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.
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.
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.
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.
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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These are really great pictures! This lens looks fantastic! I need to get myself a good camera and start concentrating more on pics
You do!!
Nice! I have a few Canon lenses, but not this one! It’s on my list of things to buy!
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!
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.
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!
I’m sending this to the hubs to put on my wish list. I need this lens!!
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!
My boyfriend has had his eye on a Canon for quite sometime now. They really are great camera’s!
🙂
Oh my gosh, the details are amazing- I can SEE the ice shavings! I will be checking this out- my camera just broke! 🙁
I’m quite impressed, I have other photos that I’ll be sharing soon! Let me know if you have any questions!
Umm, wow. That is an amazing lens! WOWSA! It was like you were on the ice.
Right? This lens is truly amazing!
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.
Phones are convenient, but the quality … I’m guilty of thinking my phone will do when out sometimes, and quickly regret it.
What fantastic pictures!! We keep talking about buying a nice camera. I will have to look into this one.
Thanks Lisa, Take a look back into my previous Canon posts, there’s some bodies that could be an option for you!
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. 🙂
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!
Really great photos! I have been looking into a new lens for my camera. I will have to check out the L series!
Let me know if you have any questions Autumn, and check the #CanonL hashtag to learn more on other L series lenses as well!
I need to invest in some new camera equipment! I’m not too happy with my photos lately and need to find something new!
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!
I have been thinking about getting a DSLR and if I do, it will definitely be a Canon!
What a great lens! I love your sample pictures. They’re so crisp.
Thank you Melissa, that was just the first try! I have many more to share! 😉
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!
Thanks Cindy, it’s quite remarkable. I’m having a lot of fun with it, no distance is too far! Run kids, run! lol
Absolutely beautiful pictures! They look so happy and are having a great bunch of fun
Thank you Gramma! 🙂
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!
🙂
These are great photos. I would love to have a camera like this.
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!
That was my issue too, now the type of photos I can get, are so much more!
Sounds like a great lens. Looks like it takes amazing photo’s, nice crisp and clear.
🙂
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.
Happy to help Nicole, let me know if you have any questions!
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.
Exactly! and so excited for you!!!
AMAZING pics and so crystal clear. I love the Canon brand, will be looking into these lenses for mine.
Thanks Jenn!
That is a great lens. I love when I can get pictures like the saved ice spray.
That surprised me, never had that happen before. From that far away, anyway!
Neat lens! I love playing around with new lens for my Nikon and seeing what it can do! love your photos.
Thank you Kristin!
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.
That’s great to hear Rosey!
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!
I agree, so handy but the photos have made me want to cry sometimes! It’s worth packing along the bigger purse!
This is a camera I’d love to own someday
I absolutely LOVE my Canon DSLR!! Just picked up the new t5i!! The telephoto lens really does make a huge difference.
I’m very impressed with those photos
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.
I can totally see why you’d love that lense! Those pictures are beautiful!
Wow, this is an amazing camera! Thankyou soo much for sharing. I’m going to look more into this.
awesome pictures! looks like an awesome camera too. I need to get myself a new one
Really great photos!
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.
These photo are so nice and clear,I am in the market for a new camera will check that one out