Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM vs Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS 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 USM is faster by 1 stop (f/70.0 vs f/100.0), letting in more light.
- Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM is lighter by 50g.
- Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM goes wider (70mm vs 100mm).
- Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM reaches further (400mm vs 200mm).
- Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM is the newer design (1998 vs 1995).
| Spec | EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM | EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Canon | Canon |
| Mount | Canon EF | Canon EF |
| Type | Telephoto Zoom | Telephoto Zoom |
| Focal length | 70-200mm (wider) | 100-400mm |
| Max aperture | f/70.0 (faster) | f/100.0 |
| Released | 1995 | 1998 |
| Blades | 8 | 8 |
| Format | full-frame | full-frame |
| Groups | 15 | 14 |
| Af motor | USM | USM |
| Elements | 18 | 17 |
| Weight g | 1310.0 (lighter) | 1360.0 |
| Filter mm | 77 | 77 |
| Length mm | 193.6 | 189.0 |
| Diameter mm | 84.6 | 92.0 |
| Min focus m | 1.5 (closer focusing) | 1.8 |
| Max magnification | 0.16 | 0.2 |
| Stabilized | n/a | Yes |
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM
The original non-stabilized 70-200mm f/2.8L from Canon (2001), known for sharp optics and a lighter body than the IS versions. Works on full-frame EF bodies.
Pros
- Constant f/2.8
- Lighter than the IS versions (about 1.3 kg)
- Sharp optics
Cons
- No image stabilization
- Slow handheld shutter speeds are harder
- Older ring USM design
Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM
The first-generation 100-400mm L zoom with a push-pull zoom design and image stabilization. Used for wildlife and sports before the II replaced it.
Pros
- Long zoom range
- Image stabilization
- L build
- Fast push-pull zooming
Cons
- Push-pull zoom can draw in dust
- Less sharp than the II
- Older design