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Canon EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM vs Canon EF 70–200mm f/4L IS II USM

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

Better figure, where one is clearly better

CanonEF 200mm f/2.8L II USMCanonEF 70–200mm f/4L IS II USM
Overview
ReleasedMarch 1996June 2018
Optics
Lens typePrimeZoom
Focal length200 mm70–200 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/4
Minimum aperturef/32f/32
Optical constructionNine elements in seven groups20 elements in 15 groups
Special elementsTwo UD glass elements according to Canon Camera MuseumOne fluorite and two UD elements
Coatings–Super Spectra coatings; fluorine coatings on the front and rear elements according to Canon's US launch announcement
DiaphragmEight bladesNine blades with a circular aperture
Angle of view12° diagonal, 10° horizontal and 7° vertical–
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon EFCanon EF
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityCanon EF full-frame and APS-C camerasCanon EF mount full-frame and APS-C cameras
Teleconverter supportCanon's manual lists EF 1.4X II for 280 mm f/4 and EF 2X II for 400 mm f/5.6–
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance1.5 m1 m
Maximum magnification0.16×0.27×
Optical stabilisationNoYes
Autofocus detailRing USM with mechanical full-time manual focus; Canon's manual permits adjustment after One Shot AF while holding the shutter button halfwayRing-type USM with full-time manual focus override
Focus distance detailClosest focus 1.5 m; limiter settings 1.5 m to infinity or 3.5 m to infinity according to Canon's manualMaximum 0.27× magnification at 200 mm; internal focusing according to Digital Camera World
Magnification detailEF12 II extension tube gives 0.06–0.23×; EF25 II gives 0.14–0.32× according to Canon UK–
Stabilisation detailNo image stabilisation according to The Digital PictureFive-stop CIPA claim at 200 mm on an EOS-1D X Mark II; three modes including exposure-only stabilisation for tracking moving subjects
Design
Dust and moisture resistantNoYes
Filter diameter72 mm72 mm
Maximum diameter83.2 mm80 mm
Length136.2 mm176 mm
Weight765 g780 g
Controls–AF/MF, IS on/off and three IS mode switches; focus limiter excludes distances below 3 m according to Digital Camera World
Zoom design–Internal zooming maintains physical length according to Digital Camera World
Weather resistanceNo weather sealing according to The Digital Picture and PhotozoneDust- and moisture-resistant construction
Dimensions detail83.2 mm diameter × 136.2 mm length; Canon's manual measures length from the mount surface to the front, with caps adding 21.5 mm for E-72U or 24.2 mm for E-72II80 mm maximum diameter × 176 mm length
Weight detail765 g for the lens only according to Canon's manualApproximate 780 g maker figure; Digital Camera World specifies this excludes the optional tripod mount
Tripod mountOptional Tripod Mount Ring A II (B) according to Canon's manualOptional A II (W II) tripod mounting ring according to Digital Camera World; the maker photograph shows this separately sold accessory
Lens hoodDetachable ET-83BII hood; reversible for storage according to Canon's manual–
In the boxThe Digital Picture's reviewed lens included the ET-83BII hood and LP1222 pouchLens, pouch, caps, hood and instruction manual according to Canon UK
Release detailCanon Camera Museum records March 1996 marketing for the II versionCanon Japan announced first sale on 28 June 2018; Canon Camera Museum gives June 2018 and the US launch announcement states late June. The day is the Japanese sale date, not a separately confirmed UK date.

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