brand lens that has become more plentiful in the last few years.

I have a EF 135 f2.8 that is in the same age range (1987 design year), it is an odd lens (has adjustable levels of "soft focus") and it is the oldest lens I own and it still works fine. It was given to me and I have had fun experimenting with it but it isn't one I would seek out and buy.

Rodger

Re: Lens Review - EF 70-210, f4

trossit — Thu, 01 Jul 2021 16:02:41 GMT

Yes, I bought this lens from a reputable eBay dealer for $85. Its very clean, looks hardly used. I am new to the DSLR world so I ask a lot of questions. It is kind of shocking its over 30 years old but I also have had some FD lenses from that period that were very sharp and well made. I figured a lens Made in Japan is going to be of a higher quality vs a newer design made in Taiwn or Malaysia....but I guess thats not always the case.

Things I like:

Contant f4 apature

Quality old school feel

Made in Japan

Things I don't like:

Macro AF is jumpy

Manual focus is horrible, focusing ring feels sticky (plastic)

Re: Lens Review - EF 70-210, f4

trossit — Thu, 01 Jul 2021 16:05:08 GMT

I have only taken a few dozen pictures with it...mostly nature photograpgy and so far so good. Here is an example.

Re: Lens Review - EF 70-210, f4

Tronhard — Fri, 02 Jul 2021 03:51:14 GMT

I actually have one of these and I have used it only a limited amount of the time. It seems sharp enough, but given that it has no Image Stabilization, it is much more challenging to get a sharp shot at the long end of the telephoto range than say the 55-250 IS STM or USM units - which are kit lenses commonly available.

Here are links to a couple of reviews:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4jcKYIHK5s

https://www.kenrockwell.com/canon/lenses/70-210mm.htm

Re: Lens Review - EF 70-210, f4

trossit — Fri, 02 Jul 2021 05:05:06 GMT

Trevor,

Thanks for the great review links. Yes it would be nice if it had IS but I am going to experiment with it using a monopod...it should help!

Tom

Re: Lens Review - EF 70-210, f4

trossit — Sat, 03 Jul 2021 02:31:40 GMT

Trevor,

I was interested, do you know the proper use of the Macro switch on this lens? What is the best technique to get the best Macro effect for example bees on flowers. insects, etc?

Thanks,

Tom

Re: Lens Review - EF 70-210, f4

jrhoffman75 — Sat, 03 Jul 2021 02:39:17 GMT

That switch just controls the focusing range. The non-macro position limits the focusing range and allows the lens to focus more quickly since has less distance to traverse when seeking correct focus.

Switching to the macro position lets the lens focus closer. For most Canon lenses macro just means close.

Re: Lens Review - EF 70-210, f4

jrhoffman75 — Sat, 03 Jul 2021 02:43:07 GMT

http://mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/eos/EF-lenses/EF80200mmf28L/index1.htm

Re: Lens Review - EF 70-210, f4

trossit — Sat, 03 Jul 2021 02:44:22 GMT

John,

Does it matter what focal length you are zoomed too? So....this switch allows a closer min focusing distance?

Re: Lens Review - EF 70-210, f4

Tronhard — Sat, 03 Jul 2021 02:48:05 GMT

John is absolutely correct. If you want a TRUE macro shot 1:1 on the sensor, you need a macro lens like the EF-S 60mm f/2.8, or EF 100 f/2.8 lenses.

Re: Lens Review - EF 70-210, f4

ebiggs1 — Sat, 03 Jul 2021 13:38:28 GMT

"For most Canon lenses macro just means close."

The word "macro", in this case, is a term created by the advertising department. Probably the biggest issue with these old or very old lenses is the lube gets dried out or sticky and otherwise doesn't, well, lube any longer. Some can be cleaned and re-lubed.

One other big factor is fungus. It tends to grow on the lens's surfaces. It is very difficult to impossible to remove.