Canon Updates Line of EF L-Series Lenses with Two New 70-200mm Telephoto Zooms

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.”

EF 70-200mm f.2.8L IS III USM and EF 70-200mm are intended for both advanced amateurs and professionals

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.

Sean Berry
Sean Berry
Sean Berry is Videomaker's Managing Editor.

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