Canon revamps its EF 70-200mm lens line-up

Canon has today announced updated versions of two of its mainstays in the EF lens line-up: the EF 70-200mm f4L IS II USM and the EF 70-200mm f2.8L IS III USM.

Commenting on the launch of the EF 70-200mm f4L IS II USM and EF 70-200mm f2.8L IS III USM, Michael Burnhill, European Product Specialist, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon Europe, said: "Following feedback from our global photography community, we are very proud to be introducing these two lenses. The EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM epitomises the very finest in L-series optical technology, whilst being compact in size, robust and lightweight, and the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM offers unbeatable performance, versatility and durability."

Superior quality, robust and compact design – the EF 70-200mm f4L IS II USM

The Mark II version of this affordable mid-telephoto lens offers numerous improvements over its predecessor. The lens features enhanced image stabilisation (IS) – from 3 stops to 5 – and now has three IS modes for different action scenarios.

Both the optics and the electronics have been upgraded. The f4 version has 20 elements in 15 groups, has two UD lens and one fluorite lens elements for improved image quality and Canon-engineered Super Spectra Coating (SSC) for reduced ghosting and flare. An extra diaphram blade has also been introduced – taking it up to nine – for more rounded out-of-focus highlights.

The EF 70-200mm f4L IS II USM uses a combination of a Ring USM and a new third generation EF engine, which features a new control CPU and newly developed firmware, to drive greater speed and accuracy in achieving high-speed autofocus. The minimum focusing distance has been reduced, compared to the Mark I f4 lens, and you can now get within one metre of your subject, for 0.27x magnification.

The EF 70-200mm f4L IS II USM comes supplied with the dedicated lens hood ET-78B and is available from summer 2018 with an SRP of £1,299.99/€1,519.99, with an optional tripod mount ring AII (WII) available separately.

Full press release and specifications of the EF 70-200mm f4L IS II USM

High-performance, versatile and durable – the EF 70-200mm f2.8L IS III USM

The Mark III version of the highly-regarded f2.8L lens is a more modest upgrade. Following feedback

from its professional users, Canon has concentrated on reducing ghosting and flare by the addition of new and improved optical coatings to the existing lens elements. As well as the existing Super Spectra Coatings – which Canon says it has improved within this lens – it has also added Air Sphere Coating (ASC) to the rear of one of the 23 lens elements.

The EF 70-200mm f2.8L IS III USM comes supplied with a dedicated lens hood, tripod collar and lens bag, and is available from summer 2018 with an SRP of £2,149.99/€2,499.99.

Full press release and specifications of the EF 70-200mm f2.8L IS III USM

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