This test is based on a Canon 70-200 f4L IS USM used with a Canon EOS 20D’s at Photokina 2006 in Cologne.

This is a new version of one of Canon’s most popular lenses and considering the success of the old Canon 70-200 f4L it’s a really important release for them. Not only does this version feature image stabilisation - it features the latest version of the system and Canon are claiming a huge four stops gain in hand holdability. Other IS lenses claim up to two stops.

So is the new Canon 70-200mm f4L IS USM really that good? 

Optical performance and build quality are as you would expect from a Canon L series lens and the new version of Canon’s image stabilisation system really does seem to deliver. Image quality at full aperture is excellent - yes there is a small drop in sharpness and a tiny amount of CA in the corners with the 20D but that’s being really picky, and viewed at less than 100% neither would be noticeable. What is obvious though is the high percentage of pin sharp results I got even shooting at 1/30 second and 200mm. The hit rate for my test frames - sharp frames at each setting - was 100% at 200mm down to 1/200 then about 75% at 1/100 but still about 50% at 1/30 - that’s with a focal length equivalent to 300mm with film. At 70mm most frames at 1/30 or higher were pin sharp.