If you are looking for the best lens that $500 can buy you, look no further. Canon’s 70-200 F/4L USM lens puts the legendary L-series lens quality into a shockingly affordable package that covers a desirable range for most every type of shooter, whether a beginner or a pro. While it is significantly more expensive then the telephoto lenses that a chain store clerk will pitch to the new Digital SLR user, the quality difference is night and day. The 70-200 L focuses internally and faster then any lens in its class. The images are brilliant, very colorful and a compliment to any digital body.

Canon doesn’t skimp (like it does with its consumer-series lenses) on the extras with its L series. Included in the package is a lens hood (hard to manage the lens cap, but very high quality with suede-like lining and a cloth/leather bottomed carrying case for the lens its self. The attention to detail in building the package is one of the reasons that the L series really shines. It is well built and a bit on the hefty side, but certainly manageable and hand-holdable in almost every situation.

I paired the lens with both the Canon Digital Rebel XT and the XTi models, and the results were across the board excellent. The image quality, focusing speed and build are excellent. If you are on the fence regarding whether to spend the extra amount over, say, the 75-300 USM lens by Canon, I cannot recommend enough the 70-200 F/4L.

Those looking to shoot lower light or in less-then-desirable conditions may also want to consider the 70-200 F/2.8 or the 70-200 F/4 IS (image stabilized) versions.