The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Canon 70-200mm f4.0L USM and the Canon EF 70-200 f2.8L 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 USM is the longer of the two lenses at 197mm. The Canon 70-200mm f4.0L USM with a length of 172mm, is 25mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Canon EF 70-200 f2.8L IS USM also has a larger diameter of 86mm compared to the Canon 70-200mm f4.0L 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 f4.0L USM weighs 705g, which means it is 865g (55%) lighter than the Canon EF 70-200 f2.8L IS USM which has a weight of 1570g.
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 70-200mm f4.0L USM has a filter size of 67mm whereas the Canon EF 70-200 f2.8L IS USM has a 77mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 67mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Canon 70-200mm f4.0L USM:
And these are the 77mm filters that we recommend for the Canon EF 70-200 f2.8L IS USM:
Lens Mounts
Both the Canon 70-200mm f4.0L USM and the Canon EF 70-200 f2.8L 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 70-200mm f4.0L USM has the fastest aperture of
F4.0, the Canon EF 70-200 f2.8L IS USM's widest aperture value is
F2.8.