I already had a little about this lens and capabilities at its first grip (which ended in output picture on the shores of Lake Geneva). After nearly 3
years of use, I think I can do a review with hindsight that I have on this.
| Features of the Canon EF 70-200mm F/2.8L IS II USM |
| Parameters |
Values |
| Mount Type |
EF adaptable on all Canon DSLR with the same type of bayonet |
| Category of the lens |
Zoom tele-lens |
| Focal |
70 to 200mm zoom (equivalent 24x36mm sensor) (2.9x zoom) |
| Aperture |
Minimum F/2.8, maximum F/32, Constant F/2.8 at all focal lengths |
| Optical stabilizer |
Yes, 4-speed gain, 2 stabilization modes |
| Autofocus |
Yes, ultrasonic ring USM drive, two autofocus
modes at the minimum focusing distance of order
to have a faster focus |
| Minimum distance of focus |
120 cm or 250 cm (depending on mode) at all focal lengths |
| Lens coating |
Fluorite lens,
5 UD glass elements (anti chromatic aberration, anti-flare) |
| Diaphragm |
8 slices (almost round bokeh) |
| Filter diameter |
Ø77mm front |
| Maximum size |
Ø88.8mm x 199mm |
| Weight |
1'490g |
| Construction |
Tropicalized |
The 70-200mm f2.8. This lens so famous, often praised by users and dreamed for those who do not. It is true that the features are craving but is it really
that good? I'll try to answer it with the few years of use I have with this.
Already, why this target would be so nice? For several reasons, in my opinion: the aperture of f2.8, its optical quality, its reactivity and its solidity.
Start by talking about his constant aperture ... Already, be constant at all focal lengths is very convenient, but there, in addition, it opens to f/2.8. In
low light conditions or when in action. It is also convenient to bring out the subject from the background thanks to significant bokeh. Conversely, if necessary
the diaphragm can be closed to f/32, also constant. Very handy for making long pauses in daylight if there is no neutral gray filter.
Speaking from the diaphragm, you must know that this lens have the best optical quality at full aperture (F/2.8) and at all focal lengths. By closing the diaphragm, the quality
remains constant up to F/11. Then the diffraction of light involved, dive down a bit. But still very acceptable, even at F/32! although the massive side we feel (the weight of
the lens and structure) and belonging to the famous series L with its exceptional optical quality, making
the 24-105mm F/4L
looking like a common basical lens and almost cheap.
Speaking of quality, we must also talk about its responsiveness to the focus. Focus is fast and accurate over the entire length. On the side of the lens is a button to
make the development between 1.2m (minimum distance) to infinity and a position from 2.5m to infinity. I must admit I've never used the reduced autofocus, always
full page. But I know that this reduces autofocus can increase the autofocus speed when photographing subjects are beyond 2.5m (For example animals or sports). The
stabilization does its job well, it saves 4 speed steps, both 70 to 200mm. Very handy when the action is fast or the lighting is lacking despite opening at F/2.8.
The grips of the focus and zoom rings are very nice, and easy to turn, no jerks, no sticking.
About the strength and construction of the objective, one thing jumps to the eyes (well, not literally either): weight. 1.5 kg, the weight of a bottle of water! That's his problem (besides
the price) main. Although the fact that this objective is so heavy also allows to have increased stability, must be able to lug it around all the time we needed. The handle with the attached
tripod can be used to hold the freehand objective (but not very) and very convenient to balance the torque housing lens on a tripod. However, because of the proximity of the attachment
ring of the lens with the camera body, it is difficult to remove the lens of the limping while they are still on the tripod.
The lens construction is also interesting from the perspective of off-road as it is a tropicalized lens ! Very practical in rain or other complicated weather conditions.
Overall, this lens is excellent, well above all my other goals yet including other rings L, EX Sigma... I can only recommend it for those
who have the ability to buy (and who have the utility too!). This lens is so good it is part of my main bag with
the Canon EF 24-105mm F/4L
and
the Sigma 50mm F1.4L EX.
This little test of the Canon EF lense 70-200mm F/2.8L IS II USM is now complete and I hope it will have been useful.
