Aberystwyth University Graduation 2014 - Canon L 70 - 200mm f4 USM non-IS

I bought the Canon L 70 - 200mm f4 USM non-IS for use during the graduation ceremony. I set the ISO to 3200 on my Canon 5D2 and just went for it.

While everyone was seated we were entertained by a Clarinet and Harp.

Harpist, Aberystwyth graduation ceremony 2014
Canon L 70 - 200mm f4 USM non-IS

Clarinet player, Aberystwyth graduation ceremony 2014
Canon L 70 - 200mm f4 USM non-IS

My daughter receiving congratulations from the VC
Canon L 70 - 200mm f4 USM non-IS

Looking pleased afterwards
Canon L 70 - 200mm f4 USM non-IS

The honorary graduate on this day was the Welsh comedian Rhod Gilbert

Rhod Gilbert looking bemused prior to receiving his honorary degree
Canon L 70 - 200mm f4 USM non-IS

Rhod Gilbert receiving his honorary degree from the President
Canon L 70 - 200mm f4 USM non-IS

Rhod Gilbert acceptance speech
Canon L 70 - 200mm f4 USM non-IS

I also used the Canon L 70 - 200mm f4 USM non-IS outside for portraits

My daughter post ceremony
Canon L 70 - 200mm f4 USM non-IS

I had to change to my Canon L 24 - 70mm f2.8 for the hat throwing

Canon L 70 - 200mm f4 USM non IS with Canon 5D2

I recently bought a Canon L 70 - 200mm f4 USM non IS lens to take some photos at my daughters graduation.
I bought used from MBP Photographic, who provided the usual superb service. The lens was described at EX+ but I could not find a single mark on it and it was indistinguishable from new. It arrived the day after I placed the order and came with original box and all paper work; to me it looked as if it had never been used.
Before buying this lens I must have read every article regarding this lens on the web at least twice. Nearly all these articles mentioned how sharp the lens was, as well as fast focussing without being too large and clumbersome.

I have found all this to be true, focussing is fast and nearly silent, and the images are sharp with excellent contrast and colour.

Shooting inside I had to increase the ISO to 3200 to get high enough shutter speeds to avoid camera shake (I use the old focal length = shutter speed rule of thumb) but the 5D2 is acceptable at this ISO so it was not really a problem. 

I tried the lens for landscape while I was in Wales. For these I used a Manfrotto monopod to keep things steady.

Canon 5D2 Canon L 70-200mm f4 USM non IS

Canon 5D2 Canon L 70-200mm f4 USM non IS

Canon 5D2 Canon L 70-200mm f4 USM non IS

Canon 5D2 Canon L 70-200mm f4 USM non IS