The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Canon EF 70-200 f2.8L IS II USM and the Canon 70-200mm f4L IS USM for their suitability to various photography scenarios:
Size and Weight Comparison
The size of a lens is a crucial factor to consider when comparing two lenses. Canon EF 70-200 f2.8L IS II USM is the longer of the two lenses at 199mm. The Canon 70-200mm f4L IS USM with a length of 172mm, is 27mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Canon EF 70-200 f2.8L IS II USM also has a larger diameter of 89mm compared to the Canon 70-200mm f4L IS USM's 76mm diameter.
The weight of a lens is equally significant as its external dimensions, particularly if you intend to handhold your camera and lens combination for extended periods. Canon 70-200mm f4L IS USM weighs 760g, 48% (730g) lighter than the Canon EF 70-200 f2.8L IS II USM's weight of 1490g.
Below you can find the dimension and weight table of the Telephoto Zoom Lenses in Canon EF Mount for size comparison purposes.
Telephoto Lenses in Canon EF Mount for Size Comparison
Filter Threads
The Canon EF 70-200 f2.8L IS II USM has a filter size of 77mm whereas the Canon 70-200mm f4L IS USM has a 67mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 77mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Canon EF 70-200 f2.8L IS II USM:
And these are the 67mm filters that we recommend for the Canon 70-200mm f4L IS USM:
Lens Mounts
Both the Canon EF 70-200 f2.8L IS II USM and the Canon 70-200mm f4L IS USM has the same Canon EF lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Canon EF lenses are Canon 1D X III, Canon 6D MII and Canon 5D MIV.
Focal Range
Both lenses have the same focal range of
70-200mm but while Canon EF 70-200 f2.8L IS II USM has the fastest aperture of
F2.8, the Canon 70-200mm f4L IS USM's widest aperture value is
F4.0.