Quick answer
An enormous 1988 telephoto prime with f/1.8 as its widest aperture. It is a collector's lens more than a practical field tool.
Pros
- f/1.8 aperture
- Well-corrected optics
- Ultrasonic focus drive
Cons
- About 3kg in weight
- No stabilization
- Very rare
Verdict
Remarkable but impractical. Most shooters are better served by the EF 200mm f/2L IS.
About this lens
This 200mm f/1.8 fast telephoto prime lens from Canon fits Canon EF mount cameras, from the Canon L series with ultrasonic-motor autofocus. It brings distant subjects closer for sports, wildlife and events.
Canon EF 200mm f/1.8L USM specifications
- Brand
- Canon
- Mount
- Canon EF
- Focal length
- 200mm
- Maximum aperture
- f/1.8
- Lens type
- Telephoto
- Format coverage
- full-frame
- Released
- 1988
- Optical construction
- 12 elements in 10 groups
- Aperture blades
- 8
- Autofocus motor
- USM
- Minimum focus distance
- 2.5 m
- Maximum magnification
- 0.09x
- Weight
- 3000 g
- Length
- 208 mm
- Diameter
- 130 mm
Specification source: global.canon
What can you shoot with the Canon EF 200mm f/1.8L USM?
- Collectors
- Low-light sports
- Stage performance from a distance
Its fast maximum aperture helps in dim light and gives good subject separation.
Full-frame equivalent and field of view
Calculated from the focal length and crop factor. Not measured.
| Sensor | Crop | Equivalent | Horizontal FOV | Diagonal FOV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full frame | 1.0x | 200mm | 10.3° | 12.3° |
| APS-C | 1.6x | 320mm | 6.4° | 7.7° |
Frequently asked questions
How heavy is the Canon EF 200mm f/1.8L USM?
It weighs about 3kg, considerably more than a 70-200mm f/2.8. A monopod is advisable.
Is the EF 200mm f/1.8L still in production?
No, it was discontinued. Canon's nearest later lens is the EF 200mm f/2L IS USM.
Does the EF 200mm f/1.8L work on RF bodies?
Yes, on EOS R bodies through Canon's EF-EOS R mount adapter, with autofocus and aperture control intact.
Alternatives for Canon EF from other brands
All Canon EF lensesSame mount, overlapping focal range, closest maximum aperture first.
