Canon EF 70-200mm F2.8 L USM Review
General information
This is a zoom lens manufactured by Canon and the lens was released 1995.
The lens belongs to the category
telephoto zoom lenses, a telephoto lens where you have the possibility to zoom in and out.
It's been a long time since the lens and this model first was launched. Before you buy an older (and perhaps used and pre owned) lens a recommendation is to check with the manufacturer and their service centers whether there still are spare parts available. Hopefully spare parts wont be an issue but imagine accidently damaging the lens and finding out afterwards that no spare parts exists. We therefore recommend that you, to be sure, check this prior to purchasing.
If you buy a new lens, in a store, you always have your warranty to fall back on, regardless of the age of the lens but if you are interested in buying a pre owned and used lens without warranty this may be even more important to look up because you might otherwise be left without both warranty and spare parts.
Product description from Canon
At launch 1995 Canon wrote this regarding Canon EF 70-200mm F2.8 L USM :
"One of the finest telephoto zoom lenses in the EF line, comparable to a single focal length lens. It has four UD-glass elements to correct chromatic aberrations. Its constant f/2.8 maximum aperture and superb image quality make it one of the most popular professional SLR lenses in the world. Compatible with Extender EF 1.4x II and 2x II.
This large aperture, super high image quality telephoto zoom lens provides performance comparable to that of a single focal length lens, with a wide zoom range. This lens is developed as a successor to the EF 80-200mm f/2.8L. Its major features include: a ring USM (Ultrasonic Motor) drive, built-in full-time manual focusing, short minimum focusing distance of 1.5m, high marginal illumination, and compatibility with Extenders EF1.4X and EF2X (extends the zoom range with AF to 98-280mm f/4 or 140-400mm f/5.6 respectively). Although this is a large aperture telephoto zoom lens, it is equipped with four low refraction/low dispersion UD (Ultra-low Dispersion) glass lens elements (2nd,3rd,11th & 13th) that offer excellent contrast and sharpness. This is a lens that deserves to be known as a super high performance telephoto zoom lens."
Compatibility, autofocus and focal length
This lens is constructed to fit all models of Canon cameras, regardless of camera model or type of sensor.
The ability to use autofocus is available for all cameras.
The lens has a focal length of 70-200 mm. Depending on which camera the lens is used, the experienced and perceived focal length will be different. Please visit the list of compatible cameras below, it will provide the equivalent focal length you get on each camera.
A positive thing is that this lens has a versitale zoom range, where the difference between 'maximum zoomed out' to 'maximum zoomed in' increases the lens versatility since you as a photographer easily can compose your picture without moving yourself physically.
- See compatible cameras and perceived/equivalent focal length
- See a full camera compatibility chart for Canon EF 70-200mm F2.8 L USM
- Read more about focal length and your field of view
- Read more on the cameras impact on the perceived focal length
Lens brightness and image stabilizer
The lens brightness and aperture value is f/2,8.
This aperture value indicates that the lens is very bright. This will make it so much easier shooting in darker environments where you do not want or can use flash lighting, for example in churches or at different sports venues. Lenses with good aperture values and longer focal lengths, such as this lens, tend to be popular amongs sports and nature photographers.
A feature worth commenting, which is also related to lens brightness, is that the brightness and maximum aperture-value remains constant regardless of focal length used. This makes it easier for you as a photographer. No matter if you are have the focus ring and focal length at 70 mm or at 200 mm the aperture value can be f/2,8.
The lens lacks image stabilization, which otherwise os good for avoiding the blur that can occur when using slow shutter speeds. Since the lens is bright, with good aperture value, the lack of image stabilization might not be that big of a deal, although a image stabilizer is always an advantage to have.
Filter and Lens Hood
The lens has a traditional filter thread on the front and its measuring 77 mm which also the filter you will use must have. If you use for example an UV filter can be a cheap insurance against scratches and dust.
If you buy this lens it will come with a lens hood, whose model name is "ET-83II".
Tripod Mount
This lens is equipped with a tripod mount, which makes use of a tripod easier and more stable.
Things to consider before buying
Below you will find some summarized points and facts that can be considered as the 'pros and cons' of this lens. These are based entirely on the facts and values that are accessible through the lens specification, so we highly recommend that you also read the reported reviews available (see tab 'Reviews'); this in order to get a more complete view of the lens and its capabilities. Reviewer opinions reflect the lens, its use and its optical performance in a more accurate way, but any way - here a few different points to consider before buying this lens.
- The lens brightness, f/2,8
- Constant maximum aperture value regardless of focal length
- An impressive focal range
- Works on all sensor types
- A lens hood is included
- A tripod mount is included
- The lens model is more than 15 years old
- The lens is not sealed against moisture and dust
- Heavy (1310 gr)
- The price (more info)
Our Review Ratings
Time to grade Canon EF 70-200mm F2.8 L USM .
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| Overall rating | 3 of 5 |
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