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Questions & Answers

jessenia m : Im looking for better bokeh between this one 200mm f2.8 L or 135mm f2? image quality overall!! I will use it for portraitsMOHAN R : That will be tough! the 135 2.0 is the king of BokehDANIEL F : I have both of these lenses but have not used them for portraits. Both take great shots and have good bokeh with proper focus and DOF. To decide between them consider that neither one is image stabilized, therefore a tripod or steady surface is needed for a good crisp shot. How much distance will you have to properly place your subject in the frame and focus. If you will have the room then the 200 will offer more compression. The 135 will let in more light. So, your location is the determining factor for me.ROBERT A : If being used for portrait photography, then the 135mm may be better suited for that. Hope this is helpful.TIM T : For clear low light , I find myself using the 200 2.8 . Even if I have to look for it .
Shopper : Best setting for nighttime sports?JASON C : I would use a tripod, get your ISO up to 1200. Ideal setting should be 200 and up. This will stop the action. Night games have bright lights, so you should have plenty of light. Don't have focus on one shot. People will be moving, so keep that in mind. JasonROBERT B : The benefit of a prime lense is that it is sharper wide open. So aperture priority at 2.8 iso as high as your camera will acceptably go without too much noise and let the algorithm choose shutter speed. Unless a flash is used then manual mode.TRENT S : Sorry I don't shoot sports - Wildlife and nature during daylight
Shopper : I own a Canon 40D camera and would like to purchase an affordable lens to take action photos of Cross country, track and indoor track. Would this be the right lens to purchase? Or can you make a better suggestion ?GARY B : I would recommend this lens for your stated uses. I have been using this lens primarily for football games, often in low light stadiums at night, and have found it to be great. Images are crisp and the color is beautiful.ROBERT A : As long as the 40D has the EF mount, which I assume it does, the 200mm auto focus is a real good lens. I purchased this lens because of the f/2.8 because I do astrophotography. With the type of photos that you what to take you may want to consider a telephoto zoom (70mm-210mm) if you are mainly shotting daytime pictures you shouldn't need a lower f/stop. You may want to first check out both lenses from a photo shop to see the differences of the 2 lenses to get a better idea before purchasing a lens, but you can't beat the service from Adorama, I've purchased several camera items from them online and have been very satisfied. Thanks for your question, I hope I heve been able to help.LOUIS Z : I'm very happy with my 200 MM lens. Yes, it does not have the versitility of a zoom that covers that focal length, but on my 30D and 7D it is actually longer than 200 MM.Closer to 300 MM because of the focal plane at 1.4. The pictures have been very srarp and the color very good. I've used mine for photographing my granson's runnings and Little League and I'm quite happy with the results.GERALD W : This is a fine lens and I think will suit your needs well. WIth your camera, it has an effective focal length of 320mm and will let you get close to the action. It's high quality, and relatively lightweight and inexpensive compared to some of the other choices. What you won't get is the ability to zoom out for wider shots and will need to change lenses if you want a broader shot of the arena, If you need the zoom function, you may want to consider the 70-200 2.8 which has the same light sensitivity, but is far more costly and heavy to cart around. This lens is also available with image stabilization which will help keep your pictures sharp in low light situations. Personally, I am very happy with my purchase of the 200 2.8 and haven"t missed the zoom or the IS functionality. Hope this helps.JOSEPH B : Overall I have enjoyed this lens. Photos are sharp and very clear. Outdoor action shoots should not be a problem. However, you may have some issues indoors due to lighting and slower shutter speeds. You would probably need a tripod to get sharp, clear shoots. Having a fixed focal length of 200mm put a limit on your minimum distance. If you see a close in shot you may have to change lenses and possibly lose that shot while you are making the change.YVONNE B : Although the 200mm is a fast lens and quick to focus I think a telephoto zoom lens would be a better bet for your needs. I believe you will find the 200 mm focal length limiting. I have a Canon 70-300 mm L with IS. It is not as fast but it can be hand held with good results down to about 1/50 second. And it is fast to focus and very sharp. Color and contrast are very good. A little heavy and a little pricey but worth it. Good Luck.BLAKE D : If you need some reach and decent speed, this is a splendid lens. At the 200mm focal length you will not find a better lens on the grounds of image sharpness or color rendition. It is without doubt the best 200mm for the money. However, if you might need anywhere from 70-199mm one of the canon 70-200 lenses may provide more usefulness. The 70-200mm f2.8 IS II, although over $2,100 is equal in terms of image quality, but also touts a superb 4 stop IS system, along with a more useful zoom range. Many may say that IS is not useful for sports shooting but in the telephoto ranges I would disagree. With the 200mm on crop, you're going to want at least 1/320 as a starting point for your shutter speed and with the aging 40D body you may find achieving that much light gathering a challenge, even with a bright f/2.8 aperture. So this is another point in favor of the 70-200 F2.8 IS II. At the end of the day, if you need a superb 200mm lens and I mean truly outstanding. But your needs don't require zoom flexibility or IS, I'd have no problems recommending this optic. It is light, sharp, discreet, small in size, and very much deserving of the red ring when it comes to build.

Reviews about this item

Review Summary

2021-02-01T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Exceptional images/ a proven design

A very well designed lens, low CA minimal light fall-off. Makes for an exceptional astro-lens.

HotandMuggyinFL

2021-02-01T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

An excellent option over the 70-200 f/2.8

Had purchased the original Mk1 version back in 2002. It’s manual focus just went out and found this Mk 2 version available here on Canon Refurb site. Still an exceptional lens.

HotandMuggyinFL

2019-04-17T11:21:51

Rated 5 out of 5

Nice Reach, Fast Glass

A great lens and good option for a bit of reach when you can’t afford the long zoom or a super telephoto and insist on fast glass. Takes a little concentration & patience, little faster shutter to avoid shake. Monpod will be useful when feasable. Works out well on a D-series camera with the crop factor but don’t plan on using a telextender. Even the 1.4 will cost you 2 stops and decreases stability.

Russell B.

2018-12-26T10:41:58

Rated 5 out of 5

Sharp lens. I use it for wildlife on my 5d and 80d

Highly recommend. Great lens and nice package.

John J.

2018-11-07T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Perfect size for a telephoto

Unobtrusive size; doesn't look like a telephoto lens. Image quality is excellent. Lens becomes a 320mm on crop sensor camera.

Coldwolf

2018-07-18T20:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Refurbished EF 200mm lens - Fantastic

My WONDERFUL wife purchased this lens for my birthday. I've been renting it on and off for a year and it's just so wonderful having it at my fingertips whenever I need it. I shoot primarily in low light settings (jazz clubs and this lens really performs. It looks and operates as if it were brand new. Bravo Canon!

jeffdunncom

2018-06-27T20:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Sharp ! Fantastic lens

Very sharp. Great lens. Fast af. I’m actually preferring this lens over my 70-200! If you don’t need a zoom lens , the 100L and this 200L are fantastic used together.

canon 1.

2018-01-07T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Easy zoom

perfect for pro photographers, and every day amateur usage too

ElliAbbs

2017-09-25T16:54:36

Rated 5 out of 5

an L lens and freebies to boot!

the 200mm f/2.8L is an awesome lens - imo the sleeper in the entire canon line. and the bundled items were better than I expected. the filters are great, the lens wrap is very cool, and the cleaning kit was a very pleasant surprise. if you have the money and a hint of inclination - buy this. it is truly awesome.

michael b.

2017-09-06T08:56:09

Rated 3 out of 5

superb!

I have several Canon lens and like them all, but this one is tot as sharp as compared to the 100mm Micro I also own - which is superb! Alan Hoisman

ALAN H.

2017-08-29T10:45:31

Rated 5 out of 5

This 200mm lens has produced some of my sharpest images

It has been hard to switch from the convenience of zoom lenses, but weight has become an issue for me and single-focus lenses seems to be the solution. This 200mm lens has produced some of my sharpest images, especially of the recent solar eclipse. Working with a Canon 5D Mk III and a fast Compact Flash card, I was able to record a beautiful series of sharp images during the totality phase. With a little work on Photoshop, I was able to bring to life details that could not be seen with the naked eye. Just wonderful. This morning I experimented with the macro end of the range and got some sharp images of bees at work.

JEFFREY M.

2017-08-15T15:36:21

Rated 5 out of 5

Good quality lens

Precise, sharp, and fast lens

Weijie M.

2017-08-15T15:35:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Very nice Canon lens

Adorama bundle (with 3 filters) is a bit more useful than that offered (with 1 filter and a tabletop tripod) elsewhere. Quality of the 3 filters may not be as good as that of another bundle that has just a single filter; but you pay what you get. To me the quality of the 3 filters is good enough.

Weijie M.

2017-07-18T20:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Powerful tool that gets results

With my 70-200 I found I spent 99% of the time shooting at 200mm. So I often opt for this little gem instead. It is smaller, lighter and easier to handhold for extended periods compared to the big 70-200. Yes, you give up some flexibility and features with the prime (zoom, IS, weather sealing. But to me it is a worthwhile trade-off. As a portrait lens the 200mm is brilliant. It provides a comfortable working distance from the subject. At f/2.8 there is great background separation and bokeh. Colors are rich and skin tone are smooth. As an action lens the 200mm performs like a champ indoors in low light for concerts and sports. AF is fast and accurate. It works with extenders for longer distance outdoor sports but I do prefer to use it alone. For landscape work the 200mm also is excellent. Edge to edge clarity is consistent with no noticeable distortion or vignetting at the edges. Contrast in the raw images from the 200mm is not as high some other tele lenses. Some light post-processing contrast boosting really makes colors pop.

jbinco

2017-06-18T20:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Very sharp

Just received this week,fairly easy to shoot hand held.Sharp image!

Zman

2017-05-18T14:02:06

Rated 5 out of 5

Canon 200mm f/2.8

Good Len. Shipped on time

REV T.

2017-05-15T20:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Superb lens with fast, accurate AF, crisp image

I am using this lens mainly for sports and street events, such as parades, carnivals, and other festivals. The small size (as compared to 70-200) and black color make this less conspicuous than the white beasts. Build quality is excellent! The whole front barrel and focus ring (less rubber band) are metal. The hood mount/filter threads are metal. Only the lower half before the lens mount is composite plastics. My only gripe is the lack of weather sealing. I would probably give this 4.5 because of the lack of weather sealing. Image quality is fantastic. Although the 70-200 f/2.8 IS II is technically sharper, you would have a hard telling the difference. Colors and saturation are very very nice. Very little processing needs to be done with this lens. Auto focus is very fast, and very accurate! Shooting my son's soccer game, I easily had a keeper rate in the 90-95% range. The limiter switch makes focusing even faster. Overall,

Daniel

2017-01-15T18:30:00

Rated 4 out of 5

Light ( not heavy ) , and it just works . Does what it is supposed too do.

Very good low light and clear , only blur when I want it to .

TIM T.

2016-12-08T19:00:00

Rated 2 out of 5

Soft, low contrast

I own 8 canon prime L lenses and this is the least sharp, and has the poorest contrast of any of them. It's badly overdue for an upgrade. I know it's a bargain, but I am concerned with the best image quality. I shoot with a 5DSR, so sharpness is really put to the test. It also badly needs IS. It's compactness is a plus. It's very uncommon I dislike a canon lens.

Sproesser

2016-09-01T09:07:50

Rated 5 out of 5

Awesome Lens

Great Lens. Got the sharp and crisp look that I was looking to obtain. Great customer service when purchasing it.

MARQUIS H.

2016-02-17T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Great Value

I love this lens. I've been shooting with my 70-200 f4 lens which is great, but I wanted a faster lens and this the 70-200 f2.8 was out of my price range. But I realized that when shooting the bride and groom at the alter I was always at the 200 focal length so I thought this lens could be a good alternative. I also bought an ND6 filter to allow me to open the lens in sunlight, but so I haven't had need for it. The one thing you have to be careful about is the temptation to use the 2.8 setting while photographing a couple where one person is slightly back from the other. The depth of field at 2.8 is very shallow and I've caught myself getting a slightly soft image on one of the subjects. But it's a great lens, tough as nails with beautiful optics.

jfj17

2015-11-28T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Glad I bought it

Haven't used the 70-200 personally, but don't feel that it will be better than this lens. Haven't seen a zoom that was better than a prime anyway. Great detail, color,and contrast. True what was said about edge sharpness Some may need zoom ability, but you can move or switch from horizontal to vertical to get around that. The price is great for the quality of the pictures you get. May find it a little heavy, but I had been without a camera for a while, so it took a little time to get used to shooting with it. Now, weight isn't a problem. But that heavyness is sign of solid construction. Compatible with extenders is a plus, although I haven't been using it with one due to shooting sports mostly at the moment with it. I don't use auto focus, so I actually had to get used to the sharpness so I could tell when something was or wasn't exactly in focus. But very happy with it.

Greg

2015-01-12T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Nice lens

I use this lens at the skating rink and other sporting events. It takes a little getting used too because I hand hold it. I found that by bumping up the ISO and the shutter speed it takes crisp pictures. Adding a flash helps.

EUGENE A.

2015-01-06T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Clear Crisp Photos

I use the Canon EF 200mm f/2.8L-II USM Lens to photograph my daughter in sporting events.

EUGENE A.

2015-01-05T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Wow!

I use this lens on an APS-C sensor EOS SL1 Rebel for landscape photography. Focal length after the 1.6 crop is 320mm on APS-C. This lens kills! Truly stellar long telephoto image quality. I passed on the 70-200 L zooms because I really only cared about the top end of the focal length range. The problem with the 70-200 zooms is that 200mm performance is mediocre. You need to back off the zoom for clean edge to edge sharp photos on those lenses. I wanted killer 200mm performance on APS-C and this lens delivers. Amazingly sharp edge to edge, great color, great contrast, very little distortion, and very little chromatic aberration. Edge to edge sharpness and chromatic aberration is even great at F/2.8. I mostly use this lens from F/8 to F/13 for long depth of field. I'm so happy with the photos I'm getting from this lens. This lens is a real sleeper also. It's very discrete in appearance for the long focal length due to its short length and black color. Don't forget the black accessary tripod mount ring. The model number is A II B. I found out that the B stands for black. The tripod mount ring model number was verified through Canon. If you're serious about long telephoto image quality on APS-C, this is the right tool for the job. It wont disappoint.

solobackcountry

2014-09-04T21:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

Nice Lens

I use the Canon EF 200mm f/2.8L-II USM Lens to take pictures of my daughter at the beach and other places where I need more telescopic power. I have a Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM Lens and it ROCKS! Between the two, I think the 135 gives better color and better focus.

EUGENE A.

2014-08-18T21:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Nice Lens

I use it for landscape and photographing people/events

EUGENE A.

2014-07-17T21:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Just love it

I bought this as a replacement for my 70-200mm zoom. I used to have a 200mm f2 in the old days and was concerned that I would be disappointed with this lens. Oh, no, it is brilliant and I love it. So crisp and works so well with the extenders.

Robert J.

2014-07-14T20:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Great Lens

This is an exceptional prime lens. The images it produces are outstanding. I also shoot with a 70-200mm II is and I find myself using it more than the zoom lens. It can produce great images hand held but if you can use a tripod or a monopod do so. It's a great lens for the price. If you are shooting action then you should go for the 70-200 mm II is if you are not experienced enough to use a prime lens without image stabilization.

Terezd

2014-07-07T21:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

love this lens

I bought this lens for event photography, volleyball, portraiture. I used it at a recent church event and I was really impressed. I could shoot from the back of the church and get very sharp pictures of the priests at the altar. Good Things: sharp, works well in low light, great background blurred, shoot from far away Bad: Heavy, if you don't have room to shoot you will be too close

Sara K.

Canon 200mm F/2.8L-II Specifications

General

General

Jump to...
  • Brand

    Canon

  • MPN

    2529A004

  • Lens Series

    Canon EF

  • Color

    Black

  • Lens Type

    Telephoto

  • Lens Mount

    Canon EOS

  • Format Compatibility

    Full Frame

  • Focus Type

    Auto Focus

  • Focusing Technology

    Rear Focusing

  • Closest Focus Distance

    58.8" / 150cm

  • Distance Information

    N/A

  • Built-In Motor

    N/A

  • Focal Length

    200mm

  • Angle Of View

    12 deg.

  • 35mm Equivalent Focal Length

    Not Applicable

  • Coverage

    N/A

  • Minimum Aperture

    f/32

  • Maximum Aperture

    f/2.8

  • Maximum Magnification

    0.12x

  • Lens Coating

    N/A

  • Aspherical Elements

    N/A

  • ED Glass Elements

    N/A

  • Filter Size

    72mm

Construction

Jump to...
  • Lens Elements / Groups

    9 Elements / 7 Groups

  • Diaphragm Blades

    N/A

  • Dimensions

    5 3/8 x 3.3" (134.6 x 83.8mm)

  • Weight

    26.8oz / 765g

Features

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  • Image Stabilization Type

    None

  • Tripod Collar

    Yes

  • Waterproof / Water Resistant

    N/A

  • Dust Resistant

    N/A

  • UPC Code

    082966213311

About Canon 200mm F/2.8L-II

FEATURED REVIEWS

Terrific Telephoto

By fotomatt

This is the sharpest 200mm prime lens I have ever used and the best bargain in Canon's "L" series of optics. I frequently use it with Canon's 2x Extender to get even more spectacular telephoto images. The construction is rock solid and, although not particular heavy for an f2.8 telephoto, I do find that a tripod collar is helpful and even necessary when I use the extender. This accessory is not included in the box. Fotomatt

Great lens at a great price...

By Carnac

This is a great lens. It is fast at f2.8, small, and inconspicuous compared to the other Canon 200mm (zoom and prime) white lenses. The build quality is superb - typical for a L lens. I find it balances very nicely with my 5D mk II (with battery grip). AF, IQ and contrast are great. The AF is very fast and quiet. The only real down side is the lack of IS and of course it isn't a zoom. The 70-200 f/2.8 IS L is purchased in place of this lens by many people. The 70-200 is a fantastic lens, ...

View full Review

Building upon the success of its predecessor; the EF 200mm f/2.8L; the "II" in this latest 200mm lens model number refers to improvements suggested by the most important people of all - Canon customers. For instance, the pull-out hood featured on the original model has been replaced by a separate, larger and more effective hood, the ET-83B; making this model unique in its class of moderately priced, single focal length lenses.

The EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM employs Canon's famous rear-focus telephoto optical design that delivers outstanding picture quality throughout its entire shooting range - even at middle and close distances. And like its high-end siblings, this lens also uses two ultra-low dispersion (UD) glass elements to ensure maximum image sharpness and accurate color fidelity; and Canon's advanced ultrasonic focusing motor (USM) and rear focusing design for silent, high speed autofocusing. The EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM is perfectly suited for Canon's EOS system cameras, placing special emphasis on manual focusing capabilities. The 200mm f/2.8L II USM lets you get up close and personal, and still keep your distance.

Canon 200mm F/2.8L-II Features

  • EOS compatibility is ensured. EOS-dedicated information such as metering and focal length is transmitted directly through the lens mount to the camera body.
  • Large maximum aperture of f/2.8 allows full use of the cross-type BASIS feature on all EOS cameras from infinity to the closest shooting distance of 4.9ft. (1.5m).
  • Ultra-low dispersion (UD) glass compensates for chromatic aberration and ensures accurate color and sharp, clear images.
  • Ultrasonic Motor (USM) and rear focusing design allow for silent, high speed auto focusing and full-time manual focus.
  • Smooth manual focusing is accomplished through Canon's mechanical manual focusing system and wide rubber focusing ring for easy adjustments.
  • Added focusing versatility through full compatibility with 1.4x and 2x EF Extenders.

Key Features

  • Large maximum aperture of f/2.8 allows full use of the cross-type BASIS feature
  • Ultra-low dispersion
  • Ultrasonic Motor
  • Smooth manual focusing system and wide rubber focusing ring for easy adjustments
  • Added focusing versatility through full compatibility with 14x and 2x EF Extenders

What's in the box:

  • E72 Front Lens Cap
  • Rear Cap E
  • ET-83BII Lens Hood
  • LP1222 Lens Pouch
  • Canon 1 Year Warranty