Canon EF 70-200mm F4L IS II USM

The Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM is the second generation of Canon's lighter f/4 telephoto zoom for EF-mount SLR cameras. Canon announced it on 7 June 2018 together with the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM. It suits portraits, sports, events and travel on full-frame and APS-C EF bodies, and it offers the same range as the f/2.8 version at about half the weight.

Optical design

According to Canon, the lens has 20 elements in 15 groups, including one fluorite element and two UD elements. The aperture is a constant f/4, with a smallest aperture of f/32 and a circular 9-blade diaphragm. Canon names Super Spectra Coating and a fluorine coating on the front and rear elements. Maximum magnification is 0.27x at 200 mm.

Autofocus and handling

Autofocus uses an inner focusing system with a Ring USM. The optical stabilizer provides up to 5 stops of correction and has three IS modes, including mode 3 for panning and irregular subject motion, according to Canon. The minimum focus distance was shortened from 1.2 m to 1 m compared with the previous version. As an EF lens, it needs the EF-EOS R adapter on RF mirrorless cameras.

Build and size

The lens weighs 780 g and measures 80 mm in diameter and 176 mm in length. The filter thread is 72 mm, larger than the 67 mm of the previous version in our database. Canon states a highly dust- and water-resistant construction.

Where it fits

The predecessor, the Canon EF 70-200mm F4L IS USM, weighs 760 g in our database with a 120 cm minimum focus distance, and it has the same 20 elements in 15 groups. The II improves stabilization from 3 to 5 stops according to Canon and shortens the focus distance. Compared with the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM, this lens is roughly half the weight and one stop slower. The RF 70-200mm F4L IS USM (695 g) is the mirrorless counterpart.

Pros and cons

Pros

• 780 g, about half the weight of the f/2.8 version
• Optical stabilizer with up to 5 stops and three IS modes
• 1 m minimum focus distance
• Fluorite and UD elements
• Dust and water resistant

Cons

• One stop slower than the f/2.8 version
• 72 mm filter thread, larger than before
• EF mount needs an adapter on mirrorless bodies
• Slightly heavier than the first version (760 g)

Verdict

The EF 70-200mm f/4L IS II USM is the version to choose for EF owners who carry a telephoto zoom a lot. It gives up one stop of light compared with the f/2.8 lens and brings a better stabilizer, closer focusing and weather resistance.