Worth purchasing EF 70-200 L USM f4 if already own 18-135 STM?

GMac11 · 15 Feb 2018 at 20:06

As the title says. I have the 18-135 (IS) and it's a great versatile lens but my current penchant is for zoom landscape photography so looking something in the 200mm range. Is it worth spending the money on the 70-200 when I already have up to 135mm covered?
I also want to step up my inventory with an L lens but is the ageing 70-200 really that much better than the modern 18-135?
Any other suggestions welcomed!

.one. · 15 Feb 2018 at 23:13

You are the only one who knows what focal length you need:

But what I can say is the 70-200 F4 is great lens but the 70-200 f4 IS is sharper than a sharp thing and has great glass.

Taxboy · 20 Feb 2018 at 11:27

If you are into landscape photography, I'm guessing the majority of your shots will be using a tripod ? If so why not consider the non IS version and save some pennies ? I've got this lens and its pretty sharp. However only you will know if you need the extra mm of focal length

a1ex2001 · 21 Feb 2018 at 03:56

Buy one second hand then flog it for zero loss if you don't like it!

GMac11 · 21 Feb 2018 at 12:37

Thanks for the replies all, been busy this past week to properly respond. The whole thing is probably moot now anyway. I actually decided to try out the Tamron SP 70-300, picked it up new for £189, it seems to have decent reviews.
Further down the line I may trade in both my 24mm f2.8 prime and 18-135mm and buy the Canon (or equivalent) 24-105 L lens. I have a 10-18mm so I don't think I'd miss the 18-24 too much but it'll be a while off yet anyway.

.one. · 21 Feb 2018 at 13:19

I owned a Tamron 70-300 VC the image stabilization was exceptional I then sold and bought the canon 70 200 F4 none IS.

sHo0sH · 2 Mar 2018 at 12:55

The 70-200 f4 is an incredible lens - I have no experience of the one you currently have but the 70-200 fails to produce a bad picture. It is one of my favourite lenses.

WoZZeR · 3 Mar 2018 at 15:04

I picked up a 70-200 F4 L USM at the NEC Photography Show a couple of years back before the price hike and love it to bits. Very nice lens, very sharp and I haven't encountered any CA yet at all, also very light to carry.

Tysonator · 2 Apr 2018 at 05:57

I have use the yamron 70-300 and it is a great lens for the money. The Canon 70-200L f4 is a very Sharpe lens and regarded as one of the industry best.
Bang for buck the Cameron is great buy us you can use for action shots as well. If using a tripod the non IS version of the 70-200L is a very buy. Models above this you start to get into diminishing returns ie 70-200L F2.8 IS USM mkii

Only you will know what is the right focal length you really need.