I got a 70-200/4 IS USM last year as a backup for my 70-200/2.8 IS... I probably now use it just as much, possibly even more-so.
It's image quality is top notch, plus it's about 1/3 lighter and smaller than the f2.8 lens, and it costs about half what the current f2.8 IS version does. Build quality, sealing and durability are all excellent, too. I've been shooting with the f2.8 version for going on 14 years without even a hiccup of a problem, and it's one of my most used lenses. I haven't been using it anywhere near as long, but have no reason to think the f4 version isn't equally durable. It certainly feels up to it.
A few key differences between the versions are:
- The f4 lens is a several years newer model with better IS... 3 to 4 stops vs 2 to 3 stops on the older f2.8... the newest f2.8 "Mark II" has IS that's equal to the f4's.
- The differences in image quality and sharpness aren't very great among all the Canon 70-200s. But many folks think the oldest model - the f2.8 non-IS - is the weaker of the bunch (by a pretty small margin).... Most als think the f4 non-IS and f2.8 IS "Mk I" are about equal at apertures they both share... And many feel the f4 IS has been the sharpest of the bunch (also by a modest margin) until recently when the f2.8 IS "Mk II" came out and equaled it.
- Focus speed is excellent on all models, tho the f2.8 versions may be slightly superior in lower light situations. It depends in part upon what camera is being used, but most Canon camera models have one or more AF points that give enhanced performance when paired up with an f2.8 or faster lens. In general, more light let in can only help AF, but differences are slight and won't be noticeable in anything other than the most challenging situations. Even then, all the 70-200s have USM and will out-perform non-USM lenses in speed, precision, quietness and reliability.
- The f2.8 versions render a slightly smoother background blur effect... But the f2.8 "Mark I" is a tiny bit softer at it's largest aperture. The f2.8 "Mark II" is more comparable to the f4 version wide open. Color rendition and saturation are very nice on all of them.
- The f2.8 lenses come with a tripod mounting ring. With the f4 versions the Tripod RIng A (w) is sold separately, adding about $160 to the total cost of the lens if you want the mounting ring too.
- The f2.8 lenses use a "petal" shaped lens hood, while the f4 lenses use a simple, squared off hood. As L-series lenses, all of them include the hood, which is nice. (Note: there are third party "clone" petal-shaped hoods available for the f4 versions, if really wanted).
- The f2.8 lenses use 77mm filters, which are a fairly standard size among Canon lenses. The f4 lenses use a 67mm filter, with is rather less common size among Canon lenses, tho it seems to be becoming more common on newer models.
Some of these differences are minor considerations, depending upon how you use the lens. For example, if you only shoot handheld, you might never miss or want the tripod mounting ring. For me, I could care less if the hood is petal shaped or not... only care that it's effective (and they all are). I also rarely use filters on telephoto lenses, so it's not much of a concern to me that the size is sort of an outlier among my lenses.
I would suggest you use your lens for a week or two and see if the noise settles down. It's not uncommon for a brand new lens to have some noises at first, as brand new parts learn to mesh with each other and freshly applied lubricants work their way into mechanisms. The IS will always make a little noise when it's working... might take a little getting used to, if you are unfamiliar with it.
If the lens still seems noisy or gets worse after some use, maybe go to a store that stocks the lens and try another alongside to see if it's more or less noisy... Then if still concerned you might talk to the retailer or Canon Service dept. about it. I suspect the lens will "quiet down" after a bit of use. All the Canon 70-200s are really reliable workhorses, typically.
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Alan Myers
San Jose, Calif., USA
"Walk softly and carry a big lens."
GEAR: 5DII, 7D(x2), 50D(x3), some other cameras, various lenses & accessories
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