Quick answer
A compact white 200mm prime from 1991 with ring USM and a 72mm filter thread. The Mark II followed in 1996 with a redesigned hood and unchanged optics.
Pros
- f/2.8 aperture
- Light for a 200mm f/2.8 at about 790g
- Fast, quiet focusing
- 72mm front filter thread
Cons
- No image stabilization
- Minimum focus of 1.5m
Verdict
A light route to f/2.8 at 200mm. The Mark II has the same optics, so condition matters more than version.
About this lens
The Canon EF 200mm f/2.8L USM is a telephoto prime lens covering 200mm at f/2.8 for 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/2.8L USM specifications
- Brand
- Canon
- Mount
- Canon EF
- Focal length
- 200mm
- Maximum aperture
- f/200.0
- Lens type
- Prime
- Format coverage
- full-frame
- Released
- 1991
- Optical construction
- 9 elements in 7 groups
- Aperture blades
- 8
- Autofocus motor
- USM
- Minimum focus distance
- 1.5 m
- Maximum magnification
- 0.16x
- Filter thread
- 72 mm
- Weight
- 790 g
- Length
- 136.2 mm
- Diameter
- 83 mm
Specification source: global.canon
What can you shoot with the Canon EF 200mm f/2.8L USM?
- Sports with good light
- Portrait compression
- Travel telephoto
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 | 200mm | 10.3° | 12.3° |
| APS-C | 1.6x | 320mm | 6.4° | 7.7° |
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the EF 200mm f/2.8L USM and the II version?
Canon redesigned the lens hood on the Mark II but kept the optical design. Both are compact, ring-USM telephotos.
Is the EF 200mm f/2.8L USM good for portraits?
Yes, it gives strong subject isolation and a flattering perspective. It needs plenty of room, so it suits outdoor portraits.
Does the EF 200mm f/2.8L work with extenders?
Yes, Canon's EF 1.4x and 2x extenders fit. With the 2x it becomes a 400mm f/5.6, where autofocus depends on the camera body.
Alternatives for Canon EF from other brands
All Canon EF lensesSame mount, overlapping focal range, closest maximum aperture first.
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AF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 LD Macro 1:2
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SP AF 70-200mm f/2.8 Di LD (IF) Macro (A001)
70-200mm · f/70.0 · Canon EF
