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: $636
(across 1 store)
An absolute bargain

24/08/2010

If you have a decent camera then you need good lenses to get the best from it and there are no better lenses for Canon than the L series.

OK, so they are not cheap but consider them an investment. By all means change the camera body to get the latest facilities on offer but keep your lenses - they will last you a good long while and show you just how good your cameras are.

I wish that I had bought L series lenses before when I had a 350 and then a 450D.Now I have a 5D MkII, the only lenses I use have the distinctive red ring and the results are stunning.

Although the Canon EF 70-200mm f/4.0 L USM Lens is the cheapest in the range but is still as good as its siblings. The bottom line is, if you can afford the more expensive IS version or the much heavier f2.8 versions - go for them but if you can't then this lens will not disappoint.

By K. Williamson
Spain
10/10
Simply the best

24/05/2010

I have several L lenses and currently use the 5D and 7D Camera bodies. The 70-200mm is one of Canons finest lenses and the F4 version is sharper than my F2.8 by a long way. Unless you need the extra light then save money and go for the F4.

Pros

Excellent image quality
Very sharp even wide open at F4
Good colour and contrast
Lightweight

Cons

Silly lightweight case supplied
No tripod mounting ring supplied with this version
Warranty only 12 months. it should be longer for a Pro lens

By K. Bates
10/10
superb lens

12/01/2010

I bought this in September to replace my disappointing 75-300 usm mkIII, this lens is well worth the money, a constant f4 means faster shutter speeds through out the range and auto focus is fast and quiet.

I've even used this lens at night for photographing wildlife at very slow speeds with excellent results.

If you can afford it i would say go for it.

By E. Swift
10/10
Excellent Lens

20/10/2009

If you are looking for a good yet affordable telephoto zoom for your Canon DSLR, the Canon EF 70-200mm f/4 L USM could well be the perfect choice. The optical quality is immaculate. With my other lenses there is a noticeable drop in sharpness when using the widest aperture. This lens is tack sharp throughout the entire range, so you can shoot wide open without compromising sharpness. Construction is first class as expected from a Canon L series lens and the USM focusing is quiet, fast and accurate. I have not yet experienced issues with back focusing as some have previously mentioned. At f/4, it's not the fastest lens in the world and it lacks image stabilization, so a tripod is required at long focal lengths or in low light. However,it makes up for these omissions by having great optics and a very reasonable price tag compared to its higher spec Canon siblings. A highly recommended investment.

By Reprob8
West Yorkshire
10/10
Canon ef 70-200 f/4.0 L USM Lens

26/05/2009

Its a Canon "L" series, what more can I say. Excellent build qulity and the internal zoom operation is great as it means no lens extending and nowhere for dust or moisture to get in once the lens is mounted. I only wish I could have afforded the image stabilized one.

By crop n chop
Selsey
10/10