Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras

• Posted on February 22, 2012 (113 customer reviews , 4.9 rating )

Like you, I'm guessing, I debated back and fourth about whether to buy this lens or go with another less costly option. I'd read the reviews both here and online at the various sites. Already owned a 100 Macro IS L and 135mm f2 L and 200mm F2.8L II. All, by the way, are outstanding lenses! I even had the 70-200 f4 IS L that is considerably smaller and lighter than this lens. But I was never crazy about the "bokeh" the f4 L IS version gave me. So I sold it and just shot my primes. No question, the primes I own are truly great optics. Even the often forgotten 200mm 2.8L II produces spectacular results. But I had few recent shoots, where my subjects were constantly moving and I found myself not able to reposition myself, get closer or further away quickly enough when needed and inevitably missed some key shots because I could not change lenses quickly enough. Did what I could afterwords in Photoshop, but results could have been better. That frustrated me. So came here, and would read, reread the user reviews and almost click "Add to Cart" several times. Finally gave in and just did it. Figured the worst scenario was I'd test it against my current lenses and if it didn't hold up, I'd neatly pack it back into the box and return it. As soon as I go the lens, unpacked it and after being thoroughly impressed with the build quality, the nice lens case and hood, I got out my tripod and other prime L glass and shot it against this 70-200 IS L II. To put it in a nutshell "WOW"!! The lens truly has amazing image quality, far better than I anticipated. On a tripod, the results for all the lens were great. Though, to my eye the contrast and flare control was better on this zoom. Seem to also focus more accurately and frankly felt faster to lock on to subject. Hand-held, this zoom came into its own, especially against the non-IS primes. It wasn't even close. The 4-stop IS on this new zoom is a great, great tool and welcome addition. That alone, for me, justifies this purchase. It will be the difference between an image that can be enlarged greatly and one that 'just missed' due to camera shake that becomes visible as you start to enlarge the image. Focusing, build quality are all 5 Stars and so good that I love not having to worry about either or second guess the focusing system or wonder if I had shot it with a prime would it have been sharper when I'm shooting. If you shoot with a monopod or tripod, the primes are terrific, no question. Canon makes great L Glass. But if you find yourself shooting hand-held and considering this lens...just do it. Don't waste the hours I did, staring at the computer screen debating and reading everything I could find on this lens. Just buy it, you'll sleep better I promise! Cons, if I'd have to say anything negative thus far, I wish it were less expensive by say $500 dollars or so. It's a fair amount of money to give up for non-exotic focal length, I believe it's double the cost of the f4 IS L version. That's a steep entry fee into the land of f2.8. But the 'bokeh' is better and I bought this lens to shoot wide open. I can't comment on whether the 'bokeh' is better than the previous 70-200 L IS. I have read the older lens produced "less busy" background blur. I'm perfectly happy with what I see coming from this current lens. But truth be told, it's a lens I see myself using more than just about all the my other with the possible exception being the 50mm. The other con, we've all read is about the weight, and yes it's heavy, but when mounted to the camera and in use, it doesn't feel cumbersome. I'm sure sitting in a shoulder bag, carrying it around for a few hours will become fatiguing. For that, I'd tell you to get a good photo backpack. It makes a world of difference in terms of dealing with the weight. Believe me, I learn that the hard way on a full day shoot up in the Utah mountains. I now use a Kata Ultralight photo backpack, that I love. Only one I believe with a trampoline mesh frame on the backside, so sweaty, smelly back is not the concern it used to be. Good structure to the pack too! Anyhow, got off on a tangent. Would I recommend this lens, ABSOLUTELY!! It's a keeper! I'm NOT second guessing myself at all on this one. Thank you to everyone here that wrote their hands-on reviews that helped me make a decision! Hope my review helps someone that's on the fence like I was.

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Product 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

After dreaming about this lens for nearly a year, I finally got one and would love to share my thoughts. Since many reviews online are incredibly technical and complicated, I'll try keeping this as easy-to-understand as possible. If you have questions, please feel free to add comments and I'll do the best I can to answer them. OVERALL IMPRESSIONS This lens is absolutely amazing. Ignoring its steep price, large size, and heavy weight to focus solely on the photos it produces, I am incredibly impressed. The images are remarkably sharp, have accurate color rendition, and great contrast. I'm using this primarily on a Canon Rebel T2i, and expect that the results would be even more impressive on a full-frame camera such as the 5D series or 1D/1Ds series (aside from vignetting which is apparently somewhat pronounced on full-frame). If money isn't an issue, stop reading this review and order this lens immediately! WHAT'S INCLUDED In the box you get the lens, a lens pouch, a lens hood, and a tripod collar. The benefit of the tripod collar is that you can mount this lens directly onto your tripod (instead of mounting your camera body); this allows you to shift between portrait and landscape orientation easily. ========================================= PROS AND CONS Overall, this is a great lens. There are some inconveniences, but these are far outweighed by the benefits of the lens. PROS 1) Fast. f/2.8 is great for low-light shots that you simply wouldn't be able to get at f/4 or another smaller aperture. This is great for action photography, such as sports or wildlife. Even if you decide to add a 1.4x teleconverter - which will cause you to lose a stop of light - starting off with a wide aperture of f/2.8, you can reach 280mm at f/4. 2) Very fast and silent auto-focus. This is very convenient, especially in lower light situations. 3) Superb image quality. Very sharp, even crops have great detail! This is an ideal lens for portraits due to its image quality, and the long focal range combined with the wide aperture make for some great background blurring. 4) Great Build quality...non-L lenses feel like toys by comparison. If your gear takes a beating, strong build quality is a must. Even if you're gentle with your equipment, it's reassuring to know how tough the construction is. 5) Great IS. Generally, one can ensure a steady shot at the reciprocal of the focal length. Say you're shooting at 70mm, you should shoot at 1/70 second or better on a full-frame sensor. On the APS-C sensor bodies (Rebel line, xxD line, 7D), you have to factor in the 1.6 crop factor, so at 70mm you should in reality be shooting with a shutter speed faster than 1/(70x1.6), or 1/112 second. With four-stop image stabilization, you can hand-hold at much slower speeds than with the non-IS version, allowing you to capture crisp pictures that wouldn't otherwise be possible. 6) Weather Sealing. The IS versions of both the f/4 and f/2.8 Canon 70-200 lenses feature weather sealing, and the non-IS versions don't. If you don't have a weather-resistant camera body (i.e. Rebels, xxD series), this shouldn't make too much of a difference, unless you hope to someday upgrade to a more rugged camera body. CONS 1) Very expensive, but if you have the money, most certainly worth the investment. If you want to save money you can go with an alternative version of a Canon 70-200 or go with a third-party option (see above). 2) The lens is huge...so huge, in fact, that a photojournalist was killed in 2007 by forces who mistakenly thought his 70-200 2.8 (Mk I) was an RPG. If you don't want such a huge lens but want the range, you can either get the smaller-aperture 70-200 f/4, or the recently released 70-300L. 3) Very heavy. People aren't exaggerating, this lens is heavy to handhold for long periods of time. On a positive note, your photos won't only get better, but your arms will get stronger ;) ========================================= COMPARED TO ALTERNATIVES Canon currently has four 70-200 lenses, two with an aperture of f/4 (one of which features IS), and two with an aperture of f/2.8 (one with IS). The old Mark I version of this lens can also easily be found used online. 70-200 f/4 Series (IS and non-IS): The lens being reviewed has an aperture of f/2.8, which lets in twice as much light as a lens with an aperture of f/4. I settled for the slower (smaller-aperture) 24-105 f/4 over the 24-70 f/2.8 due to the IS, but I do at times feel its limitations which is why I wanted f/2.8 for telephoto. If you don't need the wider aperture (i.e. will always be using an external flash, or will mostly be shooting outside in adequate light), the f/4 lenses are sharp and very popular options. If you plan to use your telephoto for action shooting (i.e. sports, wildlife), you're better off with an aperture of f/2.8 so that you can use fast shutter speeds. 70-200 f/2.8 non-IS: Image Stabilization is a luxury that you pay a premium for, but in my opinion it is worth it. While it won't freeze action, it will reduce the photographer's camera shake and make many more images usable. If you have proper form while shooting you might argue that you don't need IS, which is fair. But even if you take precautions to minimize camera shake, it is at times inevitable, and IS really helps in those situations. If you have the money for it, I'd spring for the IS version. 70-200 f/2.8 IS Mark I: I don't own the Mark I, but I have rented it on several occasions and definitely see what others have been talking about this lens being sharper. That being said, I was willing to buy the Mark I but see that people are selling the Mark I used for nearly as much as the Mark II version costs new! It's worth spending a little more for increased sharpness, improved optical quality, and better image stabilization. Third-party lenses: Manufacturers such as Sigma and Tamron also offer fast 70-200 telephotos, and since I don't have firsthand experience with them, they might be great alternatives for those on a tight budget. Most of the professional photographers I know, however, shoot with Canon lenses, which might say something. If you can afford the Canon lens, go for it as most thorough reviews with extensive testing frequently show they offer superior optical quality, even though third-party offerings might offer more bang for the buck. ========================================= A NOTE FOR REBEL USERS I was using my Rebel with a battery grip in order to add counter-weight when using my other L lens (24-105), because I feared such a heavy lens on such a small body would cause my camera to tip over. After using a Meike knock-off of the Canon battery grip for half a year with no problems, I yesterday noticed I must have screwed my grip on too tight, because it wouldn't come off no matter how hard I tried. After Googling this I see that other people have had similar problems with battery grips, even the genuine Canon one. Fortunately I did manage to take it off after following some tips I found online, but I probably won't be reattaching it to be safe (or I'll at least be incredibly careful not to screw it in too tight!). Using the 70-200 f/2.8 IS II with a light camera like a Rebel without a battery grip has been fine so far, so don't feel like you need to get one just to more evenly distribute the weight. ========================================= RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES 1. A good filter. I highly recommend you put on a high-quality filter from B+W, Hoya, or another reputable manufacturer on this lens...slapping a cheap filter on such an expensive lens would degrade your image quality, ultimately defeating the purpose of buying such an expensive lens to begin with. I like to keep a UV filter on the lens at all times since it is a great way to protect the front of the lens from getting scratched. 2. A good bag. If I want to lug several flashes, bodies, and lenses, I use the Lowepro AW200 which can easily fit this, but you might have a tougher time finding a suitable holster-style bag. I now use the Lowepro Toploader Pro 75 AW, which can fit this lens (with hood reversed) on a gripped body. 3. A sturdy tripod. This lens is heavy, so you might be pushing the weight limit of your current tripod. I personally use an Induro AKB0 Tripod Kit (Black), and it's held up great so far. Additionally, I've been using a Joby GP8-BHEN Gorillapod Focus with Ballhead X bundle as a secondary tripod and a pseudo shoulder-rig for video. ========================================= CONCLUSION Making a decision on whether to buy such an expensive lens is not easy, but the 70-200 f/2.8K IS II's benefits far outweigh its inconveniences. If you're looking for a great telephoto lens that can quickly capture sharp images - even in low light - this is worth every penny, and I highly recommend it.

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!!

The 1st version was my favorite zoom in my bag which had the 16-35mm 2.8L and the 24-70 2.8L because it was so much sharper than the other two. I was really happy with the 1st version and wouldn't have replaced it if this never came out. Now that the price has come down, about $130 from the original price, that should pay for a good B+W 77mm UVA (Ultra Violet) Haze MRC Filter #010. Don't gimp this lens with a plastic coaster from Ritz! The image stabilization improvement is noticeable! Before I sold the 1st version for $1,550 (June 2010), I compared the two indoors handheld. I couldn't believe how 1 stop of IS really improved the quality and sharpness of the photos in low light. With a crop sensor camera Canon EOS 7D 18 MP, Canon EOS 50D 15.1MP, or Canon EOS Rebel T2i 18 MP, this lens is effectively: 112mm - 280mm. It works great with the Canon EF 1.4X II Extender Telephoto Accessory, it brings the max aperture down to f4, but it is still pretty sharp. Paired with a 7D or any other 1.6 crop lens, it will become a 156mm - 448mm lens! I use with this lens with my 7D or the Canon EOS 5D Mark II. It works perfect for both and did not feel like I had to Micro Adjust the focus. For 1st time buyers of this lens. - Watch canonpricewatch dot com. - If you never owned an L lens, you will be shocked at how sharp this is (then again, most L lenses should have that effect) - If you never had Image Stabilization, this will allow you to take sharper photos indoors. It will reduce motion blur from lens movement, but not from the subject where the larger aperture has greater effect. - It is weather sealed (you'll notice a black o-ring at the mount) - you'll need to add a lens filter to complete the sealing. - You can use this for sports to portrait photography. For portraits, you get excellent bokeh at 200mm / f2.8 (the smooth background blur where your subject is in focus) For those upgrading from the original Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM, I didn't think there was much to improve on (I was wrong!) - That lens came out in September 2001, so you are taking advantage of 9 years of technological advancement - The buttons are designed better - I hated how I always switched to MF when shooting! This is now a non-issue (no need to tape it down) - Second generation Image Stabilization technology that is silent, you could hear the motor sound of the gyro in the first version. You get 4 stops vs 3 stops IS. - Improved optics - it has one fluorite and five UD elements for increased optical quality. You get reduced flare, which improves contrast (Your brain tells you it is "sharper") - This focuses much closer at 1.2m/3.9 ft (improved by 8.1" at 200mm) - better for tight indoor portraits - Focuses faster and quieter - Larger focus grip area - Improved hood Canon ET-87 - it has a lock that makes it easier to put on and remove. It has a different texture that is less susceptible to scratches. - Bottom line, it is worth the upgrade, especially if you plan to keep it for many years. Cons It is expensive - but you get what you pay for It is heavy, especially if you never owned L glass, but to maintain a fixed aperture at f2.8 throughout the zoom range requires lots of glass! Just stop being a wimp already. Tips: There are two modes of Image Stabilization: I rarely take it off Mode 1, but use Mode 2 if you plan to pan left or right (to follow a car or someone running) The focus distance selector is handy, be sure to use if you find that it isn't focusing indoors, it could be that you selected 2.5m - infinity. Take off the tripod collar if you hand hold it a lot - it just gets in the way sometimes.

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.