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

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

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CanonEF 70–200mm f/2.8L IS USMCanonEF 70–200mm f/4L IS USM
Overview
ReleasedSeptember 2001November 2006
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length70–200 mm70–200 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/4
Minimum aperturef/32f/32
Optical construction23 elements in 18 groups20 elements in 15 groups
Special elementsFour UD elementsOne fluorite and two UD elements
Coatings–Super Spectra coatings
DiaphragmEight blades with a circular apertureEight blades with a circular aperture
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 II gives 98–280 mm f/4 and 0.24× maximum magnification; EF2X II gives 140–400 mm f/5.6 and 0.36×; autofocus supported but slowerEF1.4X II gives 98–280 mm f/5.6 and 0.31× maximum magnification with autofocus; EF2X II gives 140–400 mm f/8 and 0.45×, with autofocus limited to compatible bodies and slower operation
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance1.4 m1.2 m
Maximum magnification0.17×0.21×
Optical stabilisationYesYes
Autofocus detailRing-type USM (The Digital Picture); manual override after One-Shot autofocus while holding the shutter button halfwayRing-type USM; full-time manual override after One-Shot autofocus while holding the shutter button halfway
Focus distance detailInternal focusing with a non-rotating front; maximum 0.17× magnification at 200 mmInternal focusing with a non-rotating front; maximum 0.21× magnification at 200 mm
Stabilisation detailThree-stop optical IS claim; Mode 1 for general shooting and Mode 2 for panning; Canon manual recommends switching off on a tripod to save battery powerFour-stop launch claim based on a shutter speed of 1/focal length; Mode 1 for still subjects and Mode 2 for panning; manual recommends switching off on a tripod to save battery power
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesYes
Filter diameter77 mm67 mm
Maximum diameter86.2 mm76 mm
Length197 mm172 mm
Weight1,470 g760 g
ControlsAF/MF, IS on/off and IS mode switches; focus limiter selects 1.4 m–infinity or 2.5 m–infinityAF/MF, IS on/off and IS mode switches; focus limiter selects 1.2 m–infinity or 3 m–infinity
Zoom designInternal zooming maintains physical length (ePHOTOzine and The Digital Picture)Internal zooming maintains physical length
Weather resistanceSealed against dust and moisture; rubber gasket around the lens mountDust- and moisture-resistant construction with a rubber gasket at the mount
Dimensions detail86.2 mm maximum diameter × 197 mm length; lens dimensions exclude caps76 mm maximum diameter × 172 mm length, measured from the mount to the lens front without caps
Weight detail1,470 g lens alone; 1,590 g with the tripod collar according to Canon's instruction manual760 g lens only according to Canon's instruction manual
Tripod mountIncluded removable rotating collar; detach the lens from the camera before removing the collarOptional A II (W) tripod mount ring; collar can be removed while the lens remains attached to the camera
Lens hoodET-86, reversible for storageET-74, reversible for storage
In the boxLens hood, tripod collar and lens case (The Digital Picture); manual identifies ET-86 hood, E-77U cap and LZ1324 caseLens hood and pouch according to Canon's launch announcement; ET-74 and LP1224 models identified in the instruction manual
Release detailMarketed in September 2001 according to Canon Camera MuseumMarketed in November 2006 according to Canon Camera Museum; the stabilised model was sold alongside the non-stabilised f/4 version

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