Canon EF 70–200mm lens

The EF 70-200mm lens is a telephoto zoom lens made by Canon Inc. The lens has an EF mount to work with the EOS line of cameras. The lens comes in four different versions. All four have a constant maximum aperture over the whole focal range and all four are L-series lenses. f/2.8L IS USM f/2.8L USM f/4L IS USM f/4L USM All four lenses have an excellent reputation for providing optical quality comparable to various prime lenses at all focal lengths in the zoom range. The f/4 IS version has been tested as the finest zoom lens Canon has produced for its EF lineup, from an optical quality standpoint. The f/4 non-IS version, the most inexpensive L-series lens that Canon makes, is popular among weight-sensitive landscape photographers and hobbyists who want L quality without spending thousands of dollars, while the f/2.8 versions are popular among event and portrait photographers and photo-journalists. The IS-equipped lenses use circular-bladed diaphragms which maintain a nearly circular aperture when stopped down by up to two stops. They are also sealed against dust and water when coupled with one of Canon's weather sealed DSLR cameras. These lenses are compatible with the Canon Extender EF teleconverters.

Cheapest price: $979
(across 1 store)
The logical next step

05/03/2010

Last year I bought the camera and a 24-70mm 2.8L USM lens, the logical next step for me was this lens as it links up just nicely.
The lens is pretty heavy but much shorten than I expected, but this is not a liability.
I find myself using this lens more and more over my 24-70. Probably because I'm not a huge fan of wide lenses. Anyway, the lens works perfectly, very silent and fast. When using the lens for longer periods of time, I take my tripod because body and lens begin to weight pretty much.
Now, a lot of people asked me why not buying the same lens with image stabilisation (IS)...well, as long as you're shooting with shutter speeds above 1/200s you don't need IS (check the stats in any photoguide).
So instead of spending 500 euro more for IS, I used the money I saved on a very good tripod (a carbon tripod, lighter when travelling).
So yes, this was a very good investment for me but everyone has to decide for him/herself what to buy. The only advise I want to give you and the one given to me a few years back: think about how/why you are going to use the product you're buying (For me low light level photography without flash is a must).

By Wim Nelis
Geel, Belgium
10/10
Too much hype

28/12/2009

After doing my research on this product it seemed like the holy grail of lenses, and that purchasing it would make my life complete, what it actually is, is a way overpriced but well made lens that Canon have managed to make highly desirable. It has such a draw that it is almost worth buying as a good investment, second hand prices remain high and public respect is its biggest asset. While it hasn't greatly improved my photography, it has turned some heads in the street, so if you don't have this mm range covered by another lens, and you want the kudos of owning one, then get ready to pay through the teeth.

By L. Harker
UK
6/10
Low Light Dream

04/08/2009

I brought this lens over the Image Stabilised(IS) version as I needed it for events and weddings, where a lot of my images are indoors. In these situations IS is (generally) of no value as your subjects tend to be moving. Plus, with the money you save, you can purchase a pro level flash gun for those really tricky situations (disco lights etc).Canon 580EX II Speedlite Flash Unit

The sharpness capability of this lens is quite stunning, coupled with a maximum aperture of f/2.8, you can really throw the background out which emphasises the subject even more. With an 8 blade iris any highlights in the background have a pleasing rounded bokeh, helping again to make the subject the dominant aspect of the image.

The focal length range gives you the ability to capture nice portraits or quick candid shots without having to change your lens.
If you want a 70-200 for wildlife, you may want the IS as it does help when panning (I use the 100-400 IS lens for this type of workCanon - Telephoto zoom lens - 100 mm - 400 mm - f/4.5-5.6 L IS USM - Canon EF).

If you are looking to do events / weddings / photojournalism this is the lens for you.

By Chris M
East Midlands, UK
10/10
Superb Product

08/03/2009

Fantastic product, for sports or other photography. Comes with covers and protective soft carry case. Brilliant, can't fault it.

By Paul
10/10
Superb

17/02/2007

As a photographer who swears by prime lenses, I've never really adopted zooms as part of my essential kit. This lens, however, has changed my mind. It's very fast, autofuses superbly and produces the most uniform bokeh (back- foreground blur) I have seen in my work. I have the stunning 85mm 1.4, and the 70-200 competes - in terms of bokeh - with this.

Lens weight never worries me - being a youngish, fit male - but be aware that this lens is large (because it's well made) and unless you're very strong, you wont be hand-holding this for long stretches of time. When this lens is mated with my 1DS, with flash attached, it's impractical over long periods of time (like weddings) without monopod support.

But in terms of what you get for that extra weight: it's a stunning piece of glass and the results speak for themselves: superb contrast and colour; pin sharp, even wide open; silent, rugged and above all, it replaces several lenses in one go. I use this for portraits, landscapes and all manner of people related photography.

This competes with my 85mm in terms of usage times.

If you're unsure about whether you should buy this - don't be. From the minute you review your first series of images you'll love it.

By Wayne Stroud
UK
10/10