Canon has updated its popular 70-200mm telephoto lenses, announcing the 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM and the EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM.
The 70-200mm f2.8L IS III USM replaces the previous flagship f/2.8 IS II USM and features an eight-blade circular aperture for strong bokeh. It also adds a 3.5-stop Image Stabilizer.
The new flagship telephoto lens also boasts fluorine-coated front and rear elements for easy on-location cleaning. And it’s also dust- and moisture-resistant.
You’ll find the same fluorine coatings on the enthusiast EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM version of the lens. It boasts a nine-blade circular aperture for smooth background blur.
Canon says the f/4L also can provide 5 stops of image stabilisation.
Canon 70-200mm Price & Release Date
The Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM price tag will be £2,149.99 EF 70-200mm, while the f/4L IS II USM will be priced at £1,299.99.
Both new Canon 70-200mm lenses have a release date set for summer 2018.
Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM Specs
- 70-200m zoom range
- Constant f/4 max aperture
- Ring-type USM focusing
- 5-stop Image Stabilizer
- Weighs 780g
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM Specs
- 70-200mm zoom range
- Constant f/2.8 max aperture
- Ring-type USM focusing
- 3.5-stop Image Stabilizer
- Weather-proof construction
Official Canon Press Release
Canon has today announced an upgrade to two of its most loved and well-regarded L-series lenses, with the launch of the EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM and EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM. The 70-200mm lens has been instrumental for professional, semi-professional and photography enthusiasts for many years, thanks to the ability to easily change image composition by switching from standard to telephoto. This adaptability means both lenses can capture a wide range of subjects, from portraits to wildlife, reaffirming the pivotal role the 70-200mm lens plays in a photographer’s kit bag.
Commenting on the launch of the EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM and EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM, Michael Burnhill, European Product Specialist, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon Europe, said: “Following feedback from our global photography community, we are very proud to be introducing these two lenses. We are committed to delivering the best quality and performance-driven products for today’s visual storytellers to ensure we provide unsurpassable choice for photographers looking to meet their image requirements with confidence. The EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM epitomises the very finest in L-series optical technology, whilst being compact in size, robust and lightweight, and the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM offers unbeatable performance, versatility and durability.”
Superior quality, robust and compact design – the EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM
Built on the high standards of its predecessor, the EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM possesses the superior build, durability, and ergonomic design that Canon’s breadth of lenses are renowned for. Weighing just 780g, the EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM is great for those on the move. Whether shooting on a beach, or at a wedding, this lens is guaranteed to deliver stunningly crisp images in a range of environments. The Fluorine Coating reduces dirt and water drops clinging to the lens, and Super Spectra coatings eliminate ghosting and flare. The EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM’s fluorite lens elements are capable of correcting colour aberrations, guaranteeing high resolution and high contrast images. This excellent and reliable image quality is invaluable in reducing time spent on post-production.The EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM’s f/4 constant aperture provides consistent exposure in a range of varying lighting scenarios. The nine blades on the EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM ‘s circular aperture create a pleasing bokeh effect, blurring the background and helping to accentuate the subject. The EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM comprises a new Image Stabilizer unit, based on the design of Canon’s EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM, which delivers the equivalent effect of a shutter five-stops faster, compared to the previous lens’ three-stops . This is beneficial for any shooting scenario where the camera may be jostled, such as at film premieres, or shooting wildlife on safari.
The EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM uses a combination of a Ring USM and a new third generation EF engine, which features a new high-performance control CPU and newly developed firmware, to drive greater speed and accuracy in achieving high-speed autofocus. The silent functioning autofocus can also be tweaked manually and allows a close focusing distance of 1m, compared to the 1.2m on its predecessor. These features make the EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM perfect for unobtrusive and precise shooting, characteristics required to successfully capture street photography.
High-performance, versatile and durable – the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM
The EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM replaces Canon’s flagship 70-200mm lens, enhancing the experiences of photographers using this industry leading lens. It has been designed with high-performance and robustness at its heart, ideal for a photographer who requires a high-quality telephoto lens for accurate detail. Built to meet the demands of professionals, the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM’s protective seals make it an obvious choice for challenging conditions. Resistant to both moisture and dust, the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM also comprises fluorine-coated front and rear elements, which are easy to clean. With the functionality photographers love, updates to the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM’s durability means it is excellent for shooting high-quality travel photography.With its wide f/2.8 maximum aperture and eight-bladed circular diaphragm, the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM opens up a world of creative options. It enables the photographer to emphasise pin-sharp subjects against a silky smooth, out-of-focus background. Thanks to its first-class fluorite and UD optics, the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM delivers high contrast and excellent resolution. When using this lens, a photographer can be confident that they can achieve the perfect shot. Shooting in low light is also no problem for the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM, thanks to its fast f/2.8 maximum aperture, which is constant throughout the zoom range and lets in twice as much light as an f/4 lens.
Camera shake isn’t something users of the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM should be concerned about as a 3.5-stop Image Stabilizer compensates any blur caused by movement. A ring-type USM motor offers silent autofocus at outstanding speeds, and manual adjustments can be made at any time with a simple twist of the focus ring. These features make the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM an exceptional lens for perfectly, and quietly, capturing animals in their natural habitat.