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Canon EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM vs Canon EF 200mm f/2L 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 200mm f/2L IS USM is faster by 13.3 stops (f/2.0 vs f/200.0), letting in more light.
  • Canon EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM is lighter by 1755g.
  • Canon EF 200mm f/2L IS USM is the newer design (2008 vs 1996).
Specification comparison
Spec EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM EF 200mm f/2L IS USM
Brand Canon Canon
Mount Canon EF Canon EF
Type Prime Telephoto
Focal length 200mm 200mm
Max aperture f/200.0 f/2.0 (faster)
Released 1996 2008
Blades 8 8
Format full-frame full-frame
Groups 7 12
Af motor USM USM
Elements 9 17
Weight g 765.0 (lighter) 2520.0
Filter mm 72 n/a
Length mm 136.2 208.0
Diameter mm 83.2 128.0
Min focus m 1.5 (closer focusing) 1.9
Max magnification 0.16 0.12
Stabilized n/a Yes

Canon EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM

The EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM is a compact 200mm telephoto prime with an f/2.8 aperture, popular for sports and portraits. Light for its speed and focal length.

Pros

  • f/2.8 aperture
  • Light for a 200mm (765 g)
  • Sharp
  • Fast focus

Cons

  • No stabilization
  • Long minimum focus distance (1.5 m)
  • Single focal length

Canon EF 200mm f/2L IS USM

Canon's 2008 stabilized 200mm f/2 prime, built like a super-telephoto with a rear drop-in filter slot. It weighs about 2.5kg.

Pros

  • f/2 aperture with image stabilization
  • Strong sharpness wide open
  • Fast ring USM
  • Weather-resistant build

Cons

  • About 2.5kg in weight
  • Large and long for a 200mm
  • Minimum focus of 1.9m

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