5th January 2010 – Canon today adds to its acclaimed L-series with the launch of the new EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM telephoto zoom lens. The lens launches as the successor to the immensely popular EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM, offering improved performance in every area.
True to the L-series’ heritage, the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM delivers optical excellence in the most challenging situations. As well as a revamp of the internal optical system, the lens has also been structurally re-developed as a direct result of user feedback, making it as robust and reliable as it is optically advanced.
“Reuters’ photographers have used the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM for a number of years and it allows photographers a great level of flexibility,” said Reuters Production Editor Kevin Coombs. “The focal length, fast aperture and Image Stabilizer all contribute to it being a workhorse lens and you’ll find it in many professional photographers’ camera bags. I’m very much looking forward to seeing the improvements offered by the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM.”
Premium quality, premium performance
The EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM features a re-designed optical system, consisting of 23 elements in 19 groups to deliver truly impressive results. A high-performance fluorite element is used at the heart of the lens path, coupled with no fewer than five ultra-low dispersion (UD) elements, drastically reducing chromatic aberration throughout the zoom range to produce high contrast images with edge-to-edge definition.
A high-speed Auto Focus (AF) system perfectly matches the abilities of the recently-launched EOS-1D Mark IV and EOS 7D Digital SLR (DSLR) cameras. The new model also features a ring-type USM AF motor, which combines with a new high-speed CPU and an optimised AF algorithm to make auto focusing both faster and quieter.
A reduced minimum focusing distance of 1.2 metres (3.9 ft) and improved 0.21x magnification will allow photographers to get closer to subjects without needing to swap lenses – greatly benefitting time-pressured news and events photographers who require flexibility. An updated Image Stabilizer mechanism also offers a shutter speed advantage equivalent to four-stops, reducing the effect of image blur resulting from camera shake in busy shooting environments.
Enhanced design, exceptional ease of use
As well as an update to the internal construction, the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM features an enhanced external appearance to improve lens operation. The thickness of protruding exterior parts and switches has been significantly reduced, guarding against accidental switching and creating an improved overall look. The rubber focusing grip has also been redesigned and widened; with finely-patterned grooves making it easier to manually focus.
Being an L-series lens, the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM is fully weatherproof, making it ideal for use in all weather conditions. The mount, focus mode switch and focusing ring all feature a completely dust and drip-proof structure, preventing dust or water from getting inside the camera and lens when used with accompanying weatherproof EOS bodies. The lens has been designed to stand up to the daily wear and tear of professional usage, making it a highly durable, reliable lens for use day-to-day by professional photographers.
High quality L-series accessories
The EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM is supplied with several accessories, including the new ET-87 Lens Hood and the Ring-Type Tripod Collar B (W). A brand new Lens Case LZ1326 is also included as standard, offering quick and easy access when users need to switch lenses in time-pressured situations.
Compatibility with a range of optional Canon accessories also allows users to pair the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM with the Lens Extender EF 1.4x II, Lens Extender EF 2x II, Extension Tube EF 12 II, Extension Tube EF 25 II, and 77mm filters.
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190 Comments
Just when I thought I couldn’t afford to switch to Nikon, Canon comes along with underperforming (5dMkII AF issues) overpriced (1DMkIV, new 70-200f/2.8) and annoying (dropping the remote switch on the 580EX II) gear oh, and rumors of higher priced fixes? (3D) Give me a break. Is that you Chuck? Are you showing me the door?
Well, if Mr. Pants is right – it sounds pretty good. Mainly though it would sound reasonable. I don’t think that Canon will rise the price up to US$3000 for the new 70-200… To my mind, it’s just too much.
By the way – does anyone know the prices for the lenses in HonkKong? Want to go there in spring. Is it better to buy the prime lenses in U.S. or overseas?
I currently own a 40d and a 17-55mm( and a EX430II) and I am struggling between cannon and Nikon for a upgrade. For two weeks, I have been checking all the possible solutions. My budget is rather flexible and I am looking for two camera bodies and they can be both Nikon and Canon. My application is simple: I sell cell phones on ebay and I have a three year old pretty girl.
The new Nikon 70-200mm VR II is nice at 2400 dolor and I can buy a used D3 for 3200 from ebay. But the D3 doesn’t have vedio and the Nikon 24-70 is a sharp lens without VR. I like the canon 5D ii’s 21mp sensor and vedio but heat canon’s 24-70mm zoom and the 70-200mm f2.8 IS—inferior to Nikon’s 70-200mm VR II. Now finally the canon 70-200mm IS II is out, but you guys tell me it will cost four grands?
$1949 @ B&H. the inflation is really killer, my insurance company hates me for it too, since I keep re-insuring the same equipment for higher values and its completely legit.
Keep your shirts on boys, the MSRP on an item is rarely (read: never) the actual price.
IF you are basing your fantasy lens hunt on icelandic prices then yes, you will be disappointed, the retail price is much higher in some places in europe. This is because of IMPORT TARIFFS the local government charges, not extra money canon is making.
If you look at last model, you will see the new MK II isn’t solely released for optical improvement, but to be a cleaner, better update to an already awesome lens… the stabilizer is not only going to be better in F-stops, but also smoother because of double the axis of adjustment.
Not to forget the magnesium lens barrel so its probably going to last twice as long.
oh and if you want value go out and find a BLACK 80-200 2.8, I just picked one up last week for $500 in banged up shape with clean/clear glass.