Canon Announces the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III and EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II

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<em><strong>Next Generation of EF 70-200mm Lenses Features a Variety of Updates Including Enhanced Optical Image Stabilization in the f/4 and the Inclusion of Air Sphere Coating in the f/2.8</strong></em></p>
<p><strong>MELVILLE, N.Y., June 7, 201</strong>8 – Canon U.S.A. Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today introduced two new telephoto zoom lenses, the Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM and Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM. The new lenses serve advanced amateur and professional photographers in a variety of applications and solutions including wildlife, landscapes, portrait and sports photography. Canon EF 70-200mm focal-length lenses are a popular option for photographers in need of a long zoom range that maintains a relatively compact design. In addition, these updated lenses inherit the same overall build-quality and ruggedness photographers have come to expect from the Canon EF L-series line of lenses.</p>
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<p>“At the core of image capturing, Canon believes the lens is just as important as the camera. A seamless relationship between the two allows photographers to produce emotion-evoking and timeless images,” said Kazuto Ogawa, president and chief operating officer, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “Canon is excited to offer photographers two distinct options in the 70-200mm focal-length, continuing to further expand our optics heritage.”</p>
<p><strong>Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM

</strong>

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 stops 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 objects2. 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.</p>
<p>Additional noteworthy features of the Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM include:</p>
<ul>
<li>One fluorite lens and two UD lenses helps to provide high-image quality</li>
<li>Minimum focusing distance shortened from 1.2m to 1m (3.9ft to 3.3ft)</li>
<li>Super Spectra Coating technology and optimized lens element placement helps minimize ghosting and flaring</li>
<li>Circular nine blade aperture producing a beautiful bokeh quality, ideal for portrait shooting</li>
<li>Lens features 20 lens elements in 15 groups</li>
<li>Fluorine coating on front and rear elements helps to reduce smears and fingerprints</li>
<li>Inner focusing system with Ring Ultrasonic Motor</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Preorder the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III:</strong> <a href="https://bhpho.to/2LweEeK">B&H Photo</a> | Amazon | <a href="https://mpex.com/canon-ef-70-200mm-f2-8l-is-iii-usm-lens.html?acc=3">Midwest Photo*</a> | <a href="https://www.adorama.com/ca702003isu.html?kbid=64393">Adorama</a></p>
<p><strong>Preorder the Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II:</strong> <a href="https://bhpho.to/2Jh1CoG">B&H Photo</a> | Amazon | <a href="https://mpex.com/canon-ef-70-20mm-f4-l-is-ii-usm-lens.html?acc=3">Midwest Photo*</a> | <a href="https://www.adorama.com/ca7020042.html?kbid=64393">Adorama</a></p>
<p><em>*Midwest Photo is offering two free years of CarePAK with all prorders.</em></p>
<p><strong>Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM

</strong>

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.</p>
<p>Additional noteworthy features of the Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Optical Image Stabilizer up to 3.5 shutter speed stops of correction</li>
<li>Fluorine coating on front and rear elements helps to reduce smears and fingerprints</li>
<li>Inner focusing system with Ring Ultrasonic Motor</li>
<li>One fluorite lens and five UD lenses helps to provide high-image quality</li>
<li>Minimum focusing distance of 1.2m (3.9ft)</li>
<li>Lens features 23 elements in 19 groups</li>
<li>Circular eight blade aperture</li>
</ul>
<p>The Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II is scheduled to begin shipping in late June 2018 with an estimated retail price of $1,299.00. The Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III is scheduled to begin shipping in August 2018 for an estimated retail price of $2,099.00.</p>
<p>For additional information regarding the lenses improved performance over predecessors please visit, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFTBw7-8gdk&feature=youtu.be." target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFTBw7-8gdk&feature=youtu.be.</a></p>
<p><strong>Preorder the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III:</strong> <a href="https://bhpho.to/2LweEeK">B&H Photo</a> | Amazon | <a href="https://mpex.com/canon-ef-70-200mm-f2-8l-is-iii-usm-lens.html?acc=3">Midwest Photo*</a> | <a href="https://www.adorama.com/ca702003isu.html?kbid=64393">Adorama</a></p>
<p><strong>Preorder the Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II:</strong> <a href="https://bhpho.to/2Jh1CoG">B&H Photo</a> | Amazon | <a href="https://mpex.com/canon-ef-70-20mm-f4-l-is-ii-usm-lens.html?acc=3">Midwest Photo*</a> | <a href="https://www.adorama.com/ca7020042.html?kbid=64393">Adorama</a></p>
<p><em>*Midwest Photo is offering two free years of CarePAK with all prorders.</em></p>

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unfocused

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Dvash7 said:
...It's like the f/4 II is an actual upgrade, while the f/2.8 III is just a rehash with whiter lens coating...

That’s correct. I wasn’t expecting anything big, but I’m still surprised at just how little has been changed.
 
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H. Jones

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I'm pretty surprised by the f/2.8 just being a rehash, but to be fair, theres very little I would have changed either if you asked me to update it.

Glad to see it at least matches other Canon white glass now, but not sure I'll be picking one up anytime soon. Seems more like this is for news orgs with deep pockets and for those who dont have a 70-200 yet. The reality is that it's not hard for Canon to sell a 70-200 f/2.8, they're gonna sell no matter what.
 
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ahsanford

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Aug 16, 2012
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Ummm... Is it the exact same optical design for the f/2.8L IS III?! That would be a shocking move for a flagship instrument like this.

TDP implies yes: https://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Lens-Specifications.aspx?Lens=687&LensComp=1197 --> same elements count, same hood, same filter diameter

PB outright says yes: https://www.thephoblographer.com/2018/06/07/the-new-canon-70-200mm-lens-updates-are-very-perplexing/

- A
 
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ahsanford

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Confirmed around 1:55 in the video. Same optics (in the f/2.8 ) but new coating. Same blade count, filter size, same IS, same AF speed, and the same hood as well (no CPL window in the hood for us :'().

WOW. I'm floored. No wonder the price is so low -- they only had to work on the outer structure / weight / handling.

- A
 
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ethanz said:
But this video claims both lenses have "increased resolution." Which is interesting to note. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pP8aBZdXLJQ

The improved IS in the f4 for video looks really nice.

These lenses are certainly priced right.

Considering Rudy didn't mention this, I'd say Shaun from Digi Direct may be wrong or only referring to the f4 version.

Nonetheless, having both the predecessors the f4 will be a certain upgrade for me. I think I will hold on to my 2.8 II IS for a while yet.
 
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ethanz

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melbournite said:
ethanz said:
But this video claims both lenses have "increased resolution." Which is interesting to note. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pP8aBZdXLJQ

The improved IS in the f4 for video looks really nice.

These lenses are certainly priced right.

Considering Rudy didn't mention this, I'd say Shaun from Digi Direct may be wrong or only referring to the f4 version.

Nonetheless, having both the predecessors the f4 will be a certain upgrade for me. I think I will hold on to my 2.8 II IS for a while yet.

The f4 seems like a no brainer for upgrading. Looks like a great lens update. Canon is tempting me with gas for a second 70-200, travel version with the new f4...
 
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I was going to complain with a "you call that an update for the 2.8?!" comment but I'll cut Canon some slack. The changes probably cost little to implement on the manufacturing side and there's a lot to be gained in customer perception/spending by having their top 70-200 appear fresh and modern. Still....it's a slippery slope to meaningless updates that happen every year just to move more units (COUGH***RX100 line***COUGH)...

Now can we please have a 135mm f/2 IS?
 
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ahsanford

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Someone please help me understand how Canon just phoned in the redesign of one of their legendary and most heavily used instruments. It is the same damn lens with (presumably) better flare control and a new coat of paint. That's it.

I get the Mk II is a tough act to follow. So why not wait until you can follow it with something clearly better?

- A
 
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