Canon EF 70-200mm f/4.0L USM Lens

You've heard the adage before ... invest in lenses, not the body. After a starter "walking around" lens (I opted for the Canon 17-40mm f/4L), I wanted a lens for sports photography and getting candids of people without being in their face. This lens was the perfect addition. My copy is tack-sharp at all focal lengths and I've taken some terrific sports photos. I have a Canon 20D, so the 1.6x crop factor kicks in to produce a 320mm equivalent lens. The camera isn't heavy with this lens attached, and it stays pretty well balanced. For field sports, the f/4 produces enough bokeh to highlight the subject. The build quality is superb (as with all L lenses).

There are non-L lenses that are worth considering if the budget is tight, but don't match the colors and sharpness of this lens. The 70-200 f/2.8 L is also a good lens, in both IS and non-IS versions, but this lens is substantially lighter and more flexible. I will probably move to the 2.8IS at some point, but this lens is fine for now. There are no issues for daytime sports. At dusk, the focus will have problems and f/4 isn't fast enough.

I do encourage friends to consider this lens not only for its performance, but its long-term value as well. I bought my copy used, and I can still sell it for what I paid for it -- Canon lenses hold their value exceptionally well. Keep it in good condition and years of ownership will cost little in depreciation. Aftermarket lenses may cost less upfront, but you are likely to lose as much or more in resale value than having bought a Canon in the first place. And the extra build quality of the L lenses is important to keeping the value up.

I have to admit ... I do like the look of the white lens, too. :)