In this review, we will be comparing Canon EF 70-200 F4L IS II USM and Canon EF 70-200 f2.8L 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 F4L IS II USM has a max aperture of F4 while the Canon EF 70-200 f2.8L USM has a max aperture of F2.8.
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.
What type of photography are the Canon EF 70-200 F4L IS II USM and Canon EF 70-200 f2.8L 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 F4L IS II USM and the Canon EF 70-200 f2.8L USM for their suitability to various photography scenarios:
| Photography Type |
Canon EF 70-200 F4L IS II USM |
Canon EF 70-200 f2.8L USM |
| Bird/Wildlife | Good | Good |
| Sports | Good | Good |
| Portrait | Average | Average |
| Travel | Fair | Fair |
| Street | Fair | Fair |
| Wedding | Average | Average |
| Walk Around | Average | Average |
| Vlogging | Poor | Poor |
| Landscape | Average | Average |
| Macro | Average | Poor |
Size and Weight Comparison
Size of a lens is an important deciding factor when comparing two lenses.Canon EF 70-200 f2.8L USM is the longer of the two lenses at 194mm. The Canon EF 70-200 F4L IS II USM with a length of 176mm is 18mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Canon EF 70-200 f2.8L USM also has a larger diameter of 85mm compared to Canon EF 70-200 F4L IS II USM's 80mm diameter.
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, which means it is 530g (40%) lighter than the Canon EF 70-200 f2.8L USM which has a weight of 1310g.
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
Lens Mounts
Both Canon EF 70-200 F4L IS II USM and Canon EF 70-200 f2.8L 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