Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM vs Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM
Side-by-side comparison from our catalogue data. Better values are highlighted only where a clear difference exists.
Verdict at a glance
- Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM is faster by 10.3 stops (f/2.8 vs f/100.0), letting in more light.
- Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM is lighter by 90g.
- Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM goes wider (70mm vs 100mm).
- Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM reaches further (400mm vs 200mm).
- Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM is the newer design (2018 vs 2014).
| Spec | EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM | EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Canon | Canon |
| Mount | Canon EF | Canon EF |
| Type | Telephoto Zoom | Telephoto Zoom |
| Focal length | 70-200mm (wider) | 100-400mm |
| Max aperture | f/2.8 (faster) | f/100.0 |
| Released | 2018 | 2014 |
| Blades | 8 | 9 |
| Format | full-frame | full-frame |
| Groups | 19 | 16 |
| Af motor | USM | USM |
| Elements | 23 | 21 |
| Weight g | 1480.0 (lighter) | 1570.0 |
| Filter mm | 77 | 77 |
| Length mm | 199.0 | 193.0 |
| Stabilized | Yes | Yes |
| Diameter mm | 88.8 | 94.0 |
| Min focus m | 1.2 | 0.98 (closer focusing) |
| Max magnification | 0.21 | 0.31 |
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM
The third version of Canon's pro 70-200mm f/2.8 telephoto zoom, with image stabilization and a weather-sealed L build for sports, weddings and events.
Pros
- Constant f/2.8 aperture
- Image stabilization
- Weather-sealed L build
- Fast ring USM autofocus
Cons
- Heavy to carry all day
- Large front element shows fingerprints and dust
- Only a modest step over the II
Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM
The EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM is a telephoto zoom with a twist-to-zoom design, improved optics and image stabilization. It replaced the push-pull original and suits wildlife and sports.
Pros
- Twist zoom ring
- Sharp across the range
- Effective stabilization
- Weather-sealed
Cons
- Variable aperture
- Heavy for a zoom (about 1.6 kg)
- Large