Quick answer
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
Verdict
Outstanding wide open, but few photographers need it over a 70-200mm f/2.8.
About this lens
A 200mm f/2 fast telephoto prime lens, the Canon EF 200mm f/2L IS USM is designed for Canon EF mount bodies, from the Canon L series with Image Stabilizer and ultrasonic-motor autofocus. A professional super-telephoto L-series lens, a fixture on sidelines and at wildlife hides.
Canon EF 200mm f/2L IS USM specifications
- Brand
- Canon
- Mount
- Canon EF
- Focal length
- 200mm
- Maximum aperture
- f/2.0
- Lens type
- Telephoto
- Format coverage
- full-frame
- Released
- 2008
- Optical construction
- 17 elements in 12 groups
- Aperture blades
- 8
- Image stabilization
- Yes
- Autofocus motor
- USM
- Minimum focus distance
- 1.9 m
- Maximum magnification
- 0.12x
- Weight
- 2520 g
- Length
- 208 mm
- Diameter
- 128 mm
Specification source: global.canon
What can you shoot with the Canon EF 200mm f/2L IS USM?
- Indoor sports
- Theatre and concerts
- Portraits with extreme separation
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 much does the Canon EF 200mm f/2L IS USM weigh?
About 2.5kg. Over long sessions it is best used on a monopod or tripod.
Does the EF 200mm f/2L IS take filters?
Yes, through a drop-in filter holder near the rear of the lens. There is no front thread.
Is the EF 200mm f/2L IS better than the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II?
It offers a stop more light and stronger subject separation at 200mm. The zoom is far more flexible and about 1kg lighter.
Alternatives for Canon EF from other brands
All Canon EF lensesSame mount, overlapping focal range, closest maximum aperture first.
