Canon EF 80–200mm f/2.8L

Canon · EF

EF 80–200mm f/2.8L

Released September 1989

A Canon EF full-frame telephoto zoom with a constant f/2.8 aperture, separate zoom and focus rings, autofocus and a removable tripod collar.

Mount
Canon EF
Focal length
80–200 mm
Max aperture
f/2.8
Stabilisation
No
Weight
–

What reviewers say

Bob Atkins and Ken Rockwell praise sharpness, robust construction and fast, accurate autofocus. Both note corner darkening at 200 mm wide open and the absence of full-time manual override. Atkins finds autofocus quiet; Rockwell hears the motor whine. Rockwell's full-frame testing also finds softer corners that improve when stopped down, and he considers its weight a drawback for walking.

From bobatkins.com and kenrockwell.com

Optics

Lens type
Zoom
Focal length
80–200 mm
Maximum aperture
f/2.8
Minimum aperture
f/32
Optical construction
16 elements in 13 groups
Diaphragm
Eight blades

Mount and compatibility

Mounts
Canon EF
Image circle
Full frame
Compatibility
Canon EF mount full-frame and APS-C cameras
Teleconverter support
Not compatible with Canon EF extenders according to Bob Atkins

Focus and stabilisation

Autofocus
Yes
Minimum focus distance
1.8 m
Maximum magnification
0.13×
Optical stabilisation
No
Autofocus detail
Autofocus without USM or full-time manual override according to Bob Atkins; Ken Rockwell identifies an Arc Form Drive motor
Focus distance detail
Non-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

Filter diameter
72 mm
Maximum diameter
84 mm
Length
185.7 mm
Controls
Separate zoom and focus rings; focus limiter and manual focus switch according to Bob Atkins
Zoom design
Internal zooming maintains physical length according to Ken Rockwell
Dimensions detail
84 mm maximum diameter × 185.7 mm length
Weight detail
Canon 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 mount
Removable tripod collar according to Bob Atkins
Lens hood
Supplied hood according to Bob Atkins; Ken Rockwell identifies ES-79
In the box
Lens hood and hard case according to Bob Atkins
Release detail
Marketed in September 1989 according to Canon Camera Museum; Canon identifies the March 1995 EF 70–200mm f/2.8L USM as its successor

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Constant f/2.8 maximum aperture
  • Removable tripod collar
  • Non-rotating filter thread

Cons

  • No optical stabilisation
  • No full-time manual focus override
  • Not compatible with Canon EF extenders

Closest rivals

Model
MountFocal lengthMax apertureStabilisationWeightReleased
Canon EF70–200 mmf/2.8No1,310 gMar 1995
Canon EF70–200 mmf/2.8Yes1,470 gSept 2001
Canon EF70–200 mmf/4No705 gSept 1999

Newer model: EF 70–200mm f/2.8L USM.

Sources

  1. global.canon/en/c-museum/product/ef285.html
  2. global.canon/en/c-museum/product/ef325.html
  3. bobatkins.com/photography/reviews/80-200L.html
  4. kenrockwell.com/canon/lenses/80-200mm-f28.htm

Photo: global.canon

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