Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM Telephoto Zoom Lens USA
The pinnacle in Canon's constant-aperture telephoto zoom lenses, the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM Telephoto Zoom Lens is an incredible optic with robust design and tacksharp results. Second-generation Image Stabilization responds in as little as 0.5 seconds, while providing up to three stops stabilization that as handholdable as a normal lens. IS now automatically deactivates when on a tripod by sensing non-movement of the camera and lens, also conserving battery power. An entirely new optical formula produces images that are superior to even its highly regarded predecessor, the EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L, despite having more reflective surfaces within the lens.
Note! Compatible with all Canon EOS DSLR Cameras
- 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
| Filter Size | 77mm |
| f/Stop Range | 2.8-32 |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 4.6' |
| Magnification | 1:5.8 |
| Zoom/Focus Control | Two-touch |
| Angle of View | 30 to 12 Degrees |
| Groups/Elements | 18/23 |
| Tripod Collar | Yes |
| Length | 7.7" |
| Maximum Diameter | 3.4" |
| Weight |
3.2 lb without tripod collar 3.5 lb with tripod collar |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 925 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus (1054)
- Strong construction (722)
- Durable (596)
- Consistent output (578)
- Rugged (438)
Cons
- Heavy (554)
- Tough to attach (8)
- Blurry focus (5)
- Slow focus (5)
- A little heavy (4)
Best Uses
- Sports/action (642)
- Wildlife (331)
- General purpose (330)
- Portraits (311)
- Night photography (215)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Enthusiast (271), Semi-professional (181), Professional (118), Semi-pro photographer (99), Photo enthusiast (83)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (55)
Most Liked Positive Review
Just buy it, you won't be sorry.
Purchased for multiple applications including portraiture, landscape, environmental product, wedding, indoor event, etc. After doing a ton of research that included reading endless reviews, I purchased the 70-200 f2.8L IS. ...Read complete review
Purchased for multiple applications including portraiture, landscape, environmental product, wedding, indoor event, etc. After doing a ton of research that included reading endless reviews, I purchased the 70-200 f2.8L IS. It is big, it is heavy, it is sharp, it is quiet and it has superior build quality. No surprises.
The first thing I used it for was a indoor graduation ceremony I had been invited to. I'm just a member of the audience sitting halfway back from the stage using a Canon 20D without a tripod or a flash. I photograph people giving commencement speeches as they stand behind a pulpit. The available light is dim and with the ISO set at 800 I am shooting hand held at a focal length of 200mm with the aperture set at f2.8 and the shutter speed at 1/50 and sometimes 1/25 of a second. The IS is turned on. Remember, with this lens attached to a 20D and the focal length set at 200mm it is equivalent to a 320mm focal length lens on a full frame sensor camera. That said, the results were amazing. I looked at the images as RAW files at 100% without any sharpening applied. I won't lie and say I could count how many eye lashes were on a persons face (a face that occupies less than 1/16 of the total image area) but I could read a bronze plaque attached to the pulpit that the people are standing behind. The plaque is black, about 8 inches long, three inches high, contains 3 lines of raised black text and occupies less than a 1/64 of the total image area. Bottom line is that I got perfectly acceptable full frame 8X12's of the people speaking. I wouldn't have attempted shooting under these circumstances with a non IS lens and I can't wait to use this lens under ideal conditions.
If your main consideration for buying a lens is light weight and or small size, this is not the lens for you. If, like me, your buying this lens to obtain extremely high quality images even under less than ideal circumstances you'll only ask yourself one question. Why did I wait so long?
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Heavy, Sort of Sharp
My Florida studio has two of these lenses. These lenses were our "go to" lenses on the 1DsMkII cameras for outdoor portrait work. What I found over a three year period...Read complete review
My Florida studio has two of these lenses. These lenses were our "go to" lenses on the 1DsMkII cameras for outdoor portrait work. What I found over a three year period was that the lenses are mushy at f2.8. F4 improved things, but not a lot. I realized how bad the problem was when I bought a 300mm f2.8. Was like I was slammed in the face with sharpness. It took the incredible 300 to show me how average the 70-200 was.
The lens is heavy, and shooting a wedding with a big body, a flash, and this lens will hurt your back after a few hours. From what I hear, the 70-200 f4 is sharper. If you can live with the 1 stop loss, this might be a better choice.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 925 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
- Weather sealed
Cons
- Expensive
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Portrait
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM Telephoto Zoom Lens:
This lens is weather sealed ready for abuse. I use this lens on a Canon 5D Mk II, From a full frame perspective, I would say the corner performance of this piece of glass is very good. Picture is sharp even at wide open f2.8, the quality will be razor sharp at f4.
The image stabilization is said to be good up to 3 stop, but I haven't tried that. I still believe in the old school tripod way of life...
Just imagine very sharp image together with nice bokeh...yes..this is the lens to get for this kind of effect.
There is a better version out there from CANON. But this won't bother me cos' it deliver what I want and put smile on people faces when I show them my shots.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
Comments about Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM Telephoto Zoom Lens:
I used this for the first time at a concert for high school and was very pleased for the first time, especially with a learning curve involved. Pictures were quite in focus and sharp and great distance on the zoom. Can't wait to try it out some more soon ! On the down side, it is a bit heavy and using a monopod was not the best situation in this setting, but overall it was a wonderful result.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM Telephoto Zoom Lens:
Fantastic lens. I have used many zooms, but this one is the sharpest by FAR. I am almost considering selling the primes in this range because this lens is SO GOOD.
TACK SHARP. Wide open this lens is almost impeccable across the image, unlike anything I have ever used.
EXCELLENT BOKEH. At f/2.8, the bokeh is super smooth, hardly any different from the second version of the lens.
LOW DISTORTION. This lens is controls this very well, as to be expected from other high quality L lenses.
FANTASTIC BUILD QUALITY. I have clumsily dropped this lens a couple times-- nothing happens to it. I haven't checked too closely, but I'm pretty sure it's not even scratched. Built like a tank.
PRECISE COLOUR AND GREAT CONTRAST. What else can I say. When I need the shot, this is the lens I go to.
People say that the f/4.0 lens is sharper than this one. No way. At 2.8 this lens is as sharp as the 4.0 at it's minimum aperture, and when it is stopped down to 4.0 it isn't even a comparison.
Also, many complain about the weight of this lens. This summer, I travelled around Europe with it, and toward the end of the day it can become a bit tiresome sometimes, but when you see the results on your computer, you will realize that its worth another pound to carry around.
The only minor complaint that I have with this lens is the way that some people look at you when you are carrying and shooting with it. This doesn't matter.
Overall, you should go out and get this lens without hesitation. There is a reason that you see professionals using this lens. It never fails.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Sports/Action
Comments about Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM Telephoto Zoom Lens:
My 5 and 7 year old grandsons play hockey in an in-door rink. In order to get a clear shot, over the glass, of the entire rink I have to be at the top of the bleachers. I had been using my Canon 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM kit lens with mixed results, depending on the lighting. With the 70-200mm f/2.8 I have gotten some great shots, sharp picture with great color. Still getting used to the lens and sometimes getting too excited by watching the play and not taking the picture. I have been very satisfied so far and am looking forward to the next hockey workshop for the boys to take more pictures.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM Telephoto Zoom Lens:
I like this product
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Macro Photography
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM Telephoto Zoom Lens:
Great lens, I had the 24 70mm L series lens. And this 70 to 200mm was the perfect addition and I am so happy I got the one with Image Stablization, it was worth it!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM Telephoto Zoom Lens:
Great for portraits.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM Telephoto Zoom Lens:
I use these lenses for landscape, portrait, sports and event photography.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM Telephoto Zoom Lens:
I was very excited to get the lens but upon inspoection, there were dust fibers on the internal elements. Some photographers said it will not affect picture quality so don't worry about it. However, given the cost of the lens I expect it to be in perfect order. I sent it back to Canon for cleaning.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Lightweight
- Strong Construction
Cons
- NONE
Best Uses
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM Telephoto Zoom Lens:
Lightweight, super sharp, and the 2.8 aperture makes it a good go to lens.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM Telephoto Zoom Lens:
I love these white lenses! f/2.8?!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM Telephoto Zoom Lens:
Best zoom lens canon has put out. Sharp and fast, I'm in love!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
- Rugged
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Sports/Action
- Video
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM Telephoto Zoom Lens:
Lens works great. Thanks b&H for helping me with my short turn around
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM Telephoto Zoom Lens:
You can take pictures without people see you. Perfect for natural pictures
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easily Interchangeable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
Comments about Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM Telephoto Zoom Lens:
I've used this lens for 2 weddings now. It's met every expectation I had for it. I'm glad I got the 2.8, and IS, it's worth the extra money.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Nice Bokeh
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Night Photography
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM Telephoto Zoom Lens:
I use this for nature stills and sports, especially for shooting soccer at night. The quality of the Bokeh is great, and the autofocus is fast and reliable. Image quality is among the best of all my L-series glass. It's a little heavy compared to other lenses the same size, and can be awkward to carry around on a hike, but the results are well worth the hassle.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM Telephoto Zoom Lens:
I shoot very active children. Sometimes in low light. This lens has been by far the best addition to my lens lineup.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Durable
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Night Photography
- Sports/Action
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM Telephoto Zoom Lens:
I have been wanting this lens for YEARS, but couldn't afford it! It's a great lens that I mainly wanted for shooting night time high school sports for our school. I'm getting great compliments on them. You were the only company I could find that still stocked the lens in the first version (not the new version which is now out of my price range). Thanks for keeping such a large inventory for people like me who still want a deal, and love the equipment even though it's not the LATEST! This lens is a GREAT value.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
- Blurry Focus
Best Uses
- Sports/Action
Comments about Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM Telephoto Zoom Lens:
I use this lens to take pictures of my boys playing football, running track and just goofing around.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Consistent Output
- Fast / accurate auto-focus
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Heavy
Best Uses
- Sports/Action
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM Telephoto Zoom Lens:
I have only started to use the lens, but so far it has surpassed all my expectations as far as clarity, IS, and auto-focus.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
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What's in the Box
- 77mm Snap-On Lens Cap
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- Tripod Mounting Ring
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