Canon EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM Telephoto Lens for Canon SLR Cameras

by Canon

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.5 x 5.3 inches ; 1.7 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B000053HBB
• Item model number: 2529A011AA
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (36 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: September 13, 2007

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Zoom in on a favorite subject from a distance with the Canon EF 200mm telephoto lens. Offering a long focal length that lets you effectively compress the distance between the subject and camera, the lens lets you easily capture the details and feeling of a far-off scene. The lens is distinguished by two ultra-low-dispersion (UD) glass elements and a rear focusing system to correct aberrations, producing extremely sharp images. The lens also offers a natural-looking background blur and comes with a dedicated, detachable hood. The lens carries a one-year warranty.

• Focal length: 200mm
• Maximum aperture: f/2.8
• Lens construction: 9 elements in 7 groups
• Diagonal angle of view: 12 degrees
• Focus adjustment: Rear focusing system with USM
• Closest focusing distance: 4.9 feet
• Filter size: 72mm
• Dimensions: 3.3 inches in diameter, 5.4 inches long
• Weight: 1.7 pounds

Product Description

Telephoto lens boasting high image quality and carrying ease. With two UD-glass elements and rear focusing to correct aberrations, image delineation is extremely sharp. Background blur is also natural-looking, as was simulated by Canon. The lens comes with a dedicated, detachable hood.

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

123 of 128 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent for what it is, but look elsewhere for versatility, January 29, 2008

By 

David Alexander (Atlanta, GA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Canon EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM Telephoto Lens for Canon SLR Cameras (Electronics)

The grand appeal of this prime is that offers the telephoto reach and fast f/2.8 aperture of Canon's 70-200/2.8 professional lenses, but at far less cost and size. In practical terms, the 200/2.8 is fast enough to shoot nighttime football games that would have slower f/5.6 consumer zooms struggling to reign in motion blur.

Unlike consumer zooms, it also takes well to a 1.4X teleconverter, giving the equivalent of 280mm at f/4. The USM autofocus system is quick, silent, and sure in almost any lighting, and because this 200/2.8 is essentially a longer version of Canon's legendary 135/2, it's plenty sharp all the way from f/2.8. Finally, because it's small and black, the security at sporting venues is far more likely to let you take it inside.

It's not all roses though. 200mm on a 1.6X crop body is a 320mm equivalent. That's a lot of lens to handhold without stabilization. Pure sharpness doesn't stand for much when the whole frame is blurred by handshake. Despite the fast f/2.8 aperture, it takes a lot of light to keep the shutter speeds up, and this lens isn't all that forgiving below 1/400; good technique and proper bracing are essential. My copy suffers further from color fringing around highlights and loss of contrast in sunlight to a greater extent than any other lens that I own. Shooting into the sun, or with the sun just outside the frame, is not a forte.

If you want versatility, there are also better choices than the 200/2.8. Framing options are limited, and you'll rarely find the composition afforded by 200mm exactly matches what you intended. While the 70-200/2.8 series are no stronger optically than this lens, they'll get the shot every time purely by the ability to track an object at 70mm and rapidly zoom to 200mm to take the picture. The addition of IS (image stabilization) alone doubles the number of keepers on the 70-200/2.8 IS. If your livelihood depends on your results, that's worth the price of admission.

But if you're not molting fifties, and you just want a sharp and fast telephoto that'll manage better shutter speeds, sharpness, background blur, and contrast (in most circumstances) than a consumer zoom, this 200/2.8L is a great choice.

51 of 54 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An "L" Tele for a reasonable price, January 22, 2005

By 

F. Ehorn (Marana, Az USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Canon EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM Telephoto Lens for Canon SLR Cameras (Electronics)

Canon L lenses are known for their great optics and priceyness. This fast tele is an excellent value. Some pictures I took at the Phoenix zoo with this lens are superb. Use your tripod and get tack-sharp images. The only thing that would improve this lens would be the addition of the image stabilizion feature found on a few Canon optics. Of course, the advantage of large aperature lenses is that you can set a fast shutter speed and still have enough light for a shot. This lens is surprisingly compact, (as long focal length teles go). The autofocus is very fast and quiet. Comes with a hood, too.

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sharp, sharp, sharp....a wonderful lens at a great price, July 12, 2008

By 

M. ANNE (california) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Canon EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM Telephoto Lens for Canon SLR Cameras (Electronics)

This lens is Canon's biggest bargain and a rather well kept secret. The 200 f2.8 L lens is an amazing value and has the "red ring", Canon's professional rating. One shoot will convince you of it's value.
Photos taken with this lens are extremely sharp, with colors rich and deep; it takes the 1.4x teleconverter well, adding range. The lens takes sharpening extremely well. I find it easy to handhold, and rarely use my tripod. In comparison, the Canon 70-200 f2.8 was simply impossible for me to use without a tripod; it's size and weight defeated me regardless of the IS. A direct comparison of shots between the smaller 200 f2.8 and the large 70-200 showed the prime in my case to always be superior.
Although the zoom lens are a convenience I personally find I am always at the long end of the telephoto within the 70-200 range. I own 9 Canon lens, owned the 70-200 f2.8 IS L and sold it, keeping this lens in its place. The advantages are many - I find it much sharper, easier to handhold than the white lens at 200, it is possible to take it to affairs where they will not allow the big white lens, and much, much, MUCH less conspicuous. My husband uses the camera on autofocus only, and his shots are outstanding with this lens. He is an artist and has a great eye; matched with this lens he gets what he wants.
The price is outstanding for such high quality;this amazing lens is a genuine bargain in today's camera world. Let's hope that Canon doesn't wise up and price this according to it's quality. Have owned it for several years, definitely a keeper. Buy it - you will not regret it.