Introduced to replace the EF 200mm F1.8L USM which was announced in 1988, the new Canon EF 200mm F2L IS USM has a smaller aperture but is embedded with Image Stabilization (IS) which is able to give up to 4 stops of image stabilization. In this test, sharp image was achieved at the setting of 1/8s, an extra stop as compared to the 4 stop Canon announced. Common rule for minimum shutter speed is 1/focal length, 1/200s in our Canon EOS 5D test.
Canon EF 200mm F2L IS USM Sample: Flower1/200s F2 ISO 100
Canon EF 200mm F2L IS USM Sample: Flower
1/200s F2 ISO 100
Canon EF 200mm F2L IS USM Sample: Still
1/200s F2 ISO 100
Canon EF 200mm F2L IS USM Sample: Still
1/200s F2 ISO 100
Canon EF 200mm F2L IS USM Sample: Monkey
1/500s F2 ISO 100
Canon EF 200mm F2L IS USM Sample: Monkey
1/500s F2 ISO 100
Canon EF 200mm F2L IS USM Sample: Bolt and Nut
1/3200s F2 ISO 100
Canon EF 200mm F2L IS USM Sample: Bolt and Nut
1/3200s F2 ISO 100
Canon EF 200mm F2L IS USM Sample: Monkey
1/500s F2 ISO 100
Canon EF 200mm F2L IS USM Sample: Monkey Eyes
1/500s F2 ISO 100
Impression
This ultra-fast telephoto, a new member of Canon legendary L-series lenses, has totally new optics to provide better image quality. It uses fluorite and UD lens elements for excellent chromatic aberration correction and consists of 17 elements in 12 groups. The built-in Optical Image Stabilizer gives it up to 4 stops of stabilization correction.
The inner USM and optimized AF algorithms result in fast and quiet auto focusing, and the circular aperture can even produce beautiful out-of-focus images. This ultra-high-performance lens also improves its durability – better dust- and water-proofing. The EF 200mm f/2L IS USM is outstanding for many available-light applications, including indoor sports, theater work, fashion, and candid at events.
The inner USM and optimized AF algorithms result in fast and quiet auto focusing, and the circular aperture can even produce beautiful out-of-focus images. This ultra-high-performance lens also improves its durability – better dust- and water-proofing. The EF 200mm f/2L IS USM is outstanding for many available-light applications, including indoor sports, theater work, fashion, and candid at events.
Build and Weight
When coupled with a 1.4x teleconvertor, the effective 35mm focal length is 280mm F2.8 on a full frame and 448mm ( 35mm equivalent) F2.8 on a APS-C sized sensor such as the Canon EOS 40D.
The EF 200mm F2L IS USM is 5cm shorter than the EF 300mm F2.8 IS USM while its 500g lighter than the old EF200mm F1.8 USM which is already end of production a few years back.
Specification
| Focal Length & Maximum Aperture | 200mm f/2 |
| Lens Construction | 17 elements in 12 groups |
| Diagonal Angle of View | 12° (on full-frame sensor camera) |
| Focus Adjustment | Inner focusing system with USM, AF with manual focus option |
| Closest Focusing Distance | 6.2 ft. / 1.9m |
| Filter Size | 52mm (Drop-in Gelatin Filter Holder) |
| Max. Diameter x Length, Weight | 5.0 in. x 8.2 in./ 128mm x 208mm (maximum lens length); 5.6 lbs./2,520g |
Sample Photos
Below are some sample photos of this lens mounted on a Canon EOS 5D full frame dslr. Photos are taken in JPEG mode and 100% cropped samples are available.
Canon EF 200mm F2L IS USM Sample: Flower1/200s F2 ISO 100
Canon EF 200mm F2L IS USM Sample: Flower
1/200s F2 ISO 100
Canon EF 200mm F2L IS USM Sample: Still
1/200s F2 ISO 100
Canon EF 200mm F2L IS USM Sample: Still
1/200s F2 ISO 100
Canon EF 200mm F2L IS USM Sample: Monkey
1/500s F2 ISO 100
Canon EF 200mm F2L IS USM Sample: Monkey
1/500s F2 ISO 100
Canon EF 200mm F2L IS USM Sample: Bolt and Nut
1/3200s F2 ISO 100
Canon EF 200mm F2L IS USM Sample: Bolt and Nut
1/3200s F2 ISO 100
Canon EF 200mm F2L IS USM Sample: Monkey
1/500s F2 ISO 100
Canon EF 200mm F2L IS USM Sample: Monkey Eyes
1/500s F2 ISO 100
The EF 200mm F2L IS USM produces greeat blurring background, performing up to the level where it is designed to, noticeble at the flower sample photo,even at 100& cropped only the focused part is seen, the petals are blurred too. However, you will be be off to purchase a macro lens if you love photographing flowers. The monkeys’ eyes are sharp at 100% cropped while in the bolt nad nut sample photo, the details and contrast of its wear and tear are clear. Stay tune for some updated of indoor, low light and sports photography sample photos.
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