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Canon EF 70-200mm F2.8L IS III USM vs Canon EF 70-200 F4L IS II USM

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Canon EF 70-200 F2.8L IS III USM

Telephoto Zoom | Canon EF

Canon EF 70-200mm F2.8L IS III USM
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Canon EF 70-200 F4L IS II USM

Telephoto Zoom | Canon EF

Canon EF 70-200 F4L IS II USM
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Canon EF 70-200 F2.8L IS III USM vs Canon EF 70-200 F4L IS II USM Comparison Overview

In this review, we will be comparing Canon EF 70-200 F2.8L IS III USM and Canon EF 70-200 F4L IS II USM, two Telephoto Zoom lenses by Canon. Both lenses have the same focal range of 70-200mm but different max apertures: Canon EF 70-200 F2.8L IS III USM has a max aperture of F2.8 while the Canon EF 70-200 F4L IS II USM has a max aperture of F4.

We will start with briefly looking and the main specs of these two lenses and in the section, we will start analyzing in more detail and list the pros and cons of each lenses.

Canon EF 70-200 F2.8L IS III USM Key Specs

  • 70-200mm Focal Range
  • F2.8 Max Aperture
  • Image Stabilization
  • Weather Sealed
  • Filter Thread: 77mm
  • Max Format: 35mm FF
  • Canon EF Mount
  • Weight: 1440g.
  • Diameter: 89mm
  • Length: 199mm
  • Min Focus Distance:1.2m

Canon EF 70-200 F4L IS II USM Key Specs

  • 70-200mm Focal Range
  • F4 Max Aperture
  • Image Stabilization
  • Weather Sealed
  • Filter Thread: 72mm
  • Max Format: 35mm FF
  • Canon EF Mount
  • Weight: 780g.
  • Diameter: 80mm
  • Length: 176mm
  • Min Focus Distance:1m
  • Max Magnification:0.27x

What type of photography are the Canon EF 70-200 F2.8L IS III USM and Canon EF 70-200 F4L IS II USM lenses good for?

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 III USM and the Canon EF 70-200 F4L IS II USM for their suitability to various photography scenarios:

Photography Type Canon EF 70-200 F2.8L IS III USM Canon EF 70-200 F4L IS II USM
Bird/WildlifeGoodGood
SportsGoodGood
PortraitAverageAverage
TravelFairFair
StreetFairFair
WeddingAverageAverage
Walk AroundAverageAverage
VloggingPoorPoor
LandscapeAverageAverage

Size and Weight Comparison

Size of a lens is an important deciding factor when comparing two lenses.Canon EF 70-200 F2.8L IS III USM is the longer of the two lenses at 199mm. The Canon EF 70-200 F4L IS II USM with a length of 176mm is 23mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Canon EF 70-200 F2.8L IS III USM also has a larger diameter of 89mm compared to Canon EF 70-200 F4L IS II USM's 80mm diameter.

Below you can find the scaled side by side image of Canon EF 70-200 F2.8L IS III USM and Canon EF 70-200 F4L IS II USM to get a better idea of how their size compare in real life.

Canon EF 70-200 F2.8L IS III USM vs Canon EF 70-200 F4L IS II USM Lens Size Comparison
Comparison image of Canon EF 70-200 F2.8L IS III USM and Canon EF 70-200 F4L IS II USM Size and Weight

Weight of a lens is as important as its external dimensions, especially if you are planning to hand hold your camera and lens combination for longer periods. Canon EF 70-200 F4L IS II USM weighs 780g, 45% (660g) lighter than the Canon EF 70-200 F2.8L IS III USM's weight of 1440g.


Below you can find the dimension and weight table of the 'Telephoto Zoom Lenses in Canon EF Mount for size comparison purposes.

Telephoto Zoom Lenses in Canon EF Mount for Size Comparison
Model Length Diameter Weight Street Price
Canon EF 70-300mm f4-5.6 IS USM Lens Canon 70-300mm f4-5.6 IS USM
143mm
77mm 630g Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 75-300mm f4.0-5.6 III Lens Canon 75-300mm f4.0-5.6 III
122mm
71mm 480g Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 70-200mm f2.8L IS II USM Lens Canon EF 70-200 f2.8L IS II USM
199mm
89mm 1490g Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 80-200mm f4.5-5.6 II Lens Canon 80-200mm f4.5-5.6 II
79mm
69mm 250g Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM S Lens Sigma 60-600mm F4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM S
269mm
120mm 2700g Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM C Lens Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM C
290mm
121mm 1930g Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM Lens Canon 100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM
193mm
94mm 1590g Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS USM Lens Canon 100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS USM
189mm
92mm 1380g Amazon B&H Photo

Lens Mounts

Both Canon EF 70-200 F2.8L IS III USM and Canon EF 70-200 F4L IS II 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

Reasons to choose Canon EF 70-200mm F2.8L IS III USM over Canon EF 70-200 F4L IS II USM

Max Aperture - Wide 2.8 vs 4 Wider aperture at wide end
Max Aperture - Tele 2.8 vs 4 Wider aperture at tele end

Reasons to choose Canon EF 70-200 F4L IS II USM over Canon EF 70-200mm F2.8L IS III USM

Diaphgragm Blades 9 vs 8 Potentially more rounded and smooth bokeh
Weight 780g vs 1440g 660g lighter
Diameter 80mm vs 89mm 9mm smaller in diameter
Length 176mm vs 199mm 23mm shorter
Filter Thread 72mm vs 77mm Smaller filters are cheaper and easier to find
Minimum Focus Distance 1m vs 1.2m can focus closer to the subject
Max Magnification 0.27x vs x higher magnification better for close-up shots

Common Strengths of Canon EF 70-200mm F2.8L IS III USM and Canon EF 70-200 F4L IS II USM
Image Stabilization Yes vs Yes Sharper Images at longer shutter speeds
Internal Focusing Yes vs Yes Length of the lens doesn't change during focusing
Internal Zoom Yes vs Yes Length of the lens doesn't change during zooming
Distance Scale Yes vs Yes Distance Scale to assist focusing
Weather Sealing Yes vs Yes safer to use under rain and dust



**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Canon EF 70-200 F2.8L IS III USM vs Canon EF 70-200 F4L IS II USM Specs Table

Detailed comparison of specifications
General
Brand Canon Canon
Lens Type Zoom Zoom
Price CHECK PRICE CHECK PRICE
Lens Type Telephoto Zoom Telephoto Zoom
Lens Mount Canon EF Canon EF
Max Format 35mm FF 35mm FF
Focal Range 70-200mm 70-200mm
Image Stabilization Yes Yes
Colour White Black
Zoom Method Rotary (internal) Rotary (internal)
Power Zoom No -
Zoom Lock Unknown Unknown
Zoom Ratio 2.9X 2.9X
Aperture
Max Aperture F2.8 F4
Min Aperture F32 F32
Aperture Ring No No
Diaphragm Blades 8 9
Optics
Optical Elements 23 20
Optical Groups 19 15
Focusing
Min Focus Distance 1.2m 1m
Max Magnification unknown 0.27X
Autofocus Yes Yes
AF Motor Type Ring-type ultrasonic Ring-type ultrasonic
Full Time Manual Yes Yes
Focus Method Internal Internal
Distance Scale Yes Yes
DoF Scale No No
Distance Scale Yes Yes
Focus Distance Limiter Yes Yes
Physical Specs
Weight 1440g 780g
Diameter 89mm 80mm
Length 199mm 176mm
Materials Magnesium alloy Magnesium alloy
Weather Sealing Yes Yes
Filter Thread 77mm 72mm
Filter Notes - -
Hood Supplied Yes Yes
Hood Code Unknown Unknown
Tripod Collar Yes Yes
Optional Accessories - -
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