Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM vs Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM

Side-by-side comparison from our catalogue data. Better values are highlighted only where a clear difference exists.

Canon

EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

Canon

EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM

Verdict at a glance

Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM is lighter by 830g.
Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM is the newer design (2006 vs 2001).

Specification comparison
Spec	EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM	EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM
Brand	Canon	Canon
Mount	Canon EF	Canon EF
Type	Telephoto Zoom	Telephoto Zoom
Focal length	70-200mm	70-200mm
Max aperture	f/70.0	f/70.0
Released	2001	2006
Blades	8	8
Format	full-frame	full-frame
Groups	18	15
Af motor	USM	USM
Elements	23	20
Weight g	1590.0	760.0 (lighter)
Filter mm	77	67
Length mm	197.0	172.0
Stabilized	Yes	Yes
Diameter mm	86.2	76.0
Min focus m	1.4	1.2 (closer focusing)
Max magnification	0.17	0.21

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

The first stabilized f/2.8 version of Canon's 70-200mm L telephoto zoom, from 2006. It still delivers professional results on full-frame EF cameras.

Pros

Constant f/2.8
Image stabilization
Dust and moisture resistant L build

Cons

Softer in the corners than later versions
Heavy (about 1.6 kg)
Older IS design

Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM

A compact, light telephoto zoom with a constant f/4 aperture and stabilization. Popular with travel, landscape and wildlife photographers who watch their weight.

Pros

Light and compact for the range
Sharp optics
Stabilized
Dust and water resistant

Cons

Slower than f/2.8 versions
Blurred backgrounds are harder to achieve

More comparisons for Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

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