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Canon EF 70–200mm f/4L USM

Canon · EF

EF 70–200mm f/4L USM

Released September 1999

A Canon EF full-frame telephoto zoom with a constant f/4 aperture, ring-type USM autofocus and a 705 g body without optical stabilisation.

Mount
Canon EF
Focal length
70–200 mm
Max aperture
f/4
Stabilisation
No
Weight
705 g

What reviewers say

Both reviewers appreciate light weight, construction and consistent image quality, finding it good value for outdoor photography. The Digital Picture finds strong wide-open sharpness and well-controlled chromatic aberration. ePHOTOzine sees weaker long-end performance and more concerning colour fringing on its original EOS-1D. Both note the tripod collar costs extra, while the f/4 aperture limits low-light action.

From ephotozine.com and the-digital-picture.com

Specifications

Report a wrong or missing spec

Optics

Lens type
Zoom
Focal length
70–200 mm
Maximum aperture
f/4
Minimum aperture
f/32
Optical construction
16 elements in 13 groups
Special elements
One fluorite and two UD elements
Diaphragm
Eight blades
Angle of view
Diagonal 34°–12°; vertical 19°30′–7°; horizontal 29°–10°

Mount and compatibility

Mounts
Canon EF
Image circle
Full frame
Compatibility
Canon EF mount full-frame and APS-C cameras
Teleconverter support
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
Minimum focus distance
1.2 m
Maximum magnification
0.21×
Optical stabilisation
No
Autofocus detail
Ring-type USM with mechanical full-time manual focus override
Focus distance detail
Internal focusing; front does not rotate (The Digital Picture); maximum 0.21× magnification at 200 mm

Design

Dust and moisture resistant
No
Filter diameter
67 mm
Maximum diameter
76 mm
Length
172 mm
Weight
705 g
Controls
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 (ePHOTOzine and The Digital Picture)
Weather resistance
Not weather sealed according to The Digital Picture
Dimensions detail
76 mm maximum diameter × 172 mm length
Weight detail
705 g according to Canon's UK specifications and Camera Museum
Tripod mount
Optional Ring Tripod Mount A (W) at launch; The Digital Picture also identifies compatible A II (W)
Lens hood
ET-74
In the box
Lens hood and case according to Canon Camera Museum; tripod collar sold separately
Release detail
Marketed in September 1999 according to Canon Camera Museum

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Constant f/4 maximum aperture
  • 705 g weight
  • Full-time manual focus override

Cons

  • No optical stabilisation
  • Tripod collar sold separately

Closest rivals

Model
MountFocal lengthMax apertureStabilisationWeightReleased
CanonEF 70–200mm f/2.8L IS USM
Canon EF70–200 mmf/2.8Yes1,470 gSept 2001
CanonEF 70–200mm f/4L IS USM
Canon EF70–200 mmf/4Yes760 gNov 2006
CanonEF 70–200mm f/2.8L USM
Canon EF70–200 mmf/2.8No1,310 gMar 1995

Sources

  1. canon.co.uk/lenses/ef-70-200mm-f-4l-usm-lens/specification.html
  2. global.canon/en/c-museum/product/ef356.html
  3. ephotozine.com/article/canon-70-200mm-f-4-l-usm-review-4363
  4. the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-70-200mm-f-4.0-L-USM-Lens-Review.aspx

Photo: global.canon

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