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

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

Better figure, where one is clearly better

CanonEF 70–200mm f/2.8L IS III USMCanonEF 70–200mm f/4L USM
Overview
ReleasedSeptember 2018September 1999
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length70–200 mm70–200 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/4
Minimum aperturef/32f/32
Optical construction23 elements in 19 groups; retains the optical layout of the EF 70–200mm f/2.8L IS II USM16 elements in 13 groups
Special elementsOne fluorite and five UD elementsOne fluorite and two UD elements
CoatingsAir Sphere Coating and revised optical coatings; fluorine coating on front and rear element surfaces–
DiaphragmEight blades with a circular apertureEight blades
Angle of viewDiagonal 34°–12°; vertical 19°30′–7°; horizontal 29°–10°Diagonal 34°–12°; vertical 19°30′–7°; horizontal 29°–10°
Mount and compatibility
MountsCanon EFCanon EF
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityCanon EF mount full-frame and APS-C camerasCanon EF mount full-frame and APS-C cameras
Teleconverter supportEF1.4X 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 slowerCompatible with Canon EF1.4X and EF2X extenders; The Digital Picture notes EF1.4X II gives 98–280 mm f/5.6 and EF2X II gives 140–400 mm f/8, with camera-dependent autofocus at f/8
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance1.2 m1.2 m
Maximum magnification0.21×0.21×
Optical stabilisationYesNo
Autofocus detailRing-type USM; full-time manual override after One-Shot autofocus while holding the shutter button halfwayRing-type USM with mechanical full-time manual focus override
Focus distance detailInternal focusing; maximum 0.21× magnification at 200 mmInternal focusing; front does not rotate (The Digital Picture); maximum 0.21× magnification at 200 mm
Stabilisation detailUp 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 resistantYesNo
Filter diameter77 mm67 mm
Maximum diameter88.8 mm76 mm
Length199 mm172 mm
Weight1,480 g705 g
ControlsAF/MF, IS on/off and IS mode switches; focus limiter selects 1.2 m–infinity or 2.5 m–infinityAF/MF switch and focus limiter, with full 1.2 m–infinity range or 3 m–infinity (ePHOTOzine)
Zoom designInternal zooming maintains physical length (Digital Camera World)Internal zooming maintains physical length (ePHOTOzine and The Digital Picture)
Weather resistanceDust- and moisture-resistant construction with a rubber gasket at the mountNot weather sealed according to The Digital Picture
Dimensions detail88.8 mm maximum diameter × 199 mm length, measured from the mount to the lens front; add 24.2 mm for front and rear caps76 mm maximum diameter × 172 mm length
Weight detailApproximately 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 g705 g according to Canon's UK specifications and Camera Museum
Tripod mountIncluded removable rotating B (W II) tripod mount ring; detach the lens from the camera before removing the collarOptional Ring Tripod Mount A (W) at launch; The Digital Picture also identifies compatible A II (W)
Lens hoodET-87, with release button and reversible mounting for storageET-74
In the boxET-87 hood and LZ1326 lens case according to the UK store; tripod mount ring included according to Canon's instruction manualLens hood and case according to Canon Camera Museum; tripod collar sold separately
Release detailMarketed in September 2018 according to Canon Camera Museum; Canon USA's 7 June announcement had scheduled US shipping for August 2018Marketed in September 1999 according to Canon Camera Museum

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