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Canon EF 70-200 F4L IS II USM vs Canon EF 70-200mm f4.0L 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 70-200mm f4.0L USM

Telephoto Zoom | Canon EF

Canon EF 70-200mm f4.0L USM
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Canon EF 70-200 F4L IS II USM vs Canon 70-200mm f4.0L USM Comparison Overview

In this review, we will be comparing Canon EF 70-200 F4L IS II USM and Canon 70-200mm f4.0L 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 70-200mm f4.0L USM has a max aperture of F4.0.

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 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

Canon 70-200mm f4.0L USM Key Specs

  • 70-200mm Focal Range
  • F4.0 Max Aperture
  • Filter Thread: 67mm
  • Max Format: 35mm FF
  • Canon EF Mount
  • Weight: 705g.
  • Diameter: 76mm
  • Length: 172mm
  • Min Focus Distance:1.2m
  • Max Magnification:0.21x

What type of photography are the Canon EF 70-200 F4L IS II USM and Canon 70-200mm f4.0L 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 70-200mm f4.0L USM for their suitability to various photography scenarios:

Photography Type Canon EF 70-200 F4L IS II USM Canon 70-200mm f4.0L USM
Bird/WildlifeGoodGood
SportsGoodGood
PortraitAverageAverage
TravelFairFair
StreetFairFair
WeddingAverageAverage
Walk AroundAverageAverage
VloggingPoorPoor
LandscapeAverageAverage
MacroAverageFair

Size and Weight Comparison

Size of a lens is an important deciding factor when comparing two lenses.Canon EF 70-200 F4L IS II USM is the longer of the two lenses at 176mm. The Canon 70-200mm f4.0L USM with a length of 172mm is 4mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Canon EF 70-200 F4L IS II USM also has a larger diameter of 80mm compared to Canon 70-200mm f4.0L USM's 76mm 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 70-200mm f4.0L USM weighs 705g, 9% (75g) lighter than the Canon EF 70-200 F4L IS II USM's weight of 780g.


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 F4L IS II USM and Canon 70-200mm f4.0L 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 and the fastest aperture of F4.

Reasons to choose Canon EF 70-200 F4L IS II USM over Canon EF 70-200mm f4.0L USM

Image Stabilization Yes vs No Sharper Images at longer shutter speeds
Diaphgragm Blades 9 vs 8 Potentially more rounded and smooth bokeh
Weather Sealing Yes vs No safer to use under rain and dust
Minimum Focus Distance 1m vs 1.2m can focus closer to the subject
Max Magnification 0.27x vs 0.21x higher magnification better for close-up shots

Reasons to choose Canon EF 70-200mm f4.0L USM over Canon EF 70-200 F4L IS II USM

Depth-of-Field Scale Yes vs No Depth of Field scale to assist focusing
Weight 705g vs 780g 75g lighter
Diameter 76mm vs 80mm 4mm smaller in diameter
Length 172mm vs 176mm 4mm shorter
Filter Thread 67mm vs 72mm Smaller filters are cheaper and easier to find

Common Strengths of Canon EF 70-200 F4L IS II USM and Canon EF 70-200mm f4.0L USM
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



**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 F4L IS II USM vs Canon 70-200mm f4.0L 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 No
Colour Black White
Zoom Method Rotary (internal) Rotary (internal)
Power Zoom - No
Zoom Lock Unknown Unknown
Zoom Ratio 2.9X 2.9X
Aperture
Max Aperture F4 F4.0
Min Aperture F32 F32.0
Aperture Ring No No
Diaphragm Blades 9 8
Optics
Optical Elements 20 16
Optical Groups 15 13
Focusing
Min Focus Distance 1m 1.2m
Max Magnification 0.27X 0.21X
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 Yes
Distance Scale Yes Yes
Focus Distance Limiter Yes Unknown
Physical Specs
Weight 780g 705g
Diameter 80mm 76mm
Length 176mm 172mm
Materials Magnesium alloy Metal barrel, metal mount
Weather Sealing Yes Unknown
Filter Thread 72mm 67mm
Filter Notes - circular polarizing filter can be attached and used without difficulty as the front lens element does not rotate during focusing
Hood Supplied Yes Unknown
Hood Code Unknown ET-74
Tripod Collar Yes Unknown
Optional Accessories - Soft Case LZ1224 Tripod collar
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