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Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM Telephoto Zoom Lens USA
The Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM Telephoto Zoom Lens improves upon its predecessor, one of the most acclaimed lenses in the Canon EF line, with superior performance, increased speed and optical quality.
This lens is constructed of 23 elements in 19 groups (including 1 Fluorite and 5 UD elements) which help deliver the sharpness and reduced aberration which professional photographers rely upon from Canon. The IS II Optical Image Stabilizer provides up to 4 stops of correction at all focal lengths.
This lens has a minimum focusing distance of 3.9' (1.2 m) at all zoom settings so you can get the shot when shooting close to your subject even in smaller spaces. Like all Canon L-series lenses, this telephoto zoom is dust- and moisture-resistant and designed to keep on going even in the most challenging of environments.
- Rubber O-ring can be combined with EOS 1V and EF "II" teleconverters for near imperviousness to moisture exposure
- Two-stage Image Stabilization can correct for all types of camera shake or just up/down shake (for use when panning with a moving subject)
- Focus limiter switch
- Shorter minimum focusing distance and higher maximum magnification than its 70-200mm f/2.8 L predecessor
Go To
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 70 - 200 mm |
| Aperture |
Maximum: f/2.8 Minimum: f/32 |
| Camera Mount Type | Canon EF |
| Format Compatibility |
35mm Film / Full-Frame Digital Sensor Canon (APS-C) |
| Angle of View | 34° - 12° |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 3.94' (1.2 m) |
| Magnification | 0.21x |
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 1:4.7 |
| Groups/Elements | 19/23 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 8 |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Image Stabilization | Yes |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | Yes |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Filter Thread | 77 mm |
| Dimensions (DxL) | Approx. 3.5 x 7.8" (8.89 x 19.81 cm) |
| Weight | 3.28 lb (1.49 kg) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 1018 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
99%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Durable (459)
- Easy to use (398)
- Reliable (314)
- Fast / accurate auto-focus (167)
- Improves picture quality (167)
Cons
- Heavy (213)
- Heavy / bulky (114)
- Heavy bulky (57)
- Pricey / poor value (43)
- Price (39)
Best Uses
- Portraits (381)
- Travel (231)
- Everyday (184)
- Landscape photography (171)
- Weddings (166)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Enthusiast (193), Semi-professional (164), Professional (92), Semi-pro photographer (82), Photo enthusiast (74)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (809), Yes (41)
Most Liked Positive Review
Superb IQ, sharper than 70-200 f/4
I had always said I'd never sell my 70-200 f/4 L IS even if I bought the f/2.8 version. The f/4 is relatively so light and portable. But I was ...Read complete review
I had always said I'd never sell my 70-200 f/4 L IS even if I bought the f/2.8 version. The f/4 is relatively so light and portable. But I was also confident in this position because the f/4 was reported to be sharper than the old version of the f/2.8. Well, then I rented a 300/2.8 for my little league baseball job. I became spoiled by the beautifully blurred backgrounds. The next time I shot my 70-200/4, suddenly the backgrounds didn't look so OOF anymore, and shutter speeds weren't as high as I wanted. I knew I needed to go to the f/2.8, and as luck would have it, along came the Mark II with reports of even better IQ than the original.
The reviews did not disappoint or over-exaggerate. The results I'm seeing rival those of the 300/2.8L and the 135/2.0L I used to have. It is subtly but noticeably sharper than my 70-200/4. Combined with the thinner DOF, the extra sharpness really pops. Colors and contrast are spectacular as well. The IS works as advertised, and I have shot at 200mm handheld at 1/15. There is a brief click/grind when the IS motor starts and stops, which is normal, but while running it is quieter than the IS on my f/4. The autofocus is quick and accurate. I have not felt a need to micro-adjust my 5DII for it.
Yes, the lens is heavy, but this is the price of perfection. The other price of perfection is, well, the price. I list these as "cons" but I see no physical way Canon could avoid them. I could not justify such an expensive lens if I wasn't getting paid to shoot. Even so, I will have to sell my f/4 and my 100-400L to help offset the cost. Fortunately the lens plus a 2x TC is reported to work at least as well as the 100-400L. I may regret selling the f/4 when my life allows more vacation travel, but the 70-200/2.8LIS II represents a such a significant upgrade in image quality, and not only in speed, that I am bidding farewell to my previously favorite lens. It is quite simply the best lens in my bag now.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Better than it's predecessor???
I have been engaged in photography for more than 40 years with a statistical process improvement background. So I was more than interested to see if the 70-200 f-2.8 L II was significantly...Read complete review
I have been engaged in photography for more than 40 years with a statistical process improvement background. So I was more than interested to see if the 70-200 f-2.8 L II was significantly better than the L I. After 2 days of intensive testing my findings using both an EOS 1DS and 20D body are as follows. Contrast for the L II was slightly better. Resolution at 200mm was consistently 1 pair number lower [less good] at the center at f-2.8, 4.0, and 5.6 on the USAF 1951 resolution chart. Resolution through a series 1 Canon 2X multiplier was equal over the same aperture settings. The extreme edge resolution was seen to be slightly better from images of books on a shelf—"real world". Auto focus was significantly faster in bright light, which may be of benefit depending on what you photograph. Image stabilization is about 1 stop improved, but with the high ISO capabilities of current Canon cameras, a one stop increased setting would equalize this difference at the possible expense of increased noise. I chose not to test another sample, because even if a newer sample were to test one pair number higher [better] than the L I, [a possible manufacturing variation] the improvement would probably not be detectable by viewing a 300 PPI printed version at "normal viewing distance." For my purpose, primarily fine art photography, my results simply do not justify the price. So my advice is to test carefully before committing to an L II purchase; reality vs. your expectations may vary…
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 1018 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Fast action
- Great detailsharp focus
- Low light
Cons
- expensive
- QC issues
Best Uses
- Build biceps
- Low light fast action
Comments about Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM Telephoto Zoom Lens:
I had used this version of the 70-200mm 2.8 several times before I decided to buy my own. My experience with it was awesome. Crisp images, fast focus and accurate color.
B&H made it easy to order and I received the lens in only a couple of days.
This is where my disappointment started. The copy of the lens I received didn't have the sharpness or accurate focus of the lens I previously used. And when I put my new lens side by side for testing purposes with the other copy of the same lens I found my lens didn't zoom in as tight as the other.
At this point I could have sent the lens to Canon and I am sure they would have taken care of me. But I first decided to contact B&H and then decided to send the lens back to them and have them send me another. once again.. super easy..
As far as customer service goes B&H is top notch. As far as this new lens from Canon goes I loved the first copy I used it. I use it mostly for indoor action photography but I also like it as a portrait lens. The only lens I like almost as much is the 70-200mm f/4 IS, which is the lens I preferred over 70-200mm 2.8 IS version I, which to me was fine but not great.
So is Canons new 70-200mm f/2.8 IS II worth the price tag? YES!!! I use it on both a crop sensor 50D and a FF 5D and get great shots. If I didn't need detailed sharp focus maybe I would think differently about spending so much, but I do need it and judging from the first copy the lens I used the lens delivers.
Here is my rating chart of the L lenses I use: (I shoot mostly hand held, or with a monopod)
70-200mm 2.8 IS II= 9.5 points out of 10
70-200mm 2.8 IS I= 7.5 (i always wanted more)
70-200mm f/4 IS= 8 ( so light its hard to beat)
70-200mm f/4 (non IS) =7.5 (awesome with monopod)
24-105 f/4 IS=6.5=7 (I have tired different versions of this lens, all them too soft for me)
24-70mm 2.8= 6.5 (why this doesn't have IS is beyond me)
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Improves Picture Quality
Cons
- Bulky Design
Best Uses
- Close Up Filming
- Shooting Indoors
- Shooting Outdoors
- Upgrade
Comments about Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM Telephoto Zoom Lens:
Sigma Six Photography shoots wedding and sanctuaries have rules such as these: "no flash", "don't pass this line", "don't distract the officiator"...haha. This just makes it easier to shoot a challenging situation. This lens is clear, colorful, and sharp! It's heavy but it's all good...it's what you would expect from a magnesium lens with a lot of glass!
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
Images shared by Sigma Six Photography
Images shared by Sigma Six Photography
(0 of 1 customers found this review helpful)
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Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM Telephoto Zoom Lens:
I just walk around finding things to shoot with this lens....beautiful images from 70-200. It has been on the 5d mark 11 since it arrived. Though heavy, it is worth the neck and shoulder pain. Produces incredible images and invites questions from total strangers! It is everything Canon claims.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Improves Picture Quality
Cons
- Bulky Design
Best Uses
- Close Up Filming
- Shooting Indoors
- Shooting Outdoors
- Upgrade
Comments about Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM Telephoto Zoom Lens:
Wow, i'm super stoked with this lense. I use it for video and photos equally. The auto focus on this lense does not even compare to the IS I. Much quieter, way faster, I also feel like it uses less batteries (although i may just be in the honeymoon phase)
I bought this because I couldnt find a decent price on a used one (and nobody truly WANTS to get rid of this lense) and I'm happy i spend the bucks on it. Great lense, I love the way it looks on a crop sensor.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Improves Picture Quality
Cons
- None
Best Uses
- Shooting Outdoors
Comments about Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM Telephoto Zoom Lens:
used the product in night photography while spotlighting elk. nice shots with just spotlight lighting. Not as heavy as expected but was previously using 100x400 so is lighter than was used too.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Improves Picture Quality
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM Telephoto Zoom Lens:
I rented this lens from Canon before buying - and am so glad I did. It's razor sharp, has better color reproduction and while the previous 70-200 2.8 was my favorite lens, this one surpasses it. I'm also glad the new lens hood has a spring button to truly secure it as my previous lens hood fell off easily. Great buy.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
- Improves Picture Quality
- Ultra sharp
Cons
- Weight
Best Uses
- Close Up Filming
- Sporting Events
Comments about Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM Telephoto Zoom Lens:
Very often use this lens for general photography.
It is great for meetings and groups of people.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Comments about Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM Telephoto Zoom Lens:
I use this mostly for church photography. I am usually shooting in very low light situations and this lens was worth the 2 years I had to save up for it.
Pros
- Improves Picture Quality
Cons
- Nothing so far
Best Uses
- Shooting Indoors
- Shooting Outdoors
Comments about Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM Telephoto Zoom Lens:
It's simply perfect L lens, if you know your needs.
What is surprise me – colors, hard to imagine how different in good way from 100-400.
I never complain about weight, since I know what I'm buying.
And it is very sharp lens. I mean SHARP at any opening.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Fast
- Improves Picture Quality
- Sharp
Cons
Best Uses
- Shooting Indoors
- Shooting Outdoors
Comments about Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM Telephoto Zoom Lens:
I am a professional photographer.
I LOVE this lens- it is fast it is sharp and it is accurate! What more could you want?
the only con is that there is a good bit of vignetting. (I happen to like that)
Some will say that it's heavy....I say that it's worth it.
The bokeh is so nice.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Improves Picture Quality
Cons
Best Uses
- Close Up Filming
- Shooting Indoors
- Shooting Outdoors
Comments about Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM Telephoto Zoom Lens:
Really good!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Improves Picture Quality
Cons
Best Uses
- Shooting Outdoors
Comments about Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM Telephoto Zoom Lens:
I highly recommend this lens, you will not be disappointed.
Pros
- Sharp
- Versatile
- Well built
Cons
- It be pricey
Best Uses
- Shooting Indoors
- Shooting Outdoors
Comments about Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM Telephoto Zoom Lens:
Canon delivered on this zoom. The CA control is better on this lens than any other Canon L lens I own. This lens is sharp wide open as it should be. The IS works well making hand held shots fairly easy even in low light.
Is it worth the price? Maybe
I bought this large fixed aperture zoom to free me from swapping out my primes in this range at motorsports events. Unfortunately, I bought it at the end of the racing season so I won't know how well it works until next year. I think it will be adequate, but time will tell.
Low light focus is not super fast. Not as fast as it is with an 200f/2.8, or 135f/2 for example. IQ is not the same as primes either, but the lens is so sharp that it makes up for most of the subtle differences. Bokeh wide open is adequate, better than I thought it would be based on some reports. Anyway, blur tools can improve bokeh in a pinch.
It is heavy for it's size, but what does one expect for an internal focusing, weather resistant USM f/2.8 zoom lens with built-in IS.
I did not own the previous version, so can't compare one way or the other.
The lens remains sharp with excellent CA control with the Canon 2x extender III. That was a pleasant surprise. I don't plan to use it with the extender for anything serious right now, but it is nice to know the option is open.
I'm dinging this lens one star because of the low light focus performance (accurate, but a little slow for the price IMO).
I have no regrets about buying the lens. It is a productive tool, fun to use, very versatile, and produces excellent quality images in any natural outdoor or ambient indoor light condition I've run across. The lens has been on my 1DsMkII since I bought it. It will get a workout on a 1DMkIV next year.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Improves Picture Quality
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Sports wildlife
Comments about Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM Telephoto Zoom Lens:
I was happy with the original 70 to 200 mm f/2.8 IS lens but the new version is better than I expected. I use this lens to shoot football games and it works great.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM Telephoto Zoom Lens:
To be able to shoot at 1/30th at 200mm and get absolutely stunning images is pretty mind blowing. Spectacular lens!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Improves Picture Quality
Cons
Best Uses
- Shooting Indoors
- Shooting Outdoors
Comments about Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM Telephoto Zoom Lens:
The best lens I ever held in 40years
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Improves Picture Quality
Cons
Best Uses
- Shooting Indoors
- Shooting Outdoors
- Upgrade
Comments about Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM Telephoto Zoom Lens:
This is a beast of a lens! My first L-series lens and am loving it. Big difference from my kit 28-135mm canon lens on my 7D. Buy this if you do portraits! Has an amazing bokeh!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
Cons
Best Uses
- Shooting Indoors
- Shooting Outdoors
Comments about Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM Telephoto Zoom Lens:
-Most use for portrait, fast, great zoom.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Improves Picture Quality
Cons
- Bulky Design
Best Uses
- Shooting Outdoors
Comments about Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM Telephoto Zoom Lens:
Probably one of Cannon's best quality lens. Its recent price increase makes it an expensive option to your toolkit.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Improves Picture Quality
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Shooting Outdoors
Comments about Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM Telephoto Zoom Lens:
I use this lens on my 7D for both far and near. The only complaint I have is that it is heavy, but I love the quality of the photos that come from it!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
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- Price: $39.95
Protection/Camouflage
- Price: $79.99
- Price: $89.95
Tripod & Support
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- Original: $329.95
- Save: $32.99
- Price: $296.96
What's in the Box
- E-77U 77mm Snap-On Lens Cap
- Lens Dust Cap E (Rear)
- LZ1326 Lens Case
- ET-87 Lens Hood
- Tripod Mount Ring
- 1-Year Warranty
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