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

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

Main Features

  • 70-200mm Focal Range
  • F2.8 Max Aperture
  • Image Stabilization
  • Weather-sealed
  • Filter Thread: 77mm
  • Max Format: 35mm FF
  • Canon EF Mount
  • Weight: 1,440g / 3.17 lb
  • Dimensions(øxL): 89mm x 199mm
  • Min Focus Distance: 1.2m
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Canon EF 70-200 F2.8L IS III USM Overview


Canon EF 70-200 F2.8L IS III USM is a Fixed aperture Auto Focus (AF) Telephoto Zoom lens with Optical Image stabilization and 35mm FF max sensor coverage, and it is designed to be used with EF Mount cameras.

Canon replaced the older Canon EF 70-200mm f2.8L IS II USM with this model. Follow the link to read our detailed comparison of these models:
Compare Canon EF 70-200 F2.8L IS III USM vs Canon EF 70-200mm f2.8L IS II USM


What type of photography is the Canon EF 70-200 F2.8L IS III USM lens good for?

The type of photography that you are planning to use the Canon EF 70-200 F2.8L IS III USM is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated its suitability to various photography scenarios:

Photography Type Suitability
Bird/WildlifeGood
SportsGood
PortraitAverage
TravelFair
StreetFair
WeddingAverage
Walk AroundAverage
VloggingPoor
LandscapeAverage
Macro

Lenses in Canon EF Mount with Same Focal and Aperture Range
Model Coverage Weight Focusing Street Price
Canon EF 70-200mm f2.8L IS II USM Lens Canon EF 70-200mm f2.8L IS II USM
Compare
35mm FF 1490gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 70-200mm f2.8L IS USM Lens Canon EF 70-200mm f2.8L IS USM
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35mm FF 1570gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 70-200mm f2.8L USM Lens Canon EF 70-200mm f2.8L USM
Compare
35mm FF 1310gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG Macro HSM II Lens Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG Macro HSM II
Compare
35mm FF 1390gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM Lens Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM
Compare
35mm FF 1430gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Tamron SP 70-200mm 2.8 Di VC USD G2 Lens Tamron SP 70-200mm 2.8 Di VC USD G2
Compare
35mm FF 1500gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 70-200 F2.8 DG OS HSM S Lens Sigma 70-200 F2.8 DG OS HSM S
Compare
35mm FF 1805gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Tamron SP 70-200mm F2.8 Di VC USD Lens Tamron SP 70-200mm F2.8 Di VC USD
Compare
35mm FF 1470gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Tamron SP AF 70-200mm F2.8 Di LD IF MACRO Lens Tamron SP AF 70-200mm F2.8 Di LD IF MACRO
Compare
35mm FF 1330gr AF Amazon B&H Photo

Canon EF 70-200 F2.8L IS III USM is a member of Canon's EF L series of lenses. Below you can see the latest lenses in this series.

EF L Series Lenses in Canon EF Mount
Model Coverage Weight Focusing Street Price
Canon EF 400mm F2.8L IS III USM Lens Canon EF 400mm F2.8L IS III USM
Compare
35mm FF 2840gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 600mm F4L IS III USM Lens Canon EF 600mm F4L IS III USM
Compare
35mm FF 3050gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 70-200mm F2.8L IS III USM Lens Canon EF 70-200mm F2.8L IS III USM
35mm FF 1440gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 70-200 F4L IS II USM Lens Canon EF 70-200 F4L IS II USM
Compare
35mm FF 780gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon TS-E 90mm F2.8L Macro Lens Canon TS-E 90mm F2.8L Macro
Compare
35mm FF 915gr MF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 85mm F1.4L IS USM Lens Canon EF 85mm F1.4L IS USM
Compare
35mm FF 950gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 16-35mm F2.8L III USM Lens Canon EF 16-35mm F2.8L III USM
Compare
35mm FF 790gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 24-105mm F4L IS II USM Lens Canon EF 24-105mm F4L IS II USM
Compare
35mm FF 795gr AF Amazon B&H Photo

Reasons to Buy Canon EF 70-200mm F2.8L IS III USM Lens

Here we've included a summary of the advantages and disadvantages of the Canon EF 70-200mm F2.8L IS III USM lens in a list form to help you determine whether it offers the features you need.

PROs
Optical Image Stabilization
Weather-sealed
Autofocus
Distance Scale
Compatible with Canon Teleconverters
Hood supplied
Tripod Collar
Full-time Manual Focusing
Focus Distance Limiter
Internal Focusing
Fast Aperture at Wide end
Fast Aperture at Tele end
Constant f2.8 aperture throughout the range
Covers Full-Frame Sensor
8 Diaphragm Blades for Smooth Bokeh
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Buy Canon EF 70-200 F2.8L IS III USM from Amazon or B&H PHOTO


CONs
Heavy
Pricey


Lens Mount

Canon EF 70-200 F2.8L IS III USM is compatible with cameras that have a 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.

Size, Weight and Filter Thread

Size and weight is a very important decision factor when searching for your next lens. Canon EF 70-200 F2.8L IS III USM has a maximum diameter of 89mm and total length of 199mm. It weighs 1440g / 50.8 oz.

Canon EF 70-200 F2.8L IS III USM has a filter thread of 77mm. Below are links to the filters that we recommend you to consider for your Canon EF 70-200 F2.8L IS III USM:

  • 77mm Variable ND Lens Filters
  • 77mm Circular Polarizer Lens Filters
  • 77mm Clear Protection Lens Filters




Focal Range

Canon EF 70-200 F2.8L IS III USM has a focal range of 70-200mm and 2.9X zoom ratio. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.6x crop, it provides an 35mm (FF) equivalent of 112 - 320mm.


Teleconverter Compatibility

Canon EF 70-200 F2.8L IS III USM is compatible with the Teleconverters below. With the use of these TC/extenders, you can find how the total focal reach and effective aperture of your Canon EF 70-200 F2.8L IS III USM changes below:


Canon EF 70-200 F2.8L IS III USM Focal Range and Aperture Change with Teleconverter
Model Coverage with TC Aperture with TC Street Price
Canon Extender EF 2X III Lens Canon Extender EF 2X III 140 - 400mm F5.6 Amazon B&H Photo
Canon Extender EF 1.4X III Lens Canon Extender EF 1.4X III 98 - 280mm F3.92 Amazon B&H Photo

Weather Sealings

The Canon EF 70-200 F2.8L IS III USM is a weather-sealed lens, which provides extra protection to prevent water and dust get inside the lens and camera body under light rain, snow and wind. In order to have effective protection, you have to pair the Canon EF 70-200 F2.8L IS III USM with a weather-sealed camera body such as the Canon 1D X III, Canon 6D MII and Canon 5D MIV.

Optical Image Stabilization

The Canon EF 70-200 F2.8L IS III USM features an optical image stabilization system which helps to reduce the blur that occurs due to shaking during hand-held shooting.

Tripod Collar

With a total length of 199mm and a weight of 1440g, the Canon EF 70-200 F2.8L IS III USM is a large lens. Fortunately, it comes with a tripod collar which you can use to attach the lens directly to a tripod or monopod instead of attaching the camera. This connection helps to better balance the lens/kit combination.

Zoom Method

Canon EF 70-200 F2.8L IS III USM features Rotary (internal) zoom method where the length of the lens doesn't change while you are zooming in or out. Even though this design has a size disadvantage in general compared to extending designs, it has the benefits of better sealing against dust and moisture, no zoom creep and no weight balance shift while zooming.

Below are the 3 Telephoto Zoom type Canon12 mount lens alternatives with highest max magnification ratios:

  • Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG: 0.5x - (Compare)
  • Sigma 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG: 0.5x - (Compare)
  • Tamron 70-210mm F4 Di VC USD: 0.32x - (Compare)

Aperture

Canon EF 70-200 F2.8L IS III USM is a fixed aperture lens with a constant max aperture of f2.8 from 70mm all the way to the 200mm .

Focal Length Max Aperture Min Aperture
70mm F2.8 F32
200mm F2.8 F32

Optical Formula

Canon EF 70-200 F2.8L IS III USM's optical formula consists of 23 elements in 19 groups . Following special elements are used in this design:

  • Five fluorite
  • five UD elements
  • ASC
  • fluorine coatings

Lens Hood

Canon EF 70-200 F2.8L IS III USM comes with a removable lens hood which is handy to reduce lens flare and glare in your photos.

Body Colour

Canon EF 70-200 F2.8L IS III USM is available in White color.

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

Here are the eight most popular comparisons of the Canon EF 70-200 F2.8L IS III USM amongst Camera Decision readers.

Top Alternatives of Canon EF 70-200 F2.8L IS III USM Lens
Model Coverage Weight Focusing Street Price
Canon EF 70-200mm f2.8L IS II USM Lens Canon EF 70-200mm f2.8L IS II USM
Compare
35mm FF 1,490 g / 3.28 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM Lens Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM
Compare
35mm FF 1,430 g / 3.15 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Tamron SP 70-200mm F2.8 Di VC USD Lens Tamron SP 70-200mm F2.8 Di VC USD
Compare
35mm FF 1,470 g / 3.23 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS USM Lens Canon EF 100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS USM
Compare
35mm FF 1,380 g / 3.04 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Tamron SP 70-200mm 2.8 Di VC USD G2 Lens Tamron SP 70-200mm 2.8 Di VC USD G2
Compare
35mm FF 1,500 g / 3.30 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 75-300mm f4.0-5.6 III Lens Canon EF 75-300mm f4.0-5.6 III
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35mm FF 480 g / 1.06 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 70-200mm f2.8L IS USM Lens Canon EF 70-200mm f2.8L IS USM
Compare
35mm FF 1,570 g / 3.45 lb AF 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
Compare
35mm FF 1,930 g / 4.25 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo


**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 70-200mm F2.8L IS III USM Alternatives in Canon EF Mount
Model Coverage Weight Focusing Street Price
Canon EF 55-200mm f4.5-5.6 II USM Lens Canon EF 55-200mm f4.5-5.6 II USM
Compare
35mm FF 310 g / 0.68 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 70-200mm f2.8L IS II USM Lens Canon EF 70-200mm f2.8L IS II USM
Compare
35mm FF 1490 g / 3.28 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 70-200mm f2.8L IS USM Lens Canon EF 70-200mm f2.8L IS USM
Compare
35mm FF 1570 g / 3.45 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 70-200mm f2.8L USM Lens Canon EF 70-200mm f2.8L USM
Compare
35mm FF 1310 g / 2.88 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 70-200mm f4.0L USM Lens Canon EF 70-200mm f4.0L USM
Compare
35mm FF 705 g / 1.55 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 70-200mm f4L IS USM Lens Canon EF 70-200mm f4L IS USM
Compare
35mm FF 760 g / 1.67 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 80-200mm f4.5-5.6 II Lens Canon EF 80-200mm f4.5-5.6 II
Compare
35mm FF 250 g / 0.55 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Canon EF 70-200 F4L IS II USM Lens Canon EF 70-200 F4L IS II USM
Compare
35mm FF 780 g / 1.72 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG Macro HSM II Lens Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG Macro HSM II
Compare
35mm FF 1390 g / 3.06 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM Lens Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM
Compare
35mm FF 1430 g / 3.15 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Tamron SP 70-200mm 2.8 Di VC USD G2 Lens Tamron SP 70-200mm 2.8 Di VC USD G2
Compare
35mm FF 1500 g / 3.30 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Tamron 70-210mm F4 Di VC USD Lens Tamron 70-210mm F4 Di VC USD
Compare
35mm FF 859 g / 1.89 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 70-200 F2.8 DG OS HSM S Lens Sigma 70-200 F2.8 DG OS HSM S
Compare
35mm FF 1805 g / 3.97 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Tamron SP 70-200mm F2.8 Di VC USD Lens Tamron SP 70-200mm F2.8 Di VC USD
Compare
35mm FF 1470 g / 3.23 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo
Tamron SP AF 70-200mm F2.8 Di LD IF MACRO Lens Tamron SP AF 70-200mm F2.8 Di LD IF MACRO
Compare
35mm FF 1330 g / 2.93 lb AF Amazon B&H Photo

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


General
Brand Canon
Lens Type Zoom
Lens Type Telephoto Zoom
Lens Mount Canon EF
Max Format 35mm FF
Focal Range 70-200mm
Image Stabilization Yes
Colour White
Zoom Method Rotary (internal)
Power Zoom No
Zoom Lock Unknown
Zoom Ratio 2.9X
APERTURE
Max Aperture F2.8
Min Aperture F32
Aperture Ring No
Diaphragm Blades 8
Optics
Optical Elements 23
Optical Groups 19
Special Elements Five fluorite and five UD elements, ASC and fluorine coatings

FOCUSING
Min Focus Distance 1.2m
Max Magnification unknown
Autofocus Yes
AF Motor Type Ring-type ultrasonic
Full Time Manual Yes
Focus Method Internal
Focus Distance Limiter Yes
Distance Scale Yes
DoF Scale No
PHYSICAL SPECS
Weight 1440g
Diameter 89mm
Length 199mm
Materials Magnesium alloy
Weather Sealing Yes
Filter Thread 77mm
Filter Notes -
Hood Supplied Yes
Tripod Collar Yes
Report a Correction
Frequently Asked Questions about Canon EF 70-200mm F2.8L IS III USM
is the Canon EF 70-200mm F2.8L IS III USM a Weather-sealed lens?
What is the Minimum Focusing Distance of Canon EF 70-200mm F2.8L IS III USM
is the Canon EF 70-200mm F2.8L IS III USM an Autofocus (AF) lens?
What is the Filter Thread Size of Canon EF 70-200mm F2.8L IS III USM
Does Canon EF 70-200mm F2.8L IS III USM have Image Stabilization?
Does Canon EF 70-200mm F2.8L IS III USM have Aperture Ring?


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