Canon EF 70 200mm F 2 8L IS II USM Review | 54 Data compared

Bryan Carnathan’s review on The-Digital-Picture.com highlights the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens for its exceptional image quality, delivering superb sharpness, contrast, and reduced aberrations even at the widest aperture. Its robust, weather-sealed construction, fast ring-type USM autofocus, and upgraded 4-stop image stabilization make it a premier tool for professional, versatile shooting. Key downsides identified include the lens’s significant weight and bulk, which can lead to fatigue during prolonged, handheld use. Furthermore, the lens exhibits noticeable vignetting at f/2.8, and its high price point positions it as a significant investment compared to other,1-stop-slower alternatives.

The DPReview evaluation crowns the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens as a superior workhorse, offering exceptional, "streets ahead" sharpness and contrast from f/2.8 across the entire zoom range. Featuring robust weather-sealing and a rapid, precise USM motor, the lens provides an outstanding, durable build combined with highly effective four-stop image stabilization. Conversely, the review identifies the lens’s high premium cost and significant, heavy weight as primary drawbacks, making it a substantial investment geared toward professionals. Minor optical issues reported include slight vignetting at 200mm, minor longitudinal chromatic aberration, and occasional flare, though overall performance remains highly rated.

In his review on Tangents, Neil van Niekerk praises the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens for significant optical and mechanical improvements over its predecessor, including superior sharpness, better contrast at f/2.8, and fast, reliable image stabilization. The lens is highly recommended for professionals needing exceptional edge-to-edge performance, with autofocus that excels even in backlit conditions. While the lens is an excellent workhorse, the review notes its substantial weight and high cost as primary drawbacks. This expensive investment is described as a, but necessary, tool for photographers who frequently shoot in low-light environments.

The ePHOTOzine review rates the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM as a top-tier lens, highlighting outstanding sharpness, especially in the center, low chromatic aberration, and effective 4-stop image stabilization. The lens features a robust, weather-sealed construction and produces smooth bokeh, although it is heavy at 1,490g, expensive, and exhibits slight focus shift at 70mm.

The DXOMARK review of the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM telephoto lens evaluates its performance on a full-frame Canon 5D Mark II, directly comparing it to its first-generation predecessor. Pros highlighted in the test include optical consistency and a reduction in artifacts. Specifically, the version II lens successfully maintains the same high-tier standards for light transmission, distortion control, and vignetting management, while introducing the notable advantage of slightly reduced chromatic aberrations compared to the original model. However, the review outlines distinct cons regarding image resolution and field uniformity for full-frame users. The newer version II lens offers a lower maximum resolution of 51 lp/mm, falling short of the excellent 61 lp/mm achieved by the older Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM. This drop in overall sharpness stems from a less homogenous rendering behavior across the photographic field. Because of this uneven edge performance, the final lab score tips slightly in favor of the first-generation lens, making the original model DXOMARK's preferred choice for core telephoto applications like travel and sports photography. Notably, DXOMARK mentions that these resolution discrepancies...

The Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM is highly praised as a highly versatile, top-tier lens ideal for portrait and indoor sports photography due to its fast aperture and functional focal range. Optically, the lens delivers incredible sharpness, strong contrast, acceptable vignetting, and a 4-stop image stabilization system that effectively counteracts hand tremors. Built with an all-metal case, 23 glass elements, and a fast, quiet Ultrasonic Motor (USM), it provides consistent, professional reliability. However, the reviewer notes that the Tamron 70-200mm alternative offers nearly identical image quality at a savings of over $1,000, making the high $2,500 price tag of the Canon hard to justify for average shooters. Several notable drawbacks impact user experience and specific shooting scenarios. The lens weighs a substantial 1,490 grams (2.9 pounds) and features a shallow tripod foot that makes hand-holding uncomfortable, though user comments note the mount can be removed entirely. Furthermore, its bokeh has harsher edges than its predecessor, which can make neutral backgrounds like clouds or grass look less smooth. For close-up work, the lens is not a suitable macro option;...

The Photography Life review highlights the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM as a top-tier telephoto zoom, boasting exceptional, tack-sharp image quality across all focal lengths even at f/2.8. Key advantages include robust weather-sealed construction, highly effective four-stop image stabilization, and fast, accurate autofocus. Conversely, the review notes the lens is quite heavy at nearly 3.3 lbs (1.49 kg), leading to potential fatigue during extended handheld use. Other mentioned drawbacks include moderate vignetting at maximum aperture at longer focal lengths, notable focus breathing, and a high cost, making it best suited for professional use.

Ken Rockwell calls the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM a top professional telephoto zoom, praising its exceptional sharpness, fast AF, and effective 4-stop Image Stabilization. The lens features an improved, durable construction with 23 elements, providing superior performance and a closer 4-foot focusing distance compared to its predecessor. While delivering top-tier optics, drawbacks include significant weight and bulk, making it heavy for extended handheld shooting. Additionally, it is a very expensive, premium lens with standard zoom distortion, including minor barrel distortion at 70mm and pincushion at 200mm, although these are considered minor and correctable.

The Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens is a professional-grade telephoto zoom designed for sports, event, and portrait photography, featuring a robust, moisture-resistant design and a 4-stop image stabilizer. Key improvements include enhanced optical performance, a shorter minimum focusing distance, and significantly upgraded weather sealing compared to its predecessor. Photo Review However, the lens is a substantial investment with an RRP of $3,589 AUD, and its 1.570-kilogram weight can lead to user fatigue during prolonged use.