Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS 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 14.5 stops (f/2.0 vs f/300.0), letting in more light.
- Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM is lighter by 170g.
- Canon EF 200mm f/2L IS USM goes wider (200mm vs 300mm).
- Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM reaches further (300mm vs 200mm).
- Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM is the newer design (2011 vs 2008).
| Spec | EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM | EF 200mm f/2L IS USM |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Canon | Canon |
| Mount | Canon EF | Canon EF |
| Type | Prime | Telephoto |
| Focal length | 300mm | 200mm (wider) |
| Max aperture | f/300.0 | f/2.0 (faster) |
| Released | 2011 | 2008 |
| Blades | 9 | 8 |
| Format | full-frame | full-frame |
| Groups | 12 | 12 |
| Af motor | USM | USM |
| Elements | 16 | 17 |
| Weight g | 2350.0 (lighter) | 2520.0 |
| Length mm | 248.0 | 208.0 |
| Stabilized | Yes | Yes |
| Diameter mm | 128.0 | 128.0 |
| Min focus m | 2.0 | 1.9 (closer focusing) |
| Max magnification | 0.18 | 0.12 |
Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM
The EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM is a professional 300mm f/2.8 supertelephoto with image stabilization and fluorite elements. For sports and wildlife on full-frame Canon EF bodies.
Pros
- f/2.8 aperture
- Fast autofocus
- Image stabilization
- Compatible with extenders
Cons
- Heavy (about 2.4 kg)
- Large and needs a support system
- Narrow depth of field
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