Product Description

This high grade telephoto zoom lens responds to the exacting requirements of professionals and advanced amateurs, yet at a reasonable price. One artificial crystal fluorite and two UD (Ultra-low Dispersion) glass lens elements in its optical system eliminate secondary spectrum, which is often the Achilles' heel of telephoto lenses resulting lower picture quality. These elements assure high resolution and high contrast throughout the entire zoom range. The latest optical design gives a minimum focusing distance of 1.2m and 0.21x maximum magnification. This lightweight, compact zoom lens, having the same level of optical performance as EF 70 - 200mm f/2.8L USM, assures good portability and operability. The ring USM (Ultrasonic Motor) and inner focusing system achieve high-speed silent autofocusing. Manual focusing, even while in AF mode, is possible thanks to full-time manual focusing mechanism. Extenders EF 1.4X and 2X can be used with this lens, and the optional Ring Tripod Mount A (W) is being marketed concurrently.

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

Great lens to have
I haven't used it for alot of just shooting around, but I have got some awesome images of the full moon - It is heavy, but great glass!

Great well priced lens
This lens is really the best value of the L quality lenses. It covers a nice range and is small enough to fit in most lens bags. The build quality is excellent, although it is not weather sealed like most other L series lenses. It comes with a nice hood which can be inverted onto the lens front for easy storage. It is really best for outdoor photography as the f4 doesn't do that well indoors. If you are looking for a midrange telephoto it is really between this lens and the 70-300mm IS. I tried them both out and liked the build quality and lens quality a little better on this one. The lens does not change in size while focusing or zooming, which I did not look for in a lens, but is actually a nice feature. I bought this lens for a trip to Alaska and was very pleased with the results. I basically switched between this lens and a wide angle lens the entire time.

Pros-
L series quality
good range
great price for L-series (the f2.8 and IS versions are significantly more expensive)
compact size
comes with hood and case
great resale value - since it is a L-series

Cons-
not IS
not great indoors
not weather sealed
off-white color draws attention (although people think you spent a lot more than you did for this pro-looking lens)

Overall I am extremely pleased with this lens.

Nice lens, but not for me
I have no complaints about the image quality and performance of this lens, but I wanted to post this review to note a problem I had with it that eventually led me to selling the lens and upgrading to another lens, in case this helps others with their decision. The lens is rather long and heavy, and I found that I had consistent problems in anything other than the most brightly-lit conditions in achieving a shutter speed fast enough to prevent hand shake blur. Apart from using this lens with a tripod, I consistently was frustrated by having all my handheld shots ruined by hand shake blur. I eventually decided to upgrade to the same lens (70-200mm f/4) but the model with IS (image stabilization) and have been much happier with my output using the lens. Would recommend anyone considering this non-IS version to take into consideration whether they are prone to hand shake or might have problems holding this particular lens steady - perhaps go to a camera store and try it in hand first before deciding to order.