Canon announces EF 70-200MM F/4L II USM and EF 70-200MM F/2.8L IS III USM
Canon Updates Lineup of EF L-Series Telephoto Zoom Lenses With the Introduction of EF 70-200MM F/4L II USM and EF 70-200MM F/2.8L IS III USM
Next Generation of EF 70-200mm Lenses Features a Variety of Updates Including Enhanced Optical Image Stabilization in the f/4 and the Inclusion of Air Sphere Coating in the f/2.8
MELVILLE, N.Y., June 7, 2018 – Canon U.S.A. Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today introduced two new telephoto zoom lenses, the Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM and Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM. The new lenses serve advanced amateur and professional photographers in a variety of applications and solutions including wildlife, landscapes, portrait and sports photography. Canon EF 70-200mm focal-length lenses are a popular option for photographers in need of a long zoom range that maintains a relatively compact design. In addition, these updated lenses inherit the same overall build-quality and ruggedness photographers have come to expect from the Canon EF L-series line of lenses.
“At the core of image capturing, Canon believes the lens is just as important as the camera. A seamless relationship between the two allows photographers to produce emotion-evoking and timeless images,” said Kazuto Ogawa, president and chief operating officer, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “Canon is excited to offer photographers two distinct options in the 70-200mm focal-length, continuing to further expand our optics heritage.”
Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM
The new Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM features numerous updates over its predecessor, making it an ideal lens for advanced amateur photographers using Canon DSLR cameras such as the EOS 6D Mark II or EOS 80D. Most notably, Optical Image Stabilization is upgraded from three stops to five shutter speed stops1 of correction over the original f/4 lens. The improved IS allows photographers to more easily capture crisp, in-focus images without the use of a tripod. The new lens also features three IS modes, each uniquely designed and suitable for a variety of shooting situations, such as the capture of still subjects, panning or fast moving objects2. Furthermore, the IS operational noise has been reduced, which proves ideal for photographers shooting in a concert hall or on-stage shooting at the theatre.
Additional noteworthy features of the Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM include:
- One fluorite lens and two UD lenses helps to provide high-image quality
- Minimum focusing distance shortened from 1.2m to 1m (3.9ft to 3.3ft)
- Super Spectra Coating technology and optimized lens element placement helps minimize ghosting and flaring
- Circular nine blade aperture producing a beautiful bokeh quality, ideal for portrait shooting
- Lens features 20 lens elements in 15 groups
- Fluorine coating on front and rear elements helps to reduce smears and fingerprints
- Inner focusing system with Ring Ultrasonic Motor
- Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM
The new Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM is an ideal lens for professional photographers who shoot with the Canon 1D and 5D series of DSLR cameras. The inclusion of Air Sphere Coating (ASC) technology helps to reduce flaring and ghosting, and suppresses the reflection of light.
Additional noteworthy features of the Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM include:
- Optical Image Stabilizer up to 3.5 shutter speed stops1 of correction
- Fluorine coating on front and rear elements helps to reduce smears and fingerprints
- Inner focusing system with Ring Ultrasonic Motor
- One fluorite lens and five UD lenses helps to provide high-image quality
- Minimum focusing distance of 1.2m (3.9ft)
- Lens features 23 elements in 19 groups
- Circular eight blade aperture
The Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II is scheduled to begin shipping in late June 2018 with an estimated retail price of $1,299.00. The Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III is scheduled to begin shipping in August 2018 for an estimated retail price of $2,099.00^.
For additional information regarding the lenses improved performance over predecessors please visit, 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFTBw7-8gdk&feature=youtu.be.
Comments
I'll add that I own the original EF 70-200mm, f2.8L USM and the original EF 70-200mm, f4L IS USM. For my current needs, family and church events and using on the Canon 5D Mark III and 7D platforms, I have no plans to upgrade.
Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
While I m sure the new 70-200 is fantastic optically - did they make it any lighter?
Despite the fine optical quality of it, I find I rarely use my 70-200 v2 because I don't want to carry the weight around all day.
I do prefer to carry the 70-200 f4 IS if I am out and about. Sounds kind of like you do too, Ziggy
Moderator of the Technique Forum and Finishing School on Dgrin
Fow a weight comparison, I couldn't find the weight for the newer lens on either Canon USA or Canon Worldwide, but B&H has the new version specifications on their "Preorder" page for the lens: https://bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?A=details&Q=&is=REG&sku=1414599&O=productlist
So here's how they stack up:
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM
3.28 lb (1490 g)
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM
3.26 lb (1480 g)
A 10g difference is exactly what 2 - US Nickels weighs, so ... not much difference at all.
When I shoot outdoors, it's often using the f4L IS, except at night or when I know I need either the f2.8 for exposure or even when I need the High-Precision Center AF (which requires the f2.8 aperture). The f4L is also a little less conspicuous.
(70mm, f4L@f4)
On the other hand, shooting indoors is generally much better using flash. In this case, the f2.8L (non-IS) is just fine, since the flash has the ability to "freeze" both subject motion and camera shake:
(105mm, f2.8L@f2.8, ISO 400, 1/200th, flash)
(Ambient exposure, ISO 12,800, f/2.8, 1/160th)
Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums