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

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

Better figure, where one is clearly better

CanonEF 200mm f/2.8L USMCanonEF 70–200mm f/2.8L IS III USM
Overview
ReleasedDecember 1991September 2018
Optics
Lens typePrimeZoom
Focal length200 mm70–200 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/32f/32
Optical constructionNine elements in seven groups23 elements in 19 groups; retains the optical layout of the EF 70–200mm f/2.8L IS II USM
Special elements–One fluorite and five UD elements
Coatings–Air Sphere Coating and revised optical coatings; fluorine coating on front and rear element surfaces
DiaphragmEight blades according to Canon Camera MuseumEight blades with a circular aperture
Angle of view12° diagonal, 10° horizontal and 7° vertical according to Canon's original-model manualDiagonal 34°–12°; vertical 19°30′–7°; horizontal 29°–10°
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 support–EF1.4X III gives 98–280 mm f/4 and 0.30× maximum magnification; EF2X III gives 140–400 mm f/5.6 and 0.44×; autofocus remains available but is slower
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance1.5 m1.2 m
Maximum magnification0.16×0.21×
Optical stabilisation–Yes
Autofocus detailUSM; full-time manual focus after One Shot AF while holding the shutter button halfway according to Canon's manualRing-type USM; full-time manual override after One-Shot autofocus while holding the shutter button halfway
Focus distance detail–Internal focusing; maximum 0.21× magnification at 200 mm
Stabilisation detail–Up to 3.5 stops under CIPA testing at 200 mm on an EOS-1D X Mark II; Mode 1 for still subjects and Mode 2 for panning; Canon notes tripod results depend on the tripod and shooting conditions
Design
Dust and moisture resistant–Yes
Filter diameter72 mm77 mm
Maximum diameter83 mm88.8 mm
Length136.2 mm199 mm
Weight790 g1,480 g
ControlsAF/MF switch, focusing ring, distance scale and infrared index according to Canon's manualAF/MF, IS on/off and IS mode switches; focus limiter selects 1.2 m–infinity or 2.5 m–infinity
Zoom design–Internal zooming maintains physical length (Digital Camera World)
Weather resistance–Dust- and moisture-resistant construction with a rubber gasket at the mount
Dimensions detail83 mm diameter × 136.2 mm length according to Canon Camera Museum; measured from the mount surface to the front, with caps adding 21.5 mm according to the manual88.8 mm maximum diameter × 199 mm length, measured from the mount to the lens front; add 24.2 mm for front and rear caps
Weight detail790 g for the lens only according to Canon's original-model manualApproximately 1,480 g lens only according to Canon's instruction manual, UK store and Camera Museum; a Canon USA one-page specification chart instead lists approximately 1,440 g
Tripod mount–Included removable rotating B (W II) tripod mount ring; detach the lens from the camera before removing the collar
Lens hoodBuilt-in sliding hood; pull it out from the front of the lens according to Canon's manualET-87, with release button and reversible mounting for storage
In the box–ET-87 hood and LZ1326 lens case according to the UK store; tripod mount ring included according to Canon's instruction manual
Release detailCanon Camera Museum records December 1991 marketing; this is the original version with a built-in hoodMarketed in September 2018 according to Canon Camera Museum; Canon USA's 7 June announcement had scheduled US shipping for August 2018

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