Photo: Wojtek bulski (CC BY-SA 3.0)
EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM
- 70-200mm
- f/70.0
- Telephoto Zoom
- Stabilized
- 1490 g
- Min focus 1.2 m
Quick answer
The second-generation 70-200mm f/2.8L zoom from Canon, widely used by professionals. A stabilized, weather-sealed telephoto for full-frame EF bodies.
Pros
- Constant f/2.8
- Stabilized
- Weather-sealed
- Strong optical reputation
Cons
- Heavy (about 1.5 kg)
- Large and conspicuous
- Older coatings than the III
Verdict
A proven workhorse that remains a capable choice for EF shooters.
About this lens
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM: a fast telephoto zoom lens with a 70-200mm focal length and a maximum aperture of f/2.8, made for Canon EF mount cameras, from the Canon L series with Image Stabilizer and ultrasonic-motor autofocus. A staple professional telephoto zoom with a constant f/2.8 aperture for sports, events and portraits.
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM specifications
- Brand
- Canon
- Mount
- Canon EF
- Focal length
- 70-200mm
- Maximum aperture
- f/70.0
- Lens type
- Telephoto Zoom
- Format coverage
- full-frame
- Released
- 2010
- Optical construction
- 23 elements in 19 groups
- Aperture blades
- 8
- Image stabilization
- Yes
- Autofocus motor
- USM
- Minimum focus distance
- 1.2 m
- Maximum magnification
- 0.21x
- Filter thread
- 77 mm
- Weight
- 1490 g
- Length
- 199 mm
- Diameter
- 88.8 mm
Specification source: global.canon
What can you shoot with the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM?
- Sports and wildlife at moderate range
- Weddings
- Portraits
- Stage events
Its smaller maximum aperture favours daylight shooting and keeps the lens compact.
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 | 70–200mm | 10.3–28.8° | 12.3–34.3° |
| APS-C | 1.6x | 112–320mm | 6.4–18.3° | 7.7–21.9° |
Frequently asked questions
Is the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II good with extenders?
Yes. It works with the Canon EF 1.4x III and 2x III extenders, at the cost of aperture and AF speed.
Does the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II work on Canon mirrorless cameras?
Yes, with the EF-to-RF adapter. Autofocus and image stabilization carry over, and the added adapter length is small relative to the lens.
EF 70-200 f/2.8L II vs f/4L IS: which should I choose?
The f/2.8 gives a stop more light and shallower depth of field but is about twice the weight. The f/4 is lighter and still sharp.
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