Photo: Charles Lanteigne (CC BY-SA 3.0)
EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM
- 70-200mm
- f/70.0
- Telephoto Zoom
- Stabilized
- 1590 g
- Min focus 1.4 m
Quick answer
The first stabilized f/2.8 version of Canon's 70-200mm L telephoto zoom, from 2006. It still delivers professional results on full-frame EF cameras.
Pros
- Constant f/2.8
- Image stabilization
- Dust and moisture resistant L build
Cons
- Softer in the corners than later versions
- Heavy (about 1.6 kg)
- Older IS design
Verdict
Capable on EF bodies, though later versions are sharper and lighter.
About this lens
This 70-200mm f/2.8 fast telephoto zoom lens from Canon fits 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 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
- 2001
- Optical construction
- 23 elements in 18 groups
- Aperture blades
- 8
- Image stabilization
- Yes
- Autofocus motor
- USM
- Minimum focus distance
- 1.4 m
- Maximum magnification
- 0.17x
- Filter thread
- 77 mm
- Weight
- 1590 g
- Length
- 197 mm
- Diameter
- 86.2 mm
Specification source: global.canon
What can you shoot with the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM?
- Sports
- Events
- Portraits
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 original EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS good?
Yes. It remains capable on full-frame, though later versions are sharper in the corners.
Does the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM have stabilization?
Yes, it has an IS unit that helps with handheld shots at the long end. Later versions use improved stabilizer systems.
EF 70-200 f/2.8L IS vs IS II?
The II improves sharpness and stabilization and is slightly lighter. The original is still a sound telephoto zoom.
Alternatives for Canon EF from other brands
All Canon EF lensesSame mount, overlapping focal range, closest maximum aperture first.
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AF 28-300mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di LD Aspherical (IF)
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