Canon EF 70-200mm F2.8L IS III USM

The Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM is the third generation of Canon's professional f/2.8 telephoto zoom for EF-mount SLR cameras. Canon announced it on 7 June 2018 together with the EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM. It is a classic lens for portraits, events, sports and wildlife at moderate distances, and it works on full-frame and APS-C EF bodies.

Optical design

According to Canon, the lens has 23 elements in 19 groups, including one fluorite element and five UD elements. The aperture is a constant f/2.8, with a smallest aperture of f/32 and a circular 8-blade diaphragm. The big new point over the previous version is the Air Sphere Coating (ASC), which Canon says reduces flare and ghosting. A fluorine coating on the front and rear elements helps against smears and fingerprints. Maximum magnification is 0.21x at 200 mm.

Autofocus and handling

Autofocus uses an inner focusing system with a Ring USM. The optical stabilizer provides up to 3.5 stops of correction. The minimum focus distance is 1.2 m. Canon states compatibility with its EF extenders. Because it is an EF lens, it needs the EF-EOS R adapter on RF mirrorless cameras.

Build and size

Canon Europe lists a weight of 1480 g, while Canon USA gives approximately 1440 g, so the two Canon sites differ. The lens measures 88.8 mm in diameter and 199 mm in length, with a 77 mm filter thread. Canon calls the build highly resistant to dust and water.

Where it fits

The predecessor, the Canon EF 70-200mm F2.8L IS II USM, has the same optical formula of 23 elements in 19 groups and weighs 1490 g in our database, with the same 199 mm length. The newer lens adds ASC and refined coatings. Older versions of the series, the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM (1570 g) and the non-stabilized f/2.8L USM, are lower steps. If weight matters more than aperture, the EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM is much lighter at 780 g and offers 5 stops of stabilization. The RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Z (1115 g) is the mirrorless counterpart.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Constant f/2.8 across 70-200 mm
• Air Sphere Coating and fluorine coating on front and rear elements
• Dust and water resistant build
• Compatible with EF extenders
• Optical stabilizer with up to 3.5 stops

Cons

• Heavy at around 1.4 to 1.5 kg
• Only 3.5 stops of stabilization, less than the f/4 IS II version
• EF mount needs an adapter on mirrorless bodies
• Minimum focus distance of 1.2 m

Verdict

The EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM is the latest version of Canon's EF f/2.8 telephoto zoom, and it makes sense for SLR shooters who want the newest coatings in the series. On the mirrorless side, the RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Z is lighter at 1115 g in our database.