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Canon EF 70-200 F4L IS II USM EF Mount Review

Canon EF 70-200 F4L IS II USM

Main Features

  • 70-200mm Focal Range
  • F4 Max Aperture
  • Image Stabilization
  • Weather-sealed
  • Filter Thread: 72mm
  • Max Format: 35mm FF
  • Canon EF Mount
  • Weight: 780g / 1.72 lb
  • Dimensions(øxL): 80mm x 176mm
  • Min Focus Distance: 1m
  • Max Magnification: 0.27x
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Canon EF 70-200 F4L IS II USM Overview


Canon EF 70-200 F4L IS II 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.

What type of photography is the Canon EF 70-200 F4L IS II USM lens good for?

The type of photography that you are planning to use the Canon EF 70-200 F4L IS II 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
MacroAverage

Canon EF 70-200 F4L IS II 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
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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
Compare
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
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 70-200 F4L IS II USM Lens

Here we've included a summary of the advantages and disadvantages of the Canon EF 70-200 F4L IS II 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 Tele end
Constant f4 aperture throughout the range
Covers Full-Frame Sensor
9 Diaphragm Blades for Smooth Bokeh
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Buy Canon EF 70-200 F4L IS II USM from Amazon or B&H PHOTO


CONs
Pricey


Lens Mount

Canon EF 70-200 F4L IS II 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 F4L IS II USM has a maximum diameter of 80mm and total length of 176mm. It weighs 780g / 27.5 oz.

Canon EF 70-200 F4L IS II USM has a filter thread of 72mm. Below are links to the filters that we recommend you to consider for your Canon EF 70-200 F4L IS II USM:

  • 72mm Variable ND Lens Filters
  • 72mm Circular Polarizer Lens Filters
  • 72mm Clear Protection Lens Filters




Focal Range

Canon EF 70-200 F4L IS II 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 F4L IS II 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 F4L IS II USM changes below:


Canon EF 70-200 F4L IS II 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 F8 Amazon B&H Photo
Canon Extender EF 1.4X III Lens Canon Extender EF 1.4X III 98 - 280mm F5.6 Amazon B&H Photo

Weather Sealings

The Canon EF 70-200 F4L IS II 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 F4L IS II 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 F4L IS II 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 176mm and a weight of 780g, the Canon EF 70-200 F4L IS II 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 F4L IS II 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.

Maximum Magnification Ratio

Canon EF 70-200 F4L IS II USM has a Max Magnification Ratio of 0.27x and has a minimum focusing distance of 1m. For a non-macro lens, the 0.27x is considered a high magnification and will come handy for close-up shots.

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 F4L IS II USM is a fixed aperture lens with a constant max aperture of f4 from 70mm all the way to the 200mm .

Focal Length Max Aperture Min Aperture
70mm F4 F32
200mm F4 F32

Optical Formula

Canon EF 70-200 F4L IS II USM's optical formula consists of 20 elements in 15 groups . Following special elements are used in this design:

  • 1 fluorite + 2 UD
  • Super Spectra
  • fluorine coatings

Lens Hood

Canon EF 70-200 F4L IS II 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 F4L IS II USM is available in Black color.

Popular Comparisons of Canon EF 70-200 F4L IS II USM

Here are the eight most popular comparisons of the Canon EF 70-200 F4L IS II USM amongst Camera Decision readers.

Top Alternatives of Canon EF 70-200 F4L IS II USM Lens
Model Coverage Weight Focusing Street Price
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 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
Canon RF 70-200 F4L IS USM Lens Canon RF 70-200 F4L IS USM
Compare
35mm FF 695 g / 1.53 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 24-105mm F4L IS II USM Lens Canon EF 24-105mm F4L IS II USM
Compare
35mm FF 795 g / 1.75 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 24-70mm f2.8L II USM Lens Canon EF 24-70mm f2.8L II USM
Compare
35mm FF 805 g / 1.77 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 70-200 F4L IS II 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 70-200mm F2.8L IS III USM Lens Canon EF 70-200mm F2.8L IS III USM
Compare
35mm FF 1440 g / 3.17 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 F4L IS II 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 Black
Zoom Method Rotary (internal)
Power Zoom No Zoom
Zoom Lock Unknown
Zoom Ratio 2.9X
APERTURE
Max Aperture F4
Min Aperture F32
Aperture Ring No
Diaphragm Blades 9
Optics
Optical Elements 20
Optical Groups 15
Special Elements 1 fluorite + 2 UD, Super Spectra and fluorine coatings

FOCUSING
Min Focus Distance 1m
Max Magnification 0.27X
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 780g
Diameter 80mm
Length 176mm
Materials Magnesium alloy
Weather Sealing Yes
Filter Thread 72mm
Filter Notes -
Hood Supplied Yes
Tripod Collar Yes
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Frequently Asked Questions about Canon EF 70-200 F4L IS II USM
is the Canon EF 70-200 F4L IS II USM a Weather-sealed lens?
What is the Minimum Focusing Distance of Canon EF 70-200 F4L IS II USM
is the Canon EF 70-200 F4L IS II USM an Autofocus (AF) lens?
What is the Filter Thread Size of Canon EF 70-200 F4L IS II USM
Does Canon EF 70-200 F4L IS II USM have Image Stabilization?
Does Canon EF 70-200 F4L IS II USM have Aperture Ring?
What is the Maximum Magnification Ratio of Canon EF 70-200 F4L IS II USM


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