This lens was the next, and for a while, will be the last lens I plan to buy.  It completes (for me) the coverage of focal lengths between 16mm and 200mm.  I chose to achieve this coverage with Canon L zooms.  The three I am using are very highly rated.  For times when a prime lenses is called for, I have my existing lenses to draw upon.

This lens was introduced in January 2010 to replace the previous version.  By all accounts, Canon successfully improved several aspects of the lens:

• Image Stabilization (now a claimed 4-stops)

• Close Focus (3.94 feet)

• Reduced Chromatic Aberration (though the use of Quartz and UD-elements)

• Better lens flare control

There are other anecdotal claims of improvements, but these are the ones Canon promote.

 

This lens replaces the manual (and very good) 85-210 zoom that I own, freeing the focus-assisted lens mount adapter to be used on another lens, and enabling faster operation when shooting in this range of focal lengths.

Specifications Lens Focal Length & Maximum Aperture 70-200mm 1:2.8 Lens Construction 23 elements in 19 groups (1 Fluorite and 5 UD elements) Diagonal Angle of View 34° - 12° Focus Adjustment Inner focusing system with USM. Full-time manual focus available Closest Focusing Distance 1.2m/3.94 ft. (maximum close-up magnification: 0.21x) Filter Size 77mm Max. Diameter x Length, Weight 3.5 x 7.8 in./88.8 x 199mm; 52.6 oz./1490g Includes: Lens Cap, Lens Hood & Case Lens Hood ET-87, Soft Lens Case (LZ1326)

Includes

Canon EOS 5D Mark II Manual

Lens Manual (English)

Canon Marketing Description

Improving upon one of the most celebrated lenses in the Canon EF line is no easy feat, but Canon has done just that. The all-new EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM increases the speed, performance and optical quality of the EF 70-200 f/2.8L IS USM while maintaining all of the characteristics that have made it a legend for professionals and advanced amateurs alike. The EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM features one fluorite and five UD elements for increased optical quality and reduced chromatic aberration. It has a minimum focusing distance of 1.2m/3.9 ft. at all zoom settings, which is useful for photographers in smaller spaces trying to get closer to a subject. It features a next-generation Optical Image Stabilizer, providing up to 4 stops of correction at all focal lengths. And as with all L-series lenses, the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM is dust- and moisture-resistant and designed for use in the challenging environments typical of rigorous professional use.

 

3/20/2009	Update 3/10/2010	Update 4/15/2010	Update 6/22/2010	Update 8/21/2010	Update 12/12/2010	Update 1/20/2012	Update 11/14/2012	Update 12/5/2012	Update 12/15/2012

 

Filter

The lens has a 77mm filter mount.  If there is only one filter to have, it must be the polarizing filter.  In 77mm size, the circular polarizer (required for this camera) is as expensive as some entry level digital cameras...

 

    

         

       

   

   

      

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