Product Description

High-performance, L-series telephoto zoom lens combining lightweight and compactness with an f/4 maximum aperture. Inner focusing and the ring USM enable quick and quiet autofocusing. Also, a circular polarizing filter can be attached and used without difficulty because the front lens element does not rotate during focusing. The tripod collar (sold separately) is the same one used with the EF 300mm f/4L USM.

Product Details

• Brand: Canon
• Model: 2578A003
• Dimensions: 5.40" h x 5.40" w x 9.90" l, .88 pounds

Features

• 70-200mm telephoto zoom lens with f/4 maximum aperture for Canon SLR cameras
• Inner focusing system and ring-type ultra-sonic monitor for quick and quiet autofocusing
• Compatible with same tripod collar (sold separately) as EF 300mm f/4L USM lens
• 3.9-foot close-focusing distance; supports use of circular polarizing filter
• Measures 3 inches in diameter and 6.8 inches long; weighs 25 ounces; 1-year warranty

Amazon.com Product Description
Capture the far-off action of fast-paced sports or zoom in for an intimate portrait with the Canon EF 70-200mm telephoto zoom lens. This high-performance, L-series telephoto zoom lens is distinguished by such features as an f/4 maximum aperture, an inner focusing system, and a ring-type ultra-sonic monitor (USM). The last two features combine to deliver quick and quiet autofocusing--a priority for many amateur and professional photographers. In addition, photographers can attach and use a circular polarizing filter without difficulty because the front lens element does not rotate during focusing. Compatible with the same tripod collar (sold separately) used with the EF 300mm f/4L USM lens, the lens carries a one-year warranty.

• Focal length: 70-200mm
• Maximum aperture: 1:4.0
• Lens construction: 16 elements in 13 groups
• Diagonal angle of view: 34 to 12 degrees
• Focus adjustment: Inner focusing system with USM
• Closest focusing distance: 3.9 feet
• Zoom system: Rotating type
• Filter size: 67mm
• Dimensions: 3.0 inches in diameter, 6.8 inches long
• Weight: 25 ounces

From the Manufacturer
A truly professional L-series telephoto zoom lens, with reduced size and weight for applications where portability is important. Superb optically, it combines a Fluorite element with two UD-glass elements for outstanding contrast and performance. Its ring-type USM is fast, silent, and permits full-time minimum focus, as well as the closest MF of any of the L-series 70-200 designs. It’s also compatible with EF Extenders 1.4x II and 2x II, and accepts an optional accessory tripod collar.

Isolate the Interesting Part
The eye tends to see the whole rather than the individual parts. It also sees what’s near and not what’s far. By bringing attention to those things missed by the eye, you can create many interesting pictures. It could be the grimace of an athlete, the grill of a classic car, or a girl against a blurred background. Telephoto lenses can also compress images to give dramatic effects. You are limited only by your imagination.

Customer Reviews

Extremely Over Rated
I purchased this lens with high hopes, thinking that because it is an "L" lense and only $600, it was a great deal. On the contrary, the images that it took were no better (and in fact worse) than my 85 mm and my 50 mm Canon prime lenses. Before spending $600 on this camera (if you need a zoom), I would suggest checking out the 70-300 IS zoom (by Canon). It takes far superior pictures (I owned one for over a year).

Makes me want MORE "L"ness
If this is one of the cheapest "L"s I cannot imagine what the more expensive ones can do.... if only I were rich.

Make your camera worth the investment.
I was a bit disappointed with the 18-55 mm lens that came with the Canon XSi. But for the price (about $100, they say), it got me started. I read the reviews on various 200mm zoom lenses and this one really seemed to fit my needs.

Although I have not taken a lot of shots with it, I am very pleased with the handling and the interface to the camera. You won't be disappointed in the quality and if you are an experienced photographer, you will love the feel.