Canon EF 70–200mm f/4L USM vs Canon EF 80–200mm f/2.8L

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

Better figure, where one is clearly better

EF 70–200mm f/4L USM compared with EF 80–200mm f/2.8L
CanonEF 70–200mm f/4L USMCanonEF 80–200mm f/2.8L
Overview
ReleasedSeptember 1999September 1989
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length70–200 mm80–200 mm
Maximum aperturef/4f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/32f/32
Optical construction16 elements in 13 groups16 elements in 13 groups
Special elementsOne fluorite and two UD elements–
DiaphragmEight bladesEight blades
Angle of viewDiagonal 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 supportCompatible 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/8Not compatible with Canon EF extenders according to Bob Atkins
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance1.2 m1.8 m
Maximum magnification0.21×0.13×
Optical stabilisationNoNo
Autofocus detailRing-type USM with mechanical full-time manual focus overrideAutofocus without USM or full-time manual override according to Bob Atkins; Ken Rockwell identifies an Arc Form Drive motor
Focus distance detailInternal focusing; front does not rotate (The Digital Picture); maximum 0.21× magnification at 200 mmNon-rotating front during focusing according to Bob Atkins; internal focusing according to Ken Rockwell
Stabilisation detail–No optical image stabilisation according to Ken Rockwell
Design
Dust and moisture resistantNo–
Filter diameter67 mm72 mm
Maximum diameter76 mm84 mm
Length172 mm185.7 mm
Weight705 g–
ControlsAF/MF switch and focus limiter, with full 1.2 m–infinity range or 3 m–infinity (ePHOTOzine)Separate zoom and focus rings; focus limiter and manual focus switch according to Bob Atkins
Zoom designInternal zooming maintains physical length (ePHOTOzine and The Digital Picture)Internal zooming maintains physical length according to Ken Rockwell
Weather resistanceNot weather sealed according to The Digital Picture–
Dimensions detail76 mm maximum diameter × 172 mm length84 mm maximum diameter × 185.7 mm length
Weight detail705 g according to Canon's UK specifications and Camera MuseumCanon Camera Museum specifies 1,330 g without identifying whether the collar is included. Ken Rockwell measures 1,276.4 g without the collar and 1,411.95 g with it; these are sample measurements, not the maker's lens-only figure.
Tripod mountOptional Ring Tripod Mount A (W) at launch; The Digital Picture also identifies compatible A II (W)Removable tripod collar according to Bob Atkins
Lens hoodET-74Supplied hood according to Bob Atkins; Ken Rockwell identifies ES-79
In the boxLens hood and case according to Canon Camera Museum; tripod collar sold separatelyLens hood and hard case according to Bob Atkins
Release detailMarketed in September 1999 according to Canon Camera MuseumMarketed in September 1989 according to Canon Camera Museum; Canon identifies the March 1995 EF 70–200mm f/2.8L USM as its successor

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