 |   Publisher : Canon Company : Canon List Price: Our Price: Too low to display Used Price : $2,199.00 |
Features
- EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM II telephoto zoom lens
- Compatible with Canon EOS film and digital SLR cameras
- Effective focal length:
- 70-200mm with full-frame digital or film cameras
- 112-320mm with APS-C sensor cameras
Product Description
Improving upon one of the most celebrated lenses in the Canon EF line is no easy feat, but Canon has done just that. The all-new EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM increases the speed, performance and optical quality of the EF 70-200 f/2.8L IS USM while maintaining all of the characteristics that have made it a legend for professionals and advanced amateurs alike. The EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM features one fluorite and five UD elements for increased optical quality and reduced chromatic aberration. It has a minimum focusing distance of 1.2m/3.9 ft. at all zoom settings, which is useful for photographers in smaller spaces trying to get closer to a subject. It features a next-generation Optical Image Stabilizer, providing up to 4 stops of correction at all focal lengths. And as with all L-series lenses, the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM is dust- and moisture-resistant and designed for use in the challenging environments typical of rigorous professional use.SimilarProduct
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Customer reviews
An Incredible Lens 
by .. alexosh1234 (Florida, USA)
Pros: Lightning fast AF, Incredible Sharpness, Build Quality, Hood Design, Excellent IS
Cons: Price $$$$$, a bit big, a little heavy- not too bad.
WOW is all I can say. After getting over that I spent so much on a lens, this new machine is absolutely amazing. The image quality is top notch. 100% crops can be printed large and I can see every detail. I was in Miami and took some pictures of the big hotels, and was wondering what the names were. I looked at some of the pictures, zoomed in, and saw everything. Even small signs hundreds and hundreds of feet away. The IS adds a new feeling of confidence. No longer do you have to worry about shaking a tiny bit and the shot being out of focus or a bit blurry. Canon has really created an astounding piece of technology surpassing others(Nikon) in the lens market. The build quality, as expected from an L series lens, is made to withstand extreme conditions. The zoom ring is large and easy to use. The buttons for different IS and af/mf are easy to use/see. The new focusing distance allows you to get closer to your subjects, and can get quite close if some cropping is done. The Af is also excellent, and focuses very fast even in low light. Now, price... yes... I recommend thinking about this purchase for a while. 2500 - as of now, is a lot to spend, but if you have the money and really really want it, I highly recommend it. The pouch that it comes with is very nice and the hood is easy to put on and is a better material than other hoods. It does not scratch easily like my 24-70 f/2.8L lens hood does. At all apertures, this thing is sharp. If you are an IQ aficionado, this lens is quite a big step up from Mark 1 especially at f/2.8. For me, sharpness is my big thing, so I wanted the best out there. I did not want to step back in terms of technology and get the first generation of the lens even if it is still very good. In a few years if you decide that you want to sell the lens or change to something else, I can assure you that this will retain its resale value very well. I doubt Canon will be upgrading this in the next 5 years, so the sharpness and awesome Af will pay off in the coming days, months, and years to come.
All in all, the new 70-200 is quite a stunning lens which will continue to be one of or the best in Canon's lineup of pro lenses. If you want it and can afford it without selling your house, I would get it haha but as always, research extensively and weigh your options before buying something at these price levels.
I hoped you liked the review. More info and analysis to come in the future...
Check out my unboxing video here: [...]
Thanks
- Alex
Significant Improvement! by .. Brian Bernard (Chicago)
I used the Mark I version for the past six months and although I loved that lens, I sold it on Amazon a month ago (for 1,599!)and then used the cash to upgrade.
I struggled a bit with the high price but, now that I've seen the results, no longer question the decision. The images on the Mark I often had me slightly let down by either the sharpness or the contrast. I've taken hundreds of shots now with the Mark II and am amazed and how good they look right out of the camera. If you are a perfectionist that agonizes over sharpness, this is your lens!
Amazing clarity! by .. J. T. Estep (Corona, CA United States)
I never owned the previous version of this lens, so this comes from the perspective of this lens only. I do, however, own a few other lenses ;)
I was just about to buy the older version of the lens and then this lens came out. Well, then everyone decided to start charging almost the original price for the previous version, so I decided to just get this one... Maybe that was their plan??? hmmm
This lens is fast and clear. I have used this only a few times now and maybe my review will change in the future. But, I used it recently for an engagement session and was able to get great shots, clear, colorful, outstanding!
I also used it indoors recently and was standing next to 2-3 other photographers when I snapped a picture in a dimly lit room. They saw the result on my camera even before I paid attention. Their response was one of awe, they could see detail in the picture that you could not see standing there with the naked eye!
All I can say is read the first reviews here and believe, is it worth it, Yes! Would I do it again? Yes!!
Amazing! Most Versatile Zoom! Sharp! by .. IronCan (Cincinnati, OH United States)
I previously owned the version I (v.1) of this lens for almost 2 years. While v.1 had amazed me during my ownership, with IS, with speed, with color, with bokeh.....it does not come close to this new mk2 (v.2) version by any means. I am glad I sold v.1 for 1750 and received 1550 in cash after all fees was deducted (2months ago). Here is why:
Mk2 PRO (vs Mk1):
1) Super sharp at all focal length even wide open at f2.8 (now those 70-200 F4 IS fan boys can't complain about the lack of sharpness on the f2.8 big brother anymore). The shorter minimum focusing distance (mfd) makes this lens even more usable indoor.
2) The focusing speed feels more responsive and accurate. It is also quieter, almost inaudible.
3) IS is truly improved. Although a tiny bit heavier, I still manage to take sharp pics with shutter as slow as 1/15 of a second handheld. (You can put the mk1 on a tripod, and the pic you take with mk1 will always be softer than my mk2 handheld, especially at 200mm)
4) Fluorite element: this is not a gimmick, and the reason it is inside all the larger L white lenses. It really controls light better so images doesn't appear washed out or have unwanted light under extremely bright situation.
CONS:
Price? (Before you own the lens price can be a CONS. Once you use it, it will be a non issue with regards to value/performance ration). Just think about having one zoom from 70mm~200mm that gives you sharp picture wide open through out, that easily translates to 3 to 4 prime lenses (to offer the same sharpness at each focal length)...then think how much you would have to pay for those lenses and how much they would weight together, and how much time you will waste swapping lenses, while with this lens you just turn the focusing ring, shoot, and smile ^_^.
I will post some pictures later on, but so far I am totally satisfied as you probably have seen from other owners. If you can afford to spend the extra 7~800 for this zoom range you need or have always wanted, I guarantee you will not have any remorse. Thank you for reading!
***Similar products I am using include: Canon 40d, ef-s 17-55 2.8is, 100mm 2.8L is Macro, 200mm 2.0L is, 70-200 2.8L is mkII, Canon EOS 7D and tokina 11-16 f2.8. Canon 180mm F3.5L Macro lens (already sold it due to lack of sharpness)***
UPDATE:
Still impressed with 70-200 f2.8L IS mkII. Although 200mm f2L is faster and sharper, better bokeh, color saturation...it does not replace this zoom, due to fixed focal length and weight. I really like the flexibility of this zoom, with it's ultra sharp results and excellent color. This lens will be in my bag permanently, along with 100mm macro, and my 17-55mm (my next zoom lens will be 24-70 2.8L...so I have full coverage from 11mm~200mm all at f2.8) You will not be disappointed I promise.
An investment with a true return by .. J. Papeo (NJ, USA)
Is this lens for everyone? nope. Will everyone love this lens? absolutely not. If you need this lens in your toolbox is it by far the best lens on the market for its purpose? Definitely.
I have been delaying the purchase of the 70-200 2.8 IS for a couple of years now. To me, the original version of this lens, for the price you were paying, had too many drawbacks to justify it. So I made due with a multitude of other lenses to cover the range that this lens offers. My 70-200 F/4 IS is a dream lens. Sharp throughout the range and wide open, and a manageable size and weight to stick on the front of my camera without thinking twice. I shoot at ISOs on the opposite sides of the spectrum. Either 1600+ or 100. The 4IS was great for most of what I needed it to do. And even in the studio when I am shooting strobes at f/11, I will probably stick to my 4IS.
But then Canon released this updated version of what was a very good lens. And they really delivered a winner. This lens is as good as the F4 ever was and it does one thing it could never ever do...f/2.8.
In the past I was using multiple other lenses to do what this lens can now do. Fast primes stopped down, changing lenses more often then I would like. Now Canon has given us a lens where the only drawback is the size and weight. Yes, this is a HEAVY lens. But in order to get a lens with this range and this aperture, it has to be. I knew what I was getting myself in to and would never take away a star or give a real knock to the lens because of that.
If you don't need the 2.8, don't buy the lens. As someone who shoots concerts, events and even portraits in natural light, this lens was a must have for me. Version 1 kept me away but version 2, even with the price increase, became a must have lens.
This is a great range, especially on a full frame camera. It takes my Kenko 1.4x TC very well. It turns it into an f4, sure, but when you need the extra range, there is no noticeable drop in performance with a TC added to it.
I was definitely hesitant to spend this kind of money on this lens. But that was immediately gone after a couple of weeks using it. It won't be attached to the front of my camera all the time, but I know when I need it it will do everything I need it to and then some.
UPDATE 7-1:
After a couple of months of using this lens I am WOWED after every session. I was a reluctant upgrader at first but this lens has just turned out to be stellar. It is unbelievable in low light.
It has been tack sharp throughout the range and even wide open. It is without a doubt as sharp as my f4 IS ever was. I can't say sharper because you really can't get much sharper unless you pick up a 200 f2 IS and even then you would need to be a pixel peeper. I held onto my f4 IS for about a motnh before finally deciding to let it go. I can deal with the weight if I have to. I actually kinda felt guilty having both of these dream lenses.
Canon has basically cornered this zoom range. Between the f4 IS and f2.8 IS II there is just no way you can produce a better pair of 70-200 zooms. I don't think anyone ever thought zooms would reach the quality they are today. Even the original 2.8 was always considered "good enough". This new version, and it's little brother f4 IS, are just "the best".
I also recently upgraded my 5D classic to a II. The resolving power of this lens shines through at an (unmanageable) 21MPs.