[matthew]

I have to say that I used to be puzzled by Canon and its surplus of 70-200 lenses. I never quite understood the need for four of them. Then I got my 35-100f/2 and started to understand the appeal of this range. And then I got my E-510 and started to understand the appeal of IS and the reasons for the additional versions. Finally -- just last week -- I took a 70-200 f/4 (classic) out of its box and marveled at its diminutive size, light weight, and impressive build quality.

I no longer wonder about the cornucopia of workhorse telephotos, but I am thankful that I don't use Canon cameras -- otherwise I'd probably want both the f/4 classic and the f/2.8IS.