Canon EF 70-200mm f 2.8L IS II USM Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras by Canon

Improving upon one of the most celebrated lenses in the Canon EF line is no easy feat, but Canon has done just that. The all-new EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM increases the speed, performance and optical quality of the EF 70-200 f/2.8L IS USM while maintaining all of the characteristics that have made it a legend for professionals and advanced amateurs alike. The EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM features one fluorite and five UD elements for increased optical quality and reduced chromatic aberration. It has a minimum focusing distance of 1.2m/3.9 ft. at all zoom settings, which is useful for photographers in smaller spaces trying to get closer to a subject. It features a next-generation Optical Image Stabilizer, providing up to 4 stops of correction at all focal lengths. And as with all L-series lenses, the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM is dust- and moisture-resistant and designed for use in the challenging environments typical of rigorous professional use.

Lens Specifications

Focal Length & Maximum Aperture: 70-200mm 1:2.8
Lens Construction: 23 elements in 19 groups (1 Fluorite and 5 UD elements)
Diagonal Angle of View: 34° - 12°
Focus Adjustment: Inner focusing system with USM. Full-time manual focus available.
Closest Focusing Distance: 1.2m/3.94 ft. (maximum close-up magnification: 0.21x)
Filter Size: 77mm
Max. Diameter x Length, Weight: 3.5 x 7.8 in./88.8 x 199mm; 52.6 oz./1490g

Owner Reviews, Ratings, Comments and Criticism
The 1st version was my favorite zoom in my bag which had the 16-35mm 2.8L and the 24-70 2.8L because it was so much sharper than the other two. I was really happy with the 1st version and wouldn't have replaced it if this never came out. Now that the price has come down, about $130 from the original price, that should pay for a good B+W 77mm UVA (Ultra Violet) Haze MRC Filter #010. Don't gimp this lens with a plastic coaster from Ritz! The image stabilization improvement is noticeable! Before I sold the 1st version for $1,550 (June 2010), I compared the two indoors handheld. I couldn't believe how 1 stop of IS really improved the quality and sharpness of the photos in low light. With a crop sensor camera Canon EOS 7D 18 MP, Canon EOS 50D 15.1MP, or Canon EOS Rebel T2i 18 MP, this lens is effectively: 112mm - 280mm. It works great with the Canon EF 1.4X II Extender Telephoto Accessory, it brings the max aperture down to f4, but it is still pretty sharp. Paired with a 7D or any other 1.6 crop lens, it will become a 156mm - 448mm lens! I use with this lens with my 7D or the Canon EOS 5D Mark II. It works perfect for both and did not feel like I had to Micro Adjust the focus. For 1st time buyers of this lens. - Watch canonpricewatch dot com. - If you never owned an L lens, you will be shocked at how sharp this is (then again, most L lenses should have that effect) - If you never had Image Stabilization, this will allow you to take sharper photos indoors. It will reduce motion blur from lens movement, but not from the subject where the larger aperture has greater effect. - It is weather sealed (you'll notice a black o-ring at the mount) - you'll need to add a lens filter to complete the sealing. - You can use this for sports to portrait photography. For portraits, you get excellent bokeh at 200mm / f2.8 (the smooth background blur where your subject is in focus) For those upgrading from the original Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM, I didn't think there was much to improve on (I was wrong!) - That lens came out in September 2001, so you are taking advantage of 9 years of technological advancement - The buttons are designed better - I hated how I always switched to MF when shooting! This is now a non-issue (no need to tape it down) - Second generation Image Stabilization technology that is silent, you could hear the motor sound of the gyro in the first version. You get 4 stops vs 3 stops IS. - Improved optics - it has one fluorite and five UD elements for increased optical quality. You get reduced flare, which improves contrast (Your brain tells you it is "sharper") - This focuses much closer at 1.2m/3.9 ft (improved by 8.1" at 200mm) - better for tight indoor portraits - Focuses faster and quieter - Larger focus grip area - Improved hood Canon ET-87 - it has a lock that makes it easier to put on and remove. It has a different texture that is less susceptible to scratches. - Bottom line, it is worth the upgrade, especially if you plan to keep it for many years. Cons It is expensive - but you get what you pay for It is heavy, especially if you never owned L glass, but to maintain a fixed aperture at f2.8 throughout the zoom range requires lots of glass! Just stop being a wimp already. Tips: There are two modes of Image Stabilization: I rarely take it off Mode 1, but use Mode 2 if you plan to pan left or right (to follow a car or someone running) The focus distance selector is handy, be sure to use if you find that it isn't focusing indoors, it could be that you selected 2.5m - infinity. Take off the tripod collar if you hand hold it a lot - it just gets in the way sometimes.