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Customer Reviews for EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM
EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM
Optical Image Stabilization equivalent to 4-stops of correction
Close focus to 3.9 ft (Max. Magnification 0.21x)
1-Fluorite, and 5-UD elements for increased optical quality
Dust- and moisture-resistant, with more robust barrel construction
Average Customer Rating:
(76 Reviews) 76
Rating Snapshot (76 reviews)
5 stars
72
4 stars
2
3 stars
1
2 stars
0
1 star
1
74 out of 76(97%)reviewers would recommend this product to a friend.
Customer Reviews for EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM
Review 1 for EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM
Nickname: SeeMyPixels
Location: Bethel Park, PA
Used this product for: 6 to 12 months
Expertise Level: Advanced Amateur
Mostly used for: Sports
Canon Enthusiast: 1 to 5 years
Product replacement: No
Very Fast and Super Sharp
Overall Rating
Features
5
out of
5
Performance
5
out of
5
Price/Value
5
out of
5
Quality
5
out of
5
Satisfaction
5
out of
5
Date:April 26, 2013
Pros: Fast auto-focus, Superior build quality, Super-sharp images
My main reason for this lens was for sports photography but it has really amazed me with portrait work as well.
I used this lens recently at a very poorly lit night baseball game and I came away with A LOT more in focus images than I thought I would.
Keep in mind I was shooting in manual mode and pushing the limits of my camera but this lens is incredible and worth five times what I paid for it based on the 100+ keepers I was able to capture at that game alone.
With good light you will find the auto-focus and clarity blows away any other lens with the same specs.
5 of 5 people found this review helpful.
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Review 2 for EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM
Nickname: Ldav70
Location: Hermosa Beach, CA
Used this product for: 3 to 6 months
Expertise Level: Professional or Expert
Mostly used for: Sports
Canon Enthusiast: more than 20 years
Product replacement: No
Excellent Lens
Overall Rating
Features
5
out of
5
Performance
5
out of
5
Price/Value
4
out of
5
Quality
5
out of
5
Satisfaction
5
out of
5
Date:February 24, 2013
Pros: Fast auto-focus, Superior build quality, Super-sharp images
I was bit hesitant ti get this lens due to the price but finally saw it on Amazon for a more reasonable price so I pulled the trigger and have been more than happy ever since. I can't say enough good things about this lens as it performs perfectly. I do a lot of sports & portrait photography & this is a great lens for both. I only wish Canon would come out with the IS for the 24-105 f 2.8, then I'd buy that as well. Oh well maybe this year???
4 of 4 people found this review helpful.
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Review 3 for EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM
Nickname: bvbfoto
Location: Washington, DC
Used this product for: Less than 1 month
Expertise Level: Professional or Expert
Mostly used for: Business
Canon Enthusiast: more than 20 years
Product replacement: Yes
Sharper then most primes
Overall Rating
Features
5
out of
5
Performance
5
out of
5
Price/Value
5
out of
5
Quality
5
out of
5
Satisfaction
5
out of
5
Date:February 9, 2013
Pros: Fast auto-focus, Superior build quality, Super-sharp images
I just made the switch back to Canon after four years on the "darkside".
I had borrowed the previous version of the 70-200 for the 5D Mark 3's but purchased the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM this week and used it really for the first time today for a conference and the images are incredibly sharp and the auto-focus was super fast and accurate.
I had borrowed the previous version of the 70-200 for the 5D Mark 3's but purchased the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM this week and used it really for the first time today for a conference and the images are incredibly sharp and the auto-focus was super fast and accurate.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Review 4 for EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM
Nickname: shutternut
Location: Dayton, OH
Used this product for: 6 to 12 months
Expertise Level: Professional or Expert
Mostly used for: Sports
Canon Enthusiast: 6 to 10 years
Product replacement: No
Smartest Purchase. Ever.
Overall Rating
Features
5
out of
5
Performance
5
out of
5
Price/Value
5
out of
5
Quality
5
out of
5
Satisfaction
5
out of
5
Date:December 24, 2012
Pros: Fast auto-focus, Superior build quality, Super-sharp images, versatility
Cons: none
Shooting super-fast, poorly lit, professional indoor sports is not for the timid photographer. After a LOT of research, I decided to purchase this lens and... WOW! While not inexpensive, this lens delivers every penny's worth. If you're on the fence or in a hurry.. let me save you some trouble: Do Not Skimp! Save your pennies, empty the couch cushions or whatever you have to do, but accept no substitute for this great piece of equipment!
21 of 21 people found this review helpful.
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Review 5 for EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM
Nickname: Timmy The Great
Location: NY
Used this product for: 1 to 3 months
Expertise Level: Professional or Expert
Mostly used for: Portraits
Canon Enthusiast: 11 to 20 years
Product replacement: Yes
Superb lens
Overall Rating
Features
5
out of
5
Performance
5
out of
5
Price/Value
4
out of
5
Quality
5
out of
5
Satisfaction
5
out of
5
Date:November 7, 2012
Pros: Fast auto-focus, Superior build quality, Super-sharp images
I questioned buying this lens as it is a shade expensive. But it is soooo worth the price. It is fast. It works well with the 1DX body. Imaging is super crisp and bright. I have found nothing disappointing in this product.
5 of 5 people found this review helpful.
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Review 6 for EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM
Nickname: Douglas
Location: Russell Springs Ky.
Used this product for: 1 to 3 months
Expertise Level: Advanced Amateur
Mostly used for: Landscape/Nature
Canon Enthusiast: more than 20 years
Product replacement: No
Great lens
Overall Rating
Features
5
out of
5
Performance
5
out of
5
Price/Value
5
out of
5
Quality
5
out of
5
Satisfaction
5
out of
5
Date:October 15, 2012
Pros: Fast auto-focus, Superior build quality, Super-sharp images
Cons: none
This is a great lens, I can't say one bad thing about it. Some people complain about the weight of the lens. But lets face the fact the construction of the lens is why it's so heavy. The images are super sharp, the auto focus is quick and quiet. I wish that I would have purchased one sooner. This lens performs as well on my 50D as it does on my 5D Mark III. If you're considering one of these lenses go ahead and purchase one you wont be sorry that you did.
10 of 13 people found this review helpful.
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Review 7 for EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM
Nickname: khanh
Location: Texas
Used this product for: 1 to 3 months
Expertise Level: Advanced Amateur
Mostly used for: Portraits
Canon Enthusiast: Less than 1 year
Product replacement: No
Excellent lens!
Overall Rating
Features
5
out of
5
Performance
5
out of
5
Price/Value
4
out of
5
Quality
5
out of
5
Satisfaction
5
out of
5
Date:October 3, 2012
I waffled for a while before deciding to buy this lens. I did a lot of research, read online reviews, weighed the pros and cons, and tried to see if the 24-105L would be "good enough". In the end, lust for the 70-200mm won out, and after using the lens, I have no regrets at all.
This lens comfortably outresolves the 24-105L f4 lens that came with the 5D Mark III. The sharpness is amazing, even at f2.8. It is brighter and faster than the 24-105L, obviously. The colors are more accurate and purely "Canon". The "bokeh" and background blur are also much better, so much that portraits make the subjects "pop out".
Cons? Size, weight, and cost.
10 of 11 people found this review helpful.
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Review 8 for EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM
Nickname: Silverado
Location: Philadelphia suburbs
Used this product for: 6 to 12 months
Expertise Level: Advanced Amateur
Mostly used for: Landscape/Nature
Canon Enthusiast: more than 20 years
Product replacement: Yes
Excellent Lens Choice
Overall Rating
Features
5
out of
5
Performance
5
out of
5
Price/Value
3
out of
5
Quality
5
out of
5
Satisfaction
5
out of
5
Date:September 27, 2012
Pros: Fast auto-focus, Superior build quality, Super-sharp images
This is the first L lens I have owned and I could not have made a better choice for wildlife, pet action, and low light theater photography.
5 of 5 people found this review helpful.
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Review 9 for EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM
Nickname: Dana S
Location: AZ
Used this product for: Less than 1 month
Expertise Level: Advanced Amateur
Mostly used for: Landscape/Nature
Canon Enthusiast: 11 to 20 years
Product replacement: No
Amazing Lens
Overall Rating
Features
5
out of
5
Performance
5
out of
5
Price/Value
4
out of
5
Quality
5
out of
5
Satisfaction
5
out of
5
Date:August 15, 2012
Pros: Fast auto-focus, Superior build quality, Super-sharp images
Cons: none
I use this lens for nature and wildlife photography. I also use it for candid pictures of family and friends in home, without flash, without any problems. This lens is wickedly sharp as stated in every other review, and I was amazed with the IQ from 70 to 200mm especially at f/2.8. The sweet spot appears to be between f/6 and f/8 for birds and animals. I would recommend this lens to anyone that is serious about sharp images. This lens is heavy and built like a tank but you get what you pay for.
14 of 15 people found this review helpful.
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Review 10 for EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM
Nickname: NotAnselAdams
Location: Chicago
Used this product for: 6 to 12 months
Expertise Level: Advanced Amateur
Mostly used for: Portraits
Canon Enthusiast: 1 to 5 years
Product replacement: No
Stellar image quality
Overall Rating
Features
5
out of
5
Performance
5
out of
5
Price/Value
5
out of
5
Quality
5
out of
5
Satisfaction
5
out of
5
Date:August 7, 2012
Pros: Fast auto-focus, Superior build quality, Super-sharp images
This is an extraordinary lens. For aviation photography, the image quality, color, and auto-focus speed of this lens have been superb. Portraiture in low and available light (indoor shots with natural light) has been similarly excellent, with out-of-focus-rendering not unlike that of fast primes. Nighttime shots of lightning have been astonishingly sharp. On numerous occasions, non-photographers have asked whether photographs taken with this lens have been "faked", as the images have looked "too good to be real". In my view, the worth of this lens exceeds its cost, even for a non-professional.
12 of 12 people found this review helpful.
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Review 11 for EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM
Nickname: paulre
Location: S,F Calif.
Used this product for: 1 to 3 months
Expertise Level: Professional or Expert
Mostly used for: Sports
Canon Enthusiast: Less than 1 year
Product replacement: Yes
Great Lens
Overall Rating
Features
5
out of
5
Performance
5
out of
5
Price/Value
4
out of
5
Quality
5
out of
5
Satisfaction
5
out of
5
Date:July 3, 2012
Pros: Fast auto-focus, Superior build quality, Super-sharp images
This lens is scary good. Very fast, sharp and am getting used to the weight. the images it generates are better then real life. What more can I say then that. The Bokeh is by far the best I have ever seen. It's been hard to leave F2.8 lol..
Buy it if you can afford it. You won't be disappointed!
Buy it if you can afford it. You won't be disappointed!
12 of 13 people found this review helpful.
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Review 12 for EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM
Nickname: Steve
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Used this product for: 1 to 3 months
Expertise Level: Advanced Amateur
Mostly used for: Portraits
Canon Enthusiast: 6 to 10 years
Product replacement: Yes
Awesome Purchase
Overall Rating
Features
5
out of
5
Performance
5
out of
5
Price/Value
4
out of
5
Quality
5
out of
5
Satisfaction
5
out of
5
Date:June 25, 2012
Pros: Fast auto-focus, Superior build quality, Super-sharp images, quiet auto-focus
Cons: heavy
This is an amazing lens. Yes it is bulky and heavy but built with superb quality. I mainly use this lens for portraits and wedding shoots but I have used it for landscape and animals. There are times where the auto focus has to search but it doesn't take long. It works great for wedding photography especially indoors. This lens creates a nice creamy bokeh. Overall I enjoy using this lens as it creats the perfect image (of course with a little photo editing) but does great. It might feel a little heavy if hand held and around the neck.
4 of 6 people found this review helpful.
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Review 13 for EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM
Nickname: felixtm
Location: miami, FL
Used this product for: Less than 1 month
Expertise Level: Professional or Expert
Canon Enthusiast: 6 to 10 years
Product replacement: Yes
Quality better than primes
Overall Rating
Features
5
out of
5
Performance
5
out of
5
Price/Value
5
out of
5
Quality
5
out of
5
Satisfaction
5
out of
5
Date:May 16, 2012
Pros: sharpness, is, focus speed
I just added this lens to my arsenal. I must say that I'm loving the lens and finding it to be as sharp or sharper than my 85mm 1.2L. It's pretty heavy so if you work with two bodies at weddings you'll get tired real fast and it's big so it will get in the way. The IS works fantastic and the sound is not all that loud. I mostly work outdoors so I cant hear it. I was also able to test the IS with video and it makes a world of difference if you need to get some editorial video at 200mm and you dont have a tripod. The focus is faster then any other lens I've ever used and it's accurate. No micro adjustment was needed with this lens. The hood is very solid and has a matte finish and a locking mechanism.
17 of 18 people found this review helpful.
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Review 14 for EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM
Nickname: Anonymous
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Used this product for: 3 to 6 months
Expertise Level: Professional or Expert
Canon Enthusiast: more than 20 years
Product replacement: Yes
Superb quality and results
Overall Rating
Features
5
out of
5
Performance
5
out of
5
Price/Value
5
out of
5
Quality
5
out of
5
Satisfaction
5
out of
5
Date:May 9, 2012
Pros: superb optics rugged well made responsive.
Cons: no cons
I have owned scores of high end Canon lenses and professional bodies over the years. I have also owned other top brands in 35mm and medium format.
Several 70-200 Canon lenses. This last one is, as was the previous model, my most used lens over which it is a definite improvement. It offers the sharpness and creamy quality that gives a rich, professional image. It is a high end product. Great for portraits, fashion, outdoors, action, it is extremely versatile. The stabilization system is excellent. The lens is rugged and very well made ! I am extremely satisfied with this purchase. It will be in my bag of tricks for a very long time. If I can only take one lens with me on a shoot for a mixed bag of distances and styles, this is the one I will take, not a shorter zoom or prime lens of which I own several, but this one has become my most used lens since I purchased it. Unmatched versatility !! It truly is several lenses in one !! Uncompromising quality. Non, I don't work for Canon but I appreciate a great product !
Several 70-200 Canon lenses. This last one is, as was the previous model, my most used lens over which it is a definite improvement. It offers the sharpness and creamy quality that gives a rich, professional image. It is a high end product. Great for portraits, fashion, outdoors, action, it is extremely versatile. The stabilization system is excellent. The lens is rugged and very well made ! I am extremely satisfied with this purchase. It will be in my bag of tricks for a very long time. If I can only take one lens with me on a shoot for a mixed bag of distances and styles, this is the one I will take, not a shorter zoom or prime lens of which I own several, but this one has become my most used lens since I purchased it. Unmatched versatility !! It truly is several lenses in one !! Uncompromising quality. Non, I don't work for Canon but I appreciate a great product !
21 of 22 people found this review helpful.
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Review 15 for EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM
Nickname: Auburnflyer
Location: Northern CA
Used this product for: more than 1 year
Expertise Level: Hobbyist/Enthusiast
Canon Enthusiast: more than 20 years
Product replacement: No
The best of the Best / TOP GUN
Overall Rating
Features
5
out of
5
Performance
5
out of
5
Price/Value
4
out of
5
Quality
5
out of
5
Satisfaction
5
out of
5
Date:April 18, 2012
Cons: heavy
I purchased this lens about a year ago and it has set new standards in quality detailed pictures. It is as good as it gets for detail and sharpness. I would purchase it again but the weight is just close to being way too heavy.
I used it with my 50D for some time and lately with the new 5D Mark III. This combination is hard to beat!!
I used it with my 50D for some time and lately with the new 5D Mark III. This combination is hard to beat!!
8 of 9 people found this review helpful.
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Review 16 for EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM
Nickname: JRphoto
Location: Pleasant Hill CA
Used this product for: Less than 1 month
Expertise Level: Professional or Expert
Canon Enthusiast: more than 20 years
Product replacement: No
Excellent product
Overall Rating
Features
5
out of
5
Performance
5
out of
5
Price/Value
4
out of
5
Quality
5
out of
5
Satisfaction
5
out of
5
Date:April 3, 2012
I shoot with a 5D Mark II, and prior to purchasing this lens, I have been using the 17-40 L 1.4, another amazing product.
In order to truly appreciate your own photography, this lens is a must have. You forget about the price as soon as you start shooting and reviewing your own photos.
4 of 5 people found this review helpful.
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Review 17 for EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM
Nickname: Anonymous
Location: Ocala, FL
Used this product for: 1 to 3 months
Expertise Level: Advanced Amateur
Canon Enthusiast: more than 20 years
Product replacement: Yes
everything and then some
Overall Rating
Features
5
out of
5
Performance
5
out of
5
Price/Value
5
out of
5
Quality
5
out of
5
Satisfaction
5
out of
5
Date:April 1, 2012
Took the lens to the final 100k Grand Prix HITS show in Ocala FL. Shot the jumpers for a practice run. Images are better than the ones for sale. AF captured horse and rider every time. Shot hand held w and w\o stabilization. Even images too far away cropped are very good. Much heavier than off brand lens I had before but AF is faster by two or three times. Took awhile to convince (force) myself to spend the money but it was worth it.
6 of 6 people found this review helpful.
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Review 18 for EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM
Nickname: TUK
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Used this product for: Less than 1 month
Expertise Level: Professional or Expert
Canon Enthusiast: 1 to 5 years
Product replacement: Yes
Field Evaluation = Purchase
Overall Rating
Features
5
out of
5
Performance
5
out of
5
Price/Value
5
out of
5
Quality
5
out of
5
Satisfaction
5
out of
5
Date:March 23, 2012
Pros: fast, sharp, excellent build, great canon service
Cons: none
As a CPS Gold member, I requested this lens for a critical photo shoot. The performance was exceptional. Very fast and extremely sharp images of fast moving aircraft. A must have lens that I will be ordering very soon. It's true, you get what you pay for. You will not be disappointed.
3 of 4 people found this review helpful.
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Review 19 for EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM
Nickname: ZincPhoto
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Used this product for: 3 to 6 months
Expertise Level: Professional or Expert
Canon Enthusiast: 11 to 20 years
Product replacement: Yes
I wish everything was made this well
Overall Rating
Features
5
out of
5
Performance
5
out of
5
Price/Value
5
out of
5
Quality
5
out of
5
Satisfaction
5
out of
5
Date:March 20, 2012
Pros: sharpness, af speed, build quality
This is by no means a cheap lens but it is definitely a worthy purchase. To me this is the pinnacle of Canon lenses. Extremely sharp, fast, and unbelievably reliable from 70-200.
If you are deciding between the 4.0 version and this one I suggest you hold both in your hands. While some may be put off by the weight, the solid feel and balance (with a pro DSLR or a DSLR with grip) make it perfect for me.
Light makes photography and no Canon lens I've tried manages light better than this one.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful.
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Review 20 for EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM
Nickname: Sifu
Location: Oregon
Used this product for: 3 to 6 months
Expertise Level: Professional or Expert
Canon Enthusiast: Less than 1 year
Product replacement: Yes
More impressed every day
Overall Rating
Features
5
out of
5
Performance
5
out of
5
Price/Value
5
out of
5
Quality
5
out of
5
Satisfaction
5
out of
5
Date:March 15, 2012
I have had this lens for around 4 months now and I am more and more impressed with it all the time. Image quality is supurb. Auto focus is great, I can shoot through trees to a subject that is moving and nail it consistantly. I took some shots of cars coming straight at me doing around 50 and it consistantly nailed the focus using AI Servo. It produces and pleasing bokeh. I use it for weddings, protraits, landscape and street photography and it consistantly produces great results under varied conditions. A number of people say it is too heavy, yeah there is some weight to it but it feels just right to me, I like the weight, it just feels good.
6 of 6 people found this review helpful.
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