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!
There is a newer model of this item:
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras, White - 3044C002
$2,099.00
(487)
Only 18 left in stock - order soon.
$2,099.00
(487)
Only 18 left in stock - order soon.
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This Item  USED Canon 70-200mm F2.8 L IS II USM EF Lens | Recommendations  |  |  |  | |
| Price | Currently unavailable. | -20% $1,199.99 New Price: $1,499.99 | -14% $1,799.99 New Price: $2,099.00 | $1,899.00 | -11% $2,499.00 List: $2,799.00 |
| Delivery | — | — | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Oct 22 | Get it as soon as Monday, Oct 21 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Oct 22 |
| Customer Ratings | |||||
| Sold By | — | Xpress Products (We track Serial Numbers) | Xpress Products (We track Serial Numbers) | Focus Camera LLC | Focus Camera LLC |
| lens type | Telephoto | Telephoto | Telephoto | zoom | Telephoto |
| compatible mountings | Canon EF | Canon EF | Canon EF | Canon EF | Canon RF |
| lens design | Zoom | Zoom | Zoom | Zoom | Zoom |
| focus type | Ring-type ultrasonic | Auto/Manual | Auto Focus | Auto Focus | Auto Focus |
| minimum focal length | 70 millimeters | 70 millimeters | — | 24 millimeters | 70 millimeters |
| max focal length | 200 millimeters | 200 millimeters | — | 70 millimeters | 200 millimeters |
| fixed focal length | 200 millimeters | 200 millimeters | — | 70 millimeters | 200 millimeters |
| model name | 2751B002 | — | canon ef | FBACN2470F28LII | 3792C002 |
| max aperture | — | 2.8 f stop | 2.8 f stop | 2.8 f stop | 200 millimeters |
| diaphragm blades | 8 | — | — | 9 | 9 |
| image stabilization | 4 stops | Optical | digital,optical image stabilization | ✗ | Optical |
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.
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Great Optical Performance
L-Series Lens
The EF 70–200mm f/2.8L IS II USM offers outstanding optics, reliable performance and refined design.
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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.
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Great Optical Performance
Reduced Distortion
The EF 70–200mm f/2.8L IS II USM brings high quality images and helps minimize chromatic aberration.
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) |
Videos
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My Favorite Lens Of All Time - Canon 70-200 2.8 IS II Review
Jacob A
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Should You Buy The 70-200mm or 35mm? #thisorthat
Teressa & Corey
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2:13
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Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM Telephoto Lens
Jason Abraham
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2:33
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Canon 70-200mm f2.8 L Series II Lens REVIEW
⭐ Kaitlin & Jared
The Beast!
It is uncommon that you find average review scores for a solid 5 stars ... This is one of those products that doesn't really have a fence to sit on - meaning, if you're on the fence just add this thing to your cart and don't look back.Many will shutter (or shudder, sorry, bad pun!) at the price of this lens,..., without a doubt I did. But if you're a professional or an amateur photographer (as myself) that simply want the best image possible with a wide aperture and great image stabilization, you will know after you take your first picture that every dime you spent on this lens was worth it! Tack-sharp images with great color saturation and beautiful bokeh at every focal length. As I've read somewhere, this lens will quite possibly replace every prime that you own in between the 70-200mm range. Honestly, the only one it might not be able to replace is the 85mm f/1.2L just due to its sheer insane aperture size! But in saying that, this hand-sized bazooka, I mean cannon, or Canon, also doubles as a phenomenal portrait lens - the very top of many professional must-have portrait lenses.The build quality is second-to-none, something you notice instantly as you unbox the lens - it just feels and screams quality. Lens is wicked fast to focus, to boot! While it has spent most of its time hand-held yielding great results, my photos of it attached to a tripod with mirror lock-up have been out of control, scary good. Sorry I just don't really know how to describe its effortlessness, just check out the photos I and many others have posted here for this thing.One of the common CONS (other than price) from other reviewers I found was regarding the weight - this thing after all, scales in about 1.5kg, about 3.2pounds. I attach it to a 5D3 and in total I've got about 5lbs I'm lugging around with only a hand strap (the neck straps just get in my way). While I do try to workout regularly and yet am no Arnold, I've walked around with this combination for 4-5 hours at a session and will admit that my right arm and shoulder do get a bit tired after a while. But I'll be honest, when I line up a great shot and just know that this thing will produce a 'wow' photo, like the background that this thing renders, the fatigue in the arm and shoulder just blur away smoothly. At this point, I have this lens attached so frequently that any other smaller lens just feels too light and inadequate (keep in mind that this maybe just an ego thing because you WILL draw looks and camera/lens-envy!).As I've stated at the beginning of the review, yeah, you see a ton of 5-stars out there. You see another from me and I'm not one to give them out easily. Don't take my word however, your hard-earned cash is too valuable in today's crazy world. If you are unsure about this lens and no one would blame you given its hefty price tag - rent it, determine if the range of focal lengths, aperture width, sharpness, image-stabilization capabilities, weight, and of course price are all something you can live with. Keep in mind there are 3 other variants of this focal length range that also might nicely fit your needs - they are all gems themselves from all the reviews I've read. This one does carry quite a premium however. One that I was willing/able to live with and haven't ever looked back.I used to say that my favorite lens was the EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro - a simply godly lens for its performance/price consideration. After making the plunge and getting acquainted with this lens however, all I can say is "why play favorites, it's nice to have options!" If you come to the decision and I know it can be a big one given the price of this beast, you won't ever regret it or get a case of buyer's remorse. It'll just bring a big smile to your face!Best of luck and good shooting!
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teissier ducros
pas du tout "comme neuf" comme le prétendait l'annonce
Reviewed in France on September 16, 2020Style: Lens OnlyVerified Purchase
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
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