Canon EF 70–200mm f/4L IS USM vs Canon EF 70–200mm f/4L USM
Better figure, where one is clearly better
| CanonEF 70–200mm f/4L IS USM | CanonEF 70–200mm f/4L USM | |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Released | November 2006 | September 1999 |
| Optics | ||
| Lens type | Zoom | Zoom |
| Focal length | 70–200 mm | 70–200 mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/4 | f/4 |
| Minimum aperture | f/32 | f/32 |
| Optical construction | 20 elements in 15 groups | 16 elements in 13 groups |
| Special elements | One fluorite and two UD elements | One fluorite and two UD elements |
| Coatings | Super Spectra coatings | – |
| Diaphragm | Eight blades with a circular aperture | Eight blades |
| Angle of view | Diagonal 34°–12°; vertical 19°30′–7°; horizontal 29°–10° | Diagonal 34°–12°; vertical 19°30′–7°; horizontal 29°–10° |
| Mount and compatibility | ||
| Mounts | Canon EF | Canon EF |
| Image circle | Full frame | Full frame |
| Compatibility | Canon EF mount full-frame and APS-C cameras | Canon EF mount full-frame and APS-C cameras |
| Teleconverter support | EF1.4X 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 | Compatible 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 | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Minimum focus distance | 1.2 m | 1.2 m |
| Maximum magnification | 0.21× | 0.21× |
| Optical stabilisation | Yes | No |
| Autofocus detail | Ring-type USM; full-time manual override after One-Shot autofocus while holding the shutter button halfway | Ring-type USM with mechanical full-time manual focus override |
| Focus distance detail | Internal focusing with a non-rotating front; maximum 0.21× magnification at 200 mm | Internal focusing; front does not rotate (The Digital Picture); maximum 0.21× magnification at 200 mm |
| Stabilisation detail | Four-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 resistant | Yes | No |
| Filter diameter | 67 mm | 67 mm |
| Maximum diameter | 76 mm | 76 mm |
| Length | 172 mm | 172 mm |
| Weight | 760 g | 705 g (better) |
| Controls | AF/MF, IS on/off and IS mode switches; focus limiter selects 1.2 m–infinity or 3 m–infinity | AF/MF switch and focus limiter, with full 1.2 m–infinity range or 3 m–infinity (ePHOTOzine) |
| Zoom design | Internal zooming maintains physical length | Internal zooming maintains physical length (ePHOTOzine and The Digital Picture) |
| Weather resistance | Dust- and moisture-resistant construction with a rubber gasket at the mount | Not weather sealed according to The Digital Picture |
| Dimensions detail | 76 mm maximum diameter × 172 mm length, measured from the mount to the lens front without caps | 76 mm maximum diameter × 172 mm length |
| Weight detail | 760 g lens only according to Canon's instruction manual | 705 g according to Canon's UK specifications and Camera Museum |
| Tripod mount | Optional A II (W) tripod mount ring; collar can be removed while the lens remains attached to the camera | Optional Ring Tripod Mount A (W) at launch; The Digital Picture also identifies compatible A II (W) |
| Lens hood | ET-74, reversible for storage | ET-74 |
| In the box | Lens hood and pouch according to Canon's launch announcement; ET-74 and LP1224 models identified in the instruction manual | Lens hood and case according to Canon Camera Museum; tripod collar sold separately |
| Release detail | Marketed in November 2006 according to Canon Camera Museum; the stabilised model was sold alongside the non-stabilised f/4 version | Marketed in September 1999 according to Canon Camera Museum |
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