Canon has officially announced a pair of new lenses – the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM lens (priced at $2099) and the EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM lens (priced at $1299).
Canon highlights the improvements in each of the new lens models as follows:
Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM
The new Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM features numerous updates over its predecessor, making it an ideal lens for advanced amateur photographers using Canon DSLR cameras such as the EOS 6D Mark II or EOS 80D. Most notably, Optical Image Stabilization is upgraded from three stops to five shutter speed stops1 of correction over the original f/4 lens. The improved IS allows photographers to more easily capture crisp, in-focus images without the use of a tripod. The new lens also features three IS modes, each uniquely designed and suitable for a variety of shooting situations, such as the capture of still subjects, panning or fast moving objects. Furthermore, the IS operational noise has been reduced, which proves ideal for photographers shooting in a concert hall or on-stage shooting at the theatre.
Additional noteworthy features of the Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM include:
- One fluorite lens and two UD lenses helps to provide high-image quality
- Minimum focusing distance shortened from 1.2m to 1m (3.9ft to 3.3ft)
- Super Spectra Coating technology and optimized lens element placement helps minimize ghosting and flaring
- Circular nine blade aperture producing a beautiful bokeh quality, ideal for portrait shooting
- Lens features 20 lens elements in 15 groups
- Fluorine coating on front and rear elements helps to reduce smears and fingerprints
- Inner focusing system with Ring Ultrasonic Motor
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM
The new Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM is an ideal lens for professional photographers who shoot with the Canon 1D and 5D series of DSLR cameras. The inclusion of Air Sphere Coating (ASC) technology helps to reduce flaring and ghosting, and suppresses the reflection of light.
Additional noteworthy features of the Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM include:
- Optical Image Stabilizer up to 3.5 shutter speed stops1 of correction
- Fluorine coating on front and rear elements helps to reduce smears and fingerprints
- Inner focusing system with Ring Ultrasonic Motor
- One fluorite lens and five UD lenses helps to provide high-image quality
- Minimum focusing distance of 1.2m (3.9ft)
- Lens features 23 elements in 19 groups
- Circular eight blade aperture
The Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM lens should ship later this month for $1299. You can pre-order it here at B&H Photo.
The Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM lens will be available in August for $2099. You can pre-order it here at B&H Photo.
Jared says
Naturally, this would happen right after I purchased the 70-200mm f/2.8L IS version 2.
Too bad they only added the THIRD Image Stabilization mode to the f/4 version and not the f/2.8 version of the lens.
Eric Reagan says
Hopefully, you got it during the recent instant rebate deal?
Jared says
I definitely got a good deal on mine, and will be happy with it for quite some time!
Jared says
Fact check – For the 70-200mm f.2.8L IS version 3, your post lists “Circular eight blade aperture”
On the B&H website, it says “Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm”
Eric Reagan says
My bullet list is a direct quote from Canon’s press release.
Jared says
You’re right. B&H have updated their description now.
Tim Driman says
Well done Canon! Still peddling old fashioned glass and still no Full Frame mirrorless bodies…… Looking more like a KODAK story every day that goes by with Canon still stuck in their own shadow…. :-(
Dave says
Don’t like it, don’t buy it, don’t read about it. Lots of options out there. Get a Sony and you’ll be happy.
Terry Z says
I did buy a Sony and sold all of my Canon gear.
Conny says
The 70-200 L 4.0 IS USM in my opinion belonged (next to 100 L Macro) to the best lenses Canon offered in the past. Mine was razorsharp over the whole range, IS was fantastic, too. I am really interested to see, how far they optimized IQ after 10 Years.