Canon upgrades two popular 70-200mm L-series lenses

The latest version of the popular EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM lens. (Source: Canon.)

Built on the high standards of its predecessor, the EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM lens weighs only  780 grams and measures 80 x 176 mm. Providing a constant f/4 maximum aperture across its zoom range it includes fluorite lens elements for correcting colour aberrations to guarantee high resolution and high contrast images. Its optical design uses 20 elements in 15 groups    with a nine-bladed iris diaphragm that closes to a circular aperture to create a pleasing bokeh effect. The lens also features weatherproof construction with a Fluorine Coating to prevent dirt and water drops clinging to the outer surfaces plus Super Spectra coatings to eliminate ghosting and flare.

A redesigned Image Stabiliser unit, based on the design of Canon’s EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM, provides up to five stops of shake correction, which is two stops more than the previous lens. Combining a Ring USM and a new third generation EF engine with a new high-performance control CPU and newly developed firmware results in faster, more accurate autofocusing. The silent AF mechanism can be tweaked manually and allows a close focusing distance of 1m, compared to the 1.2m on its predecessor, making it ideal for unobtrusive shooting.

The EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM lens is due for local release at the end of this month. Pricing will be set at dealers’ discretion.

Canon’s third-generation EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM lens. (Source: Canon.)

The EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM is a third-generation replacement for Canon’s flagship 70-200mm lens. It has been designed to provide high-performance and robustness for professional photographers who work in challenging conditions. Resistant to both moisture and dust, the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM also features fluorine-coated front and rear elements, which are easy to clean. Its wide f/2.8 maximum aperture and eight-bladed circular diaphragm enables users to emphasise pin-sharp subjects against a smooth, out-of-focus background.

The optical design comprises 23 elements in 19 groups and includes fluorite and UD elements that ensure high contrast and excellent resolution. The fast f/2.8 maximum aperture, which is constant throughout the zoom range, lets in twice as much light as an f/4 lens. The built-in 3.5-stop Image Stabiliser compensates for blur caused by camera movement, while the ring-type USM motor offers fast and silent autofocus.  Manual adjustments can be made at any time with a simple twist of the focus ring.

This lens has a minimum focusing distance of 1.2 metres and maximum magnification of 0.21x at the 200mm focal length. It is due to go on sale locally in early August with pricing set at dealers’ discretion.

For more information on both lenses, click on the following links: EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM and EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM.