Fast lenses 127Unlike the cryptic symbols used on non-L lenses, which make
it impossible to tell when image stabilization is off or on, there’s
a real on/off IS switch. Yet another control is the focus-limit
switch, which reduces near distance so the autofocus doesn’t
hunt. Choices are 1.2 m (3.93 ft.) and 3 m (9.84 ft.), but Joe
admits that he tried both under a wide range of lighting situations
and couldn’t see any difference in this fast-focusing lens.The size, speed of use, and yes,
image stabilization of the EF 70–
200 mm f/4 L IS USM makes it
useful for impromptu photojour-
nalism. Joe spotted this union
demonstration on Acapulco’s main
drag while traveling in a car in the
other direction. He had a chance
to grab only a few shots, but the
lens’s ease of handling let him
make great shots. Exposure in
Program mode was 160 sec at
f/4 at ISO 320. © 2006 Joe
Farace.
Low-light photography is another
area where the EF 70–200 mm
f/4 L IS USM’s image stabiliza-
tion can come in handy. This room
shot in the Pierre Marquess hotel
was made at 1/13 of a second, yet
is tack sharp at the wide-open
aperture of f/4. It was made at
ISO 320 with the lens focal length
set at 121 mm. © 2006 Joe
Farace.