Lens Review - EF 70-210, f4
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07-01-2021 02:01 AM - edited 07-01-2021 10:00 AM
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?
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07-01-2021 07:54 AM
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).
Conway, NH
1D X Mark III, M200, Many lenses, Pixma PRO-100, Pixma TR8620a, Lr Classic
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07-01-2021 09:36 AM
"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?
EOS 1D, EOS 1D MK IIn, EOS 1D MK III, EOS 1Ds MK III, EOS 1D MK IV and EOS 1DX and many lenses.
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07-01-2021 11:01 AM
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
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07-01-2021 12:02 PM
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)
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07-01-2021 12:05 PM
I have only taken a few dozen pictures with it...mostly nature photograpgy and so far so good. Here is an example.
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07-01-2021 11:51 PM
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
cheers, TREVOR
The mark of good photographer is less what they hold in their hand, it's more what they hold in their head;
"All the variety, all the charm, all the beauty of life is made up of light and shadow", Leo Tolstoy;
"Skill in photography is acquired by practice and not by purchase" Percy W. Harris
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07-02-2021 01:05 AM
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
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07-02-2021 10:31 PM
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
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07-02-2021 10:39 PM
Switching to the macro position lets the lens focus closer. For most Canon lenses macro just means close.
Conway, NH
1D X Mark III, M200, Many lenses, Pixma PRO-100, Pixma TR8620a, Lr Classic
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