Today, Canon’s introduced not one, but two new telephoto zoom lenses: the EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM and the EF 70-200mm f.2.8L IS III USM.
Canon claims that both advanced amateurs and professionals in need of a lens with a long zoom range and a relatively compact design will benefit from these new 70-20mm lenses.
“At the core of image capturing, Canon believes the lens is just as important as the camera. A seamless relationship between the two allows photographers to produce emotion-evoking and timeless images,” said Kazuto Ogawa, president and chief operating officer, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “Canon is excited to offer photographers two distinct options in the 70-200mm focal-length, continuing to further expand our optics heritage.”
So, now let’s take a quick look at both lenses to see what they have to offer:
Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM
Compared to its predecessor, the 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM upgrades the Optical Image Stabilization up two stops, increasing the previous three stops up to five shutter speed stops of correction over the same f/4 lens. “The improved IS allows photographers to more easily capture crisp, in-focus images without the use of a tripod,” says Canon.
There’s also three IS modes suited to a variety of shooting situations, like panning and capturing still or fast moving subjects. The IS operational noise has been reduced as well.
Here’s a few other noteworthy features:
- Sports one fluorite lens and two UD lenses
- Minimum focusing distance has be shortened from 1.2m to 1m
- Features Super Spectra Coating technology
- Circular nine blade aperture
- 20 lens elements in 15 groups
- Fluorine coating on front and rear elements
- Inner focusing system with Ring Ultrasonic Motor
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM
As for the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM, Canon claims it’s an ideal lens for the Canon 1D and 5D camera lines. This lens’ Optical Image Stabilizer has up to 3.5 shutter speed stops of correction, a minimum focusing distance of 1.2m, and a circular eight blade aperture. The 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM also uses Air Sphere Coating tech that Canon says helps “reduce flaring and ghosting, and suppresses the reflection of light.”
Other noteworthy features include:
- Fluorine coating on front and rear elements
- Inner focusing system with Ring Ultrasonic Motor
- Sports one fluorite lens and five UD lenses
- 23 lens elements in 19 groups
Pricing and Availability
The EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM is scheduled to begin shipping in late June for $1,299. The EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM is expected to start shipping in August for $2,099.
