Request a product

Canon EF 70–200mm f/2.8L 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 70–200mm f/2.8L USMCanonEF 70–200mm f/4L IS II USM
Overview
ReleasedMarch 1995June 2018
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length70–200 mm70–200 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/4
Minimum aperturef/32f/32
Optical construction18 elements in 15 groups20 elements in 15 groups
Special elementsFour UD elementsOne fluorite and two UD elements
CoatingsSuper Spectra coatingsSuper 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 viewHorizontal 29°–10°; vertical 19°30′–7°; diagonal 34°–12°–
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 supportCanon Extender EF1.4X gives 98–280 mm f/4; EF2X gives 140–400 mm f/5.6, with autofocus supported according to Canon–
Adaptor supportCanon Extension Tube EF12 II gives 0.22–0.06× magnification; EF25 II gives 0.41–0.14×–
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance1.5 m1 m
Maximum magnification0.16×0.27×
Optical stabilisationNoYes
Autofocus detailRing-type USM with mechanical full-time manual focusingRing-type USM with full-time manual focus override
Focus distance detailInternal focusing; non-rotating front filter thread; minimum 1.5 m focus and maximum 0.16× magnification at 200 mmMaximum 0.27× magnification at 200 mm; internal focusing according to Digital Camera World
Stabilisation detailNo optical image stabilisation (ePHOTOzine and The Digital Picture)Five-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 resistantYesYes
Filter diameter77 mm72 mm
Maximum diameter84.6 mm80 mm
Length193.6 mm176 mm
Weight1,310 g780 g
ControlsAF/MF switch, focus-range limiter, focus and zoom rings (The Digital Picture)AF/MF, IS on/off and three IS mode switches; focus limiter excludes distances below 3 m according to Digital Camera World
Zoom designInternal zooming maintains the physical length throughout the zoom range (ePHOTOzine and The Digital Picture)Internal zooming maintains physical length according to Digital Camera World
Weather resistanceCanon states water and dust resistance; The Digital Picture describes partial sealing around switches and rings, with no lens-mount gasket and a front filter needed for sealingDust- and moisture-resistant construction
Dimensions detail84.6 mm maximum diameter × 193.6 mm length80 mm maximum diameter × 176 mm length
Weight detail–Approximate 780 g maker figure; Digital Camera World specifies this excludes the optional tripod mount
Tripod mountIncluded tripod collar (ePHOTOzine and The Digital Picture)Optional A II (W II) tripod mounting ring according to Digital Camera World; the maker photograph shows this separately sold accessory
In the boxLens hood and case (Canon); lens caps and tripod collar (ePHOTOzine)Lens, pouch, caps, hood and instruction manual according to Canon UK
Release detailMarketed in March 1995 according to Canon Camera MuseumCanon 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.

More comparisons