You probably have already done your research on this lens, so I will come at this review with a different approach. At first, I owned the
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras
. This particular lens was my first L lens and I was DEFINITELY blown away by the image quality and speed of the auto-focus. I wanted the 70-200 IS version II, however, I could not afford it at that time.
The 70-200 2.8 NON-IS is very amazing. I've shot events, weddings, and models with this lens and BOY, this was a lens that captivated on-lookers and brought lots of customers to me. Having a "white" lens tends to give you a professional look as everyone drawn to the 70-200 thought I have been a professional for many years however, at that time, I'd only been serious for a couple of months. It was definitely heavy, however, I wasn't bothered by it unless I was shooting a wedding with it. Even though this lens didn't have IS, I learned how to utilize my flashes to the best of my ability so that I wouldn't have to spend too much time shooting under 1/200th of a second. Check out the
Speedliter's Handbook: Learning to Craft Light with Canon Speedlites
if you want to learn how to master various Canon flash techniques. I also have a
Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM Lens for Canon DSLR Cameras
. Even though the 17-55 is VERY sharp, the 70-200 2.8 NON-IS is even sharper however, not by a blow-out. The auto-focus is just TOO FAST! It seems to focus very well in complete darkness and when mounted on my
Canon EOS 7D 18 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 3-Inch LCD (Body Only)
, my only issue is staying humble because I know I'm about to take some great images, as long as I shot between 1/200th and 1/250th of a second of course.
One thing I needed with the NON-IS "is" image stabilization. I got tired of being limited by my x-sync speed of 1/250th and 1/200th respectively. I saw lots of shots that I wanted with only the ambient light, however, my keeper rate below 1/200th was not very great, and when I'm in the "zone" I didn't want to think about adjusting my shutter speed to my zoom range. My clients still had a great amount of pictures, however, I knew that if I wanted to go to the next level, I needed image stabilization.
Sooooo, the search was on! I never stopped stalking the 70-200 IS II however, for a while, I thought of getting the
Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 APO EX DG HSM OS FLD Large Aperture Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon Digital DSLR Camera
. This is the part I need everyone to pay attention because there are not a lot of reviews on the Sigma 70-200 2.8 OS. As far as my research and experiments are concerned, the Sigma 70-200 2.8 OS IS A STEAL!!!!! It was a tad bit sharper than my Canon 70-200 NON-IS, the auto-focus is just as fast, and it is a little ligher in weight than my Canon 70-200 NON-IS! Maybe the Sigma version was sharper because of it's OS (Optical Stabilization), Sigma's version of image stabilization. Also, at the time of this review, the Sigma 70-200 OS is about $600 cheaper than the Canon 70-200 2.8 IS II and the Sigma version also has 4 stops of stabilization.
So, you may be asking yourselves this, "Why did he choose the Canon version over the Sigma if the Sigma version is A STEAL?" There were a couple of reasons.
1. I fell in love with the attention I received from having a white lens.
2. The Canon version has a focus limiter switch.
3. The Canon version focuses almost a foot closer!
4. The Canon version is a little sharper.
5. The Canon version is weather sealed.
To be honest, numbers 1 - 3 matter the most to me. The other reasons are not very significant.
After I bought the 70-200 version II, to be honest, at first I thought it isn't much sharper than the NON-IS nor the Sigma 70-200 OS. Turn the IS switch off, and you have the 70-200 NON-IS all over again, quality wise in my opinion. Version II is noticeably heavier that the NON-IS. I did notice the better lens hood on version II though. I wasn't upgrading for quality though, I just needed IS and BOY, was I stabilized! I also have a
Kenko 1.4X PRO 300 Teleconverter DGX for Canon EOS Digital SLRs
. When I put the version II on the Kenko 1.4 tele-converter, I was able to zoom in to 280mm and pull off sharp shots at 1/5th of a freakin second handheld!!!! OMG!!!!
I know at first I said that version II is not much sharper than the non-is, however, I did more testing and I proceeded to cuss myself out for being a complete idiot! At 2.8, this lens is STUPID SHARP!!!!! The NON-IS is pretty good at 2.8, and stopping down to 8.0 showed me crazy sharpness, however, the version two is just as sharp at 2.8 as the non-is at 8.0! I almost feel like there is no reason to stop down to 8.0 on version II, if you are concerned about sharpness. I also used to never shoot above 4000 ISO however, with version II, I see great shots at 6400 ISO with my 7D! I even have a better keeper rate at 12400 ISO with my 7D! I still need to test version II on my
Canon EOS Rebel T1i 15.1 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 3-Inch LCD and EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens
to see if I get similar results. I also learned the benefits of having a focus limiter switch on version II. The non-is has one, however, I never really experimented with it. Also, the auto-focus of version II is just as fast as the Sigma OS and the Canon non-is version.
Let me use this paragraph to give the Sigma 70-200 2.8 OS it's props. The fact that it can be compared to the king of all 70-200s says a lot about Sigma. I was shooting the Dallas Fashion Week of 2012 and I saw a fellow photographer knocking down GREAT shots with the
Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 APO EX DG HSM OS FLD Large Aperture Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon Digital DSLR Camera
! From her LCD screen at least, I couldn't tell the difference between her Sigma and my Canon. Also, if you wouldn't like a lot of attention from a white lens, the Sigma version could suit you fine. Had I not been able to afford version II, I would have bought the Sigma version in a heartbeat!
So, the bottom line is this: If you have the funds, go either Sigma or Canon. You won't go wrong with either. If you want to use your lens as a sort of marketing assistant, go for Canon. You "will" be approached by potential clients at public events. If you want the "best of the best" go Canon version II. If you want to save money and get a great deal, go Sigma. I'm only saying this because the Sigma OS version is STUPIDLY underrated! If you are a pixel peeper, you already know you need only Canon L quality. Now, if weight is an issue, you better go ahead and get the
Canon EF 70-200mm f/4 L IS USM Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras
. I have also tested out that lens and it is ligher than my 17-55! Also, from my research, I hear that it is just as sharp as 2.8 version II. Some sources report F4 IS as being sharper than 2.8 version II! One more point, if you don't need 2.8, just go ahead and get the F4 IS. If you study hard with strobist photography, you can get by without needing to go below F4 for in-door events, if flashes are allowed wherever you shoot. Before I bought version II, because I'm pretty good with off-camera flashes, I rarely shot below f-stop 5.0, even with my 17-55! Check out
Captured by the Light: The Essential Guide to Creating Extraordinary Wedding Photography
if you want more info on off-camera lighting. I didn't chose F4 IS because I wanted to have more creative options with F2.8.
At times, the white lens can be bothersome. It `is' heavy, and I've noticed that I get tired a lot quicker with version II than the non-is. Also, you may want to pull off some discrete photos however, the white color will tattle-tale on you sometimes. I'm considering getting the Lenscoat Neoprene Lens Cover for Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS II Lens (Black) for those particular moments.
I can't believe God has actually blessed me with such a powerful weapon! What made buying this lens a tad better is that Amazon gave me a $100 discount as a gold box deal! I have been watching this lens since it came out and I have prayed about getting this lens as well. It is definitely a blessing to have this lens and even though 1,969.00 is very steep, it is DEFINITELY worth every penny!
PS: If you are saving up for this lens, I have noticed that the best time to buy this lens is during the holidays. Right now, at the time of this post, the price is $2,069.00. For the majority of the year this lens may be $2,399.00 or above! That could make the Sigma OS version more attractive as it will then be $1,000 cheaper!
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 | Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras, White - 3044C002 | Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L is II USM Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras (Renewed) | Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras, White - 2309C002 | Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM Telephoto Zoom Lens for SLR Cameras | Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L is II USM Lens, Lens Only | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Customer Rating | (812) | (457) | (46) | (134) | (608) | (499) |
| Price | $1,999.00 | $2,099.00 | $1,367.01 | $1,499.00 | $697.00 | $2,399.00 |
| Sold By | Camera Wholesalers Authorized Dealer | Amazon.com | Minty Gadgets (we track serial numbers) | Amazon.com | HOTOTRONICS | Amazon.com |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 7.83 x 3.5 x 3.5 inches | 7.8 x 3.5 x 3.5 inches | — | 6.9 x 3.1 x 3.1 inches | 7.64 x 3.35 x 3.35 inches | 7.6 x 3.7 x 3.7 inches |
| Item Weight | 2.90 lbs | 3.18 lbs | 4.67 lbs | 1.72 lbs | 2.90 lbs | 3.46 lbs |
| Lens Type | Telephoto | Telephoto | Telephoto | Telephoto | Telephoto | Telephoto |
| Maximum Aperture | 2.8 | f/2.8 | f/2.8 | f/4 | f/32 | 4.5 |
| Maximum Focal Length | 200 millimeters | 200 | 200.0 millimeters | 200 | 70 | 400 millimeters |
| Maximum Aperture Range | F2.8 | f/2.8-32 | — | f/4 - f/32 | F2.8 | F4.5 - F5.6 |
| Maximum Format Size | 35mm FF | Full Frame | Full Frame | Full Frame | 35mm full frame | 35mm full frame |
| Minimum Aperture | 32 | 32 | 2.8 | 32 | f/2.8 | 4.5 |
| Minimum Focal Length | 70 millimeters | 70 | 70.0 millimeters | 70 | 200 | 100 millimeters |
| Minimum Operating Distance | 1.2 meters | — | — | — | 1.5 meters | 0.98 meters |
| Photo Filter Thread Size | 77 millimeters | — | — | — | 77 millimeters | 77 millimeters |
Videos
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Honest Review of Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM II
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From the manufacturer
Telephoto Zoom Lens
EF 70–200mm f/2.8L IS II USM
The EF 70–200mm f/2.8L IS II USM brings the performance and quality designed to exceed the expectations of professionals. As an L-Series lens, it provides amazing optical quality, an advanced Optical Image Stabilizer, dust- and water-resistance and other great features for rigorous professional use.
-
Great Optical Performance
L-Series Lens
The EF 70–200mm f/2.8L IS II USM offers outstanding optics, reliable performance and refined design.
-
Great Optical Performance
Dust & Water-resistant
The EF 70–200mm f/2.8L IS II USM is constructed so that it is dust-, water- and smudge-resistant.
-
Great Optical Performance
Reduced Distortion
The EF 70–200mm f/2.8L IS II USM brings high quality images and helps minimize chromatic aberration.
1 L-Series Lens 2 Dust & Water-resistant 3 Reduced Distortion
Optical Image Stabilizer
A Sharp Image at Any Zoom Length
For consistently sharp results, the EF 70–200mm f/2.8L IS II USM boasts a powerful Image Stabilizer system that provides enhanced shake reduction for up to 4 stops* of shutter speeds. Two Optical Image Stabilizer modes are provided, with Mode 1 ideal for still subjects and Mode 2 ideal for panning.
High-speed Autofocus
To help capture every movement, the EF 70–200mm f/2.8L IS II USM uses an inner focusing ring USM (ultrasonic motor) system to help deliver fast, precise and near-silent performance. For even more refinement, the EF 70–200mm f/2.8L IS II USM offers full-time manual focus as well.
EF70-200 f/2.8L IS II USM
Compare Lenses
70-200mm | Focal Length | 70-200mm |
1:2.8 | Maximum Aperture | 1:2.8 |
23elements/19groups | Lens Construction | 18elements/15groups |
3.9 ft. (1/2m) | Min. Focus Distance | 4.9 ft. (1.5m) |
| | Optical IS | |
3.5 x 7.8 in. | Diameter x Length | 3.3 x 7.6 in. |
53 oz. (1490g) | Weight | 46 oz. (1310g) |
70-200mm | Focal Length | 70-200mm |
1:2.8 | Maximum Aperture | 1:4.0 |
23elements/19groups | Lens Construction | 20elements/15groups |
3.9 ft. (1/2m) | Min. Focus Distance | 3.9 ft. (1.2m) |
| | Optical IS | |
3.5 x 7.8 in. | Diameter x Length | 3.0 x 6.8 in. |
53 oz. (1490g) | Weight | 27 oz. (760g) |
70-200mm | Focal Length | 70-200mm |
1:2.8 | Maximum Aperture | 1:4.0 |
23elements/19groups | Lens Construction | 16elements/13groups |
3.9 ft. (1/2m) | Min. Focus Distance | 3.9 ft. (1.2m) |
| | Optical IS | |
3.5 x 7.8 in. | Diameter x Length | 3.0 x 6.8 in. |
53 oz. (1490g) | Weight | 25 oz. (705g) |
70-200mm | Focal Length | 70-200mm |
1:2.8 | Maximum Aperture | 1:2.8 |
23elements/19groups | Lens Construction | 23elements/19groups |
3.9 ft. (1/2m) | Min. Focus Distance | 3.9 ft. (1.2m) |
| | Optical IS | |
3.5 x 7.8 in. | Diameter x Length | 3.5 x 7.8 in. |
53 oz. (1490g) | Weight | 51 oz. (1480g) |
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JorgeH
Excelente lente. Claro que por el precio, no podrías pedir menos.
Reviewed in Mexico on December 30, 2016Style: Lens OnlyVerified Purchase
JorgeH
Reviewed in Mexico on December 30, 2016
Images in this review
Chris K
Incredibly crisp images possible with this lens
Reviewed in Canada on April 9, 2019Style: Lens OnlyVerified Purchase
Amazon Customer
I love using this lens
Reviewed in Canada on November 13, 2017Style: Lens OnlyVerified Purchase
Amazon Customer
I wouldn't recommend buying this through zoom electronics
Reviewed in Canada on March 5, 2017Style: Lens OnlyVerified Purchase
