There is an array of Canon 70-200mm lenses and it can be a bit difficult to figure out the differences between them. That’s why we’ve created a list of Canon 70-200mm lens models which features a short summary on the characteristics, specs, user reviews, and prices of each model. The list is ordered according to Amazon’s list of Bestsellers List of SLR Camera Lenses.
1. Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L II IS USM Telephoto Zoom Lens
Having been the best selling 70-200mm lens of all brands for over a year now, the f/2.8L II IS USM continues to reign supreme as the king of 70-200mm lenses. This is the lens every photographer dreams of and its unrivaled quality and craftsmanship are well worth the price. At the moment, it sells for as low as $2,250.00, almost half of its retail price of $4,000.00!
The f/2.8L II IS USM is still a very new lens. It was first released in April 2010. Since its release date, this lens has maintained a perfect 5 star rating across the board for its Construction Quality, Easy of Use, Picture Quality, and its Overall Performance. Out of its total 285 reviews, only 18 do not attribute it with a 5 star rating, 15 of which give it 4 stars. As you can see, this lens has a remarkably strong track record in customer satisfaction. The f/2.8L II IS USM is especially popular among journalists, event photographers, and many portrait photographers.
These are some of the Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L II IS USM specs as listed on Amazon:
- 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
- Minimum Focal Range: 4 feet
- Camera Magnify Power: 0.21
- Real Angle Of View: 34
- Weight: 3.3 pounds
- Item Display Diameter: 3.5 inches
- Length: 8 inches
For more detailed specifications, go to the Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L II IS USM product page.
Conclusion: If you have the budget, go with the best. Get the f/2.8L II IS. 
2. Canon 70-200mm f/4L IS USM Telephoto Zoom Lens
The second best selling Canon 70-200mm lens is the EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM, which is one inch smaller and significantly lighter than the f/2.8L II IS. Weighing in at only 1.7 pounds, many photographers prefer the feel of this lens over that of the f/2.8L II IS. So does the decrease in size and weight mean a decrease in performance as well? The answer is no, not at all. In fact, most photographers who own both the f/2.8L IS and the f/4L IS find that the f/4L IS produces the sharpest images. However, it also agreed that for photographers who often shoot with apertures in the f/2.8 range, there is simply no substitute for the f/2.8L II IS. The f/4L currently sells for as little as $1,045.00, less than half of its $2,200.00 retail price!
Released over 4 years ago, in November 2006, the f/4L IS has easily maintained a 5 star rating for its Construction Quality, Picture Quality, Contrast, Sharpness, and Overall Performance. Out of the 145 people who reviewed this lens, 135 gave it 5 stars. There’s no arguing with that. As is clear, the f/4 IS is a solid piece of equipment that continues to impress. The f/4 IS is especially liked by hobbyists and weight-sensitive landscape photographers.
Here are some of the specs of the EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM as listed on Amazon:
- Lens construction: 20 elements in 15 groups
- Diagonal angle of view: 34 to 12 degrees (with full-frame cameras)
- Focus adjustment: AF with full-time manual focus
- Closest focusing distance: 3.94 feet
- Zoom system: 7-group helical zoom (72-degree rotational angle)
- Filter size: 67mm
- Camera Magnify Power: 0.21
- Real Angle Of View: 34
- Weight: 1.7 pounds
- Item Display Diameter: 3 inches
- Length: 7 inches
For more detailed specifications, go to the Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L II IS USM product page.
