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You are here: Home / Photography / Bridge the Distance with Canon – #CanonL

Bridge the Distance with Canon – #CanonL

02/13/2015 By Tammi 64 Comments

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You know the drill, parents. You have kids and you start capturing every moment, most likely before the baby is even born. Then, with camera in hand, you try desperately to snap each new milestone and every memory made from vacations to birthdays and most importantly – the simple everyday moments that shape our lives. Bridge the Distance with Canon

This I know all to well. Stemming from the lack of photos of myself as I grew up, I have a billion and fifteen {no exaggeration} captures of my children, saved to remember always.

In the same token, we also want the BEST photos possible, the crisp and clear ones that help tell the story at a later time. To that, I owe many thanks to my most cherished possession {in tangible items, anyway} … my Canon DSLR. This baby goes everywhere with me, because it’s the key item that allows us to tell our stories.

My Canon gear includes many accessories from bags to flashes, standard lenses, prime lenses, macro lenses …. and more lenses. Yet, as my children grew older, I was hit with an obstacle. Children grow, they move a lot. They’re in activities and sports, school plays, and ceremonies – and all of this means that they are further away from you, and your camera.

In recent years I’ve discovered that the times when they are still enough and close by, are far and few between. More and more I am left with blurry and grainy shots as I try to shoot from far away. I silently {or not so silently, depending on the situation} scream ‘But, I want that great photo!!’.

Parents, there is a solution. You need a telephoto lens! 

These last couple of months I’ve been using the Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM lens. One glance and you can see that it’s fierce and it means photog-business.

Canon ef 70-200mm f4l is usm canon telephoto

It’s a lens that I had perviously spotted in crowds {especially at sporting events} and would stare longingly. Perhaps with a little drool coming out the side of my mouth. Needless to say, having one now, is like a dream come true.

Notice the tell-tale red ring on the lens barrel? This red ring signifies that this is an L {luxury} series Canon lens. This ring is found only on their Luxury Lenses, which provide superior image quality and a robust design. Also, L series lens are off-white in colour, as a distinction from standard lenses, but also to reduce heat absorption under the sun that may otherwise affect the performance of the lens.

Most L series lenses share a number of common characteristics not found in Canon’s line of lower-end lenses. Yet, L lenses tend to be more durable, incorporating dust-resistant and water-resistant rubber seals on some models. L lenses also contain optics of higher quality, with many lenses containing fluorite or ultra-low dispersion glass elements, ground aspherically. Their front elements do not rotate for the proper operation of some filters, such as circular polarizers. L lenses are often “fast,” with wider apertures than comparable lower-end Canon optics. All contain an ultrasonic motor and extra communication pins.

If you understand all of the above, kudos to you. In layman terms, the difference between a standard lens and an L series lens is like comparing an average yet dependable car to a top-model luxury vehicle. It’s just ‘more’.

Considering this, L series lenses are used more predominately by professional photographers. Why? They want the best shot, right? Well so does everyone else, including myself.

That being said, I’ll remind you that I am NOT a professional and don’t pretend to be one on TV.

So, can the average and everyday person {including parents whose kids run away from the camera}, appreciate and be able to use a telephoto L series lens?

Absolutely.

To illustrate how the Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM lens could work for you, let me share one of our moments. Our memories and events shared, since that is what it’s all about.

My husband and I took the kids skating, which is a common occurrence for Canadian families in the winter months. As expected, the kids are at least 30 feet from myself and my camera, whizzing around the rink. They’re laughing, chasing each other and trying new tricks – it’s the perfect moment of sibling peace and a moment that needs to be captured.

Previously, I’d snap a photo and grimace at the preview screen -they are just so far away and most likely, the photo would be blurry and very grainy if I tried to zoom too much.

Here’s our memories caught with the Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM lens. Please note that all images are SOTC, with only a re-size and an addition of the watermark.

Canon EF 70-200mm f:4L IS USM kids life review canada 

Canon EF 70-200mm f:4L IS USM getting better photos 

Canon EF 70-200mm f:4L IS USM 

Canon EF 70-200mm f:4L IS USM IMG_1394

You can even see shavings of ice at the feet! Despite wearing helmets that hide and love to shadow the face, the smiles on my kids faces are visible. I was able to stop time and capture every single race to the other side of the rink.

For the person behind the lens, I immediately notice the speed with each click and I can’t help but recall the slight but noticeable delay in standard lenses. Occasionally, this delay in focus to shot meant that opportunity was lost.

Canon EF 70-200mm f:4L IS USM IMG_1236 

Canon EF 70-200mm f:4L IS USM IMG_1274

The chance of distortions such as blur and haze are lessened with the L series lens. Plus, the colour detail and contrast are impeccable.

It’s a heavy lens, so unless you always shoot with a tripod, I’d definitely suggest going for the EF 70-200mm f/4L with Image Stabilization like the one I use. It most certainly helps, as I don’t like to lug around my tripod everywhere and tend to only use it in my home.

Canon EF 70-200mm f:4L IS USM IMG_1393 

Canon EF 70-200mm f:4L IS USM IMG_1391

Simply put, the photos with this telephoto L series lens are just BETTER. When I look through the photos from this day, I feel like I am there all over again, which is exactly the response you want from captures.

Even while taking these photos on this mild winter day in January, I was 30 ft away yet by using the Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM lens – I was apart of the action. Now, I’m able to bridge the distance, and be apart of it all. 

I can’t wait to share more memories captured with my Canon L series lens. Until then, check out BabyMoments.ca, a handy guide for getting the best photos, for any childs age!

 

Disclosure: I was provided with product to facilitate this review, all opinions are my own.

 

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Filed Under: Photography, Reviews & Giveaways Tagged With: Canon, Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM, Canon Lens, Kids, Life, Photography

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Comments

  1. Gingermommy says

    02/13/2015 at 8:02 am

    These are really great pictures! This lens looks fantastic! I need to get myself a good camera and start concentrating more on pics

    Reply
    • Tammi says

      02/14/2015 at 7:54 am

      You do!!

      Reply
  2. Stacie says

    02/13/2015 at 8:43 am

    Nice! I have a few Canon lenses, but not this one! It’s on my list of things to buy!

    Reply
    • Tammi says

      02/14/2015 at 7:54 am

      I think you’d like it Stacie, even perhaps an L series portrait lens, you take such fab food photos, this would really take it to the next level!

      Reply
  3. Daisy says

    02/13/2015 at 10:09 am

    My little boy is 4 and I take tons of photos because I know how much I’ll treasure them when he is older. I need to look into a Canon L series lens.

    Reply
    • Tammi says

      02/14/2015 at 7:53 am

      I have some great prime lenses that I like to use for portraits, and now I wish they were L series. I’m so impressed with the line!

      Reply
  4. Deborah A. says

    02/13/2015 at 10:47 am

    I’m sending this to the hubs to put on my wish list. I need this lens!!

    Reply
    • Tammi says

      02/14/2015 at 7:52 am

      Ha, good for you! If I truly had known it was this great, i would have gotten it sooner. Now, I have a few L series lenses on my wishlist. More expensive than standard, yet the bang for the buck is there!

      Reply
  5. Maria says

    02/13/2015 at 12:03 pm

    My boyfriend has had his eye on a Canon for quite sometime now. They really are great camera’s!

    Reply
    • Tammi says

      02/14/2015 at 7:51 am

      šŸ™‚

      Reply
  6. Chelley says

    02/13/2015 at 12:11 pm

    Oh my gosh, the details are amazing- I can SEE the ice shavings! I will be checking this out- my camera just broke! šŸ™

    Reply
    • Tammi says

      02/14/2015 at 7:51 am

      I’m quite impressed, I have other photos that I’ll be sharing soon! Let me know if you have any questions!

      Reply
  7. Nancy @ Whispered Inspirations says

    02/13/2015 at 12:29 pm

    Umm, wow. That is an amazing lens! WOWSA! It was like you were on the ice.

    Reply
    • Tammi says

      02/14/2015 at 7:51 am

      Right? This lens is truly amazing!

      Reply
  8. Aubrey says

    02/13/2015 at 5:49 pm

    Wow, I’ve been thinking about getting a better camera. The one I have is so old and I use my phone most of the time, but any picture with too much motion comes out blurred. These pictures are so clear and detailed. I love it.

    Reply
    • Tammi says

      02/14/2015 at 7:50 am

      Phones are convenient, but the quality … I’m guilty of thinking my phone will do when out sometimes, and quickly regret it.

      Reply
  9. lisa says

    02/13/2015 at 7:39 pm

    What fantastic pictures!! We keep talking about buying a nice camera. I will have to look into this one.

    Reply
    • Tammi says

      02/14/2015 at 7:49 am

      Thanks Lisa, Take a look back into my previous Canon posts, there’s some bodies that could be an option for you!

      Reply
  10. Dawn McAlexander says

    02/13/2015 at 9:34 pm

    We recently bought a Nikon that we are happy with. However, our daughter wants a Canon for her birthday. So, we might get that and compare the two. šŸ™‚

    Reply
    • Tammi says

      02/14/2015 at 7:49 am

      Quite honestly, I’m a Canon girl and always have been. I got a Nikon once, and a nice one, but after trying and trying I just couldn’t get the hang of it. Let me know if you have any questions!

      Reply
  11. Autumn says

    02/13/2015 at 10:22 pm

    Really great photos! I have been looking into a new lens for my camera. I will have to check out the L series!

    Reply
    • Tammi says

      02/14/2015 at 7:47 am

      Let me know if you have any questions Autumn, and check the #CanonL hashtag to learn more on other L series lenses as well!

      Reply
  12. Brittany says

    02/14/2015 at 6:13 am

    I need to invest in some new camera equipment! I’m not too happy with my photos lately and need to find something new!

    Reply
    • Tammi says

      02/14/2015 at 7:47 am

      I’d very user friendly brittany and makes a whole lot of difference. I love investing in lenses since they give so much back – memories!

      Reply
  13. Robin says

    02/14/2015 at 7:02 am

    I have been thinking about getting a DSLR and if I do, it will definitely be a Canon!

    Reply
  14. Melissa Pezza says

    02/14/2015 at 7:16 am

    What a great lens! I love your sample pictures. They’re so crisp.

    Reply
    • Tammi says

      02/14/2015 at 7:46 am

      Thank you Melissa, that was just the first try! I have many more to share! šŸ˜‰

      Reply
  15. Cindy L says

    02/14/2015 at 7:35 am

    I have dreamed of owning this lens for years .. no. 1 on my wish list .. nice to see the examples of truly how clear it is. Hope to own it before the kids get to old. Love the memories you captured!

    Reply
    • Tammi says

      02/14/2015 at 7:45 am

      Thanks Cindy, it’s quite remarkable. I’m having a lot of fun with it, no distance is too far! Run kids, run! lol

      Reply
  16. Brenda Roy says

    02/14/2015 at 9:11 am

    Absolutely beautiful pictures! They look so happy and are having a great bunch of fun

    Reply
    • Tammi says

      02/14/2015 at 12:41 pm

      Thank you Gramma! šŸ™‚

      Reply
  17. Elizabeth L says

    02/14/2015 at 12:10 pm

    Wow the photos are amazing! I love how crisp they look – perfection! I think I am going to be adding this one to my wish list!

    Reply
    • Tammi says

      02/14/2015 at 12:41 pm

      šŸ™‚

      Reply
  18. Lisa Bristol says

    02/14/2015 at 1:07 pm

    These are great photos. I would love to have a camera like this.

    Reply
  19. Melissa Pezza says

    02/14/2015 at 2:00 pm

    You know, I have so many close up lenses, but I don’t really have a good medium to far range lens. This sounds like just the thing. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Tammi says

      02/16/2015 at 7:25 am

      That was my issue too, now the type of photos I can get, are so much more!

      Reply
  20. Maria says

    02/14/2015 at 6:09 pm

    Sounds like a great lens. Looks like it takes amazing photo’s, nice crisp and clear.

    Reply
    • Tammi says

      02/16/2015 at 7:24 am

      šŸ™‚

      Reply
  21. Nicole says

    02/15/2015 at 10:06 am

    It’s amazing how much difference lighting and lenses can make. Thank you for sharing this. I’ve been in the market for a new lens and I’m reading as many reviews as possible. This will certainly be a top contender.

    Reply
    • Tammi says

      02/16/2015 at 7:24 am

      Happy to help Nicole, let me know if you have any questions!

      Reply
  22. Ashley M says

    02/15/2015 at 10:47 am

    I’m making the switch to the Canon 6D in one week (when it arrives) and this lens is high on my want list. My child is always running away from my camera. I feel like being able to take good photos from afar will allow her to be more natural.

    Reply
    • Tammi says

      02/16/2015 at 7:24 am

      Exactly! and so excited for you!!!

      Reply
  23. Jenn says

    02/15/2015 at 2:23 pm

    AMAZING pics and so crystal clear. I love the Canon brand, will be looking into these lenses for mine.

    Reply
    • Tammi says

      02/16/2015 at 7:23 am

      Thanks Jenn!

      Reply
  24. Debi says

    02/15/2015 at 5:28 pm

    That is a great lens. I love when I can get pictures like the saved ice spray.

    Reply
    • Tammi says

      02/16/2015 at 7:23 am

      That surprised me, never had that happen before. From that far away, anyway!

      Reply
  25. Kristin says

    02/15/2015 at 5:58 pm

    Neat lens! I love playing around with new lens for my Nikon and seeing what it can do! love your photos.

    Reply
    • Tammi says

      02/16/2015 at 7:23 am

      Thank you Kristin!

      Reply
  26. Rosey says

    02/15/2015 at 6:08 pm

    I have a billion and fifteen pictures too, lol. I didn’t realize the red ring signified the lens was from the luxury series. I’m pretty sure my son would love this… he’s gotten so good with his camera, and never stops wanting to add to its lens collection.

    Reply
    • Tammi says

      02/16/2015 at 7:22 am

      That’s great to hear Rosey!

      Reply
  27. Soozle says

    02/16/2015 at 6:25 am

    Such great photos! I have to admit I am guilty of relying on my smart phone for taking photos – it’s handy but you don’t get that nice crisp quality like you do with a great camera!

    Reply
    • Tammi says

      02/16/2015 at 7:22 am

      I agree, so handy but the photos have made me want to cry sometimes! It’s worth packing along the bigger purse!

      Reply
  28. Stephanie LaPlante says

    02/16/2015 at 11:48 am

    This is a camera I’d love to own someday

    Reply
  29. Ali P says

    02/16/2015 at 2:27 pm

    I absolutely LOVE my Canon DSLR!! Just picked up the new t5i!! The telephoto lens really does make a huge difference.

    Reply
  30. kathy downey says

    02/17/2015 at 10:03 am

    I’m very impressed with those photos

    Reply
  31. Jodi Mitrovic says

    02/18/2015 at 2:57 pm

    Great review and pictures. They’re so beautiful and crystal clear. I’m a first time Mom myself and I am in photo overdrive! I’ve always been intimidated by “real” lenses but am encouraged by your review. Thanks for a great share. It’s defiantly something to think about after all, I have a billion more photos to go.

    Reply
  32. Meagan says

    02/19/2015 at 12:10 pm

    I can totally see why you’d love that lense! Those pictures are beautiful!

    Reply
  33. Marina @ Mommy Snippets says

    02/20/2015 at 11:53 am

    Wow, this is an amazing camera! Thankyou soo much for sharing. I’m going to look more into this.

    Reply
  34. ivy pluchinsky says

    02/20/2015 at 1:24 pm

    awesome pictures! looks like an awesome camera too. I need to get myself a new one

    Reply
  35. Julie H says

    02/25/2015 at 9:41 am

    Really great photos!

    Reply
  36. MrDisco says

    02/28/2015 at 11:15 am

    small nit-pick, but L lenses also come as a black barrel. It’s only the long range zooms and long focal length primes that off-white.

    Reply
  37. kathy downey says

    03/18/2015 at 7:18 am

    These photo are so nice and clear,I am in the market for a new camera will check that one out

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Photographing a Cheer and Dance Competition says:
    04/06/2015 at 11:54 am

    […] confession of mine only proves that while the Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM lens is a luxury and professional lens, anyone can use it. From the professional sports […]

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  2. Tips and Tricks for Using a Telephoto Zoom Lens says:
    05/01/2015 at 5:03 am

    […] of the action, without moving you from your seat or too close to your subject. You can literally be apart of the event, even if you are physically far […]

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