Product Description

The Canon USA 7042A002 70mm to 200mm /f2.8 IS USM is an exceptional zoom lens for use with a Canon SLR camera body (35mm or Digital). A unique feature is that this lens incorporates Canon's second generation Image Stabilization technology. Maximum Diameter x Length, Weight - 3.4 x 7.8, 3.24 pounds

Product Details

• Brand: Canon
• Model: 7042A002
• Dimensions: 5.80" h x 6.00" w x 11.30" l, 4.00 pounds

Features

• EF mount; telephoto zoom lens
• Ultra-low Dispersion glass; image stabilizer; inner focusing; full-time manual focus; circular aperture
• 70-200mm focal length
• f/2.8 constant maximum aperture
• Micro UltraSonic Motor (USM) Includes case and lens hood

Amazon.com Product Description
Incorporating Canon's second-generation Image Stabilization technology, this 70-200mm telephoto zoom responds in as little as 0.5 seconds while providing up to three stops of correction for camera shake. As a result, you can easily capture the far-off action of fast-paced sports or zoom in for an intimate portrait with a blurred background. The lens's autofocus (AF) system, meanwhile, has been refined for better response time and tracking speed. And photographers will love the new eight-blade circular aperture, which offers a more pleasing out-of-focus image. Constructed to pro standards, the EF 70-200mm lens is highly dust- and moisture-resistant and carries a one-year warranty.

• Focal length: 70-200mm
• Maximum aperture: 1:2.8
• Lens construction: 23 elements in 18 groups
• Diagonal angle of view: 34 to 12 degrees
• Focus adjustment: Inner focusing system with USM
• Closest focusing distance: 4.3 feet
• Zoom system: Rotating type
• Filter size: 77mm
• Dimensions: 3.4 inches in diameter, 7.8 inches long
• Weight: 3.24 pounds

Customer Reviews

Still one of my favorites!
This lens is still one of my favorites and used most of the time. Good all around zoom lens.

You Get What You Pay For!
At first I was hesitant to get this lens because of its price. I looked at the cheaper non-IS and the f4 version. But after a lot of research I bit the bullet and made the purchase. I have to say I do not regret it one bit. If you look on ebay, craiglist and many forums you'll find a lot of people selling their f4 versions. The reason they often gave was "going to upgrade to the f2.8 IS". So I thought id just save myself the pain of buying and selling, and just get the lens I really wanted.

Now that I have it, this lens is awesome. Nothing short of it. Whether its sports, portraits or wildlife, this is THE lens to have. I'll just break it down more simple:
Pro's:
- Awesome image quality
- f2.8 w/IS makes shooting low light events now possible.
- Autofocus is very fast.
- Zoom range is good
- This version of the lens is dust/water resistant.
- Built like a tank.

Cons: (not sure if these are all truly cons, just observations)
- Its heavy. After shooting a full day race event my arm was sore. Id guess it somewhere around 3.5 to 4 pounds
- It will attract looks and attention. People will assume you work for a news paper or magazine.
- Its a big lens. There's no hiding this under your jacket to get it in somewhere.
- Price. Unless your Richie Rich, a $1700 lens is considered a major purchase.

This is a real gun
It's really difficult to add something new as everybody agrees that this is an amazing lens. Before I bought this lens I had owned Canon 70-200 f/4 non-IS version. It was also excellent lens in terms of image quality but this one adds faster aperture and more importantly excellent Image Stabilization.
Lens is really heavy comparing to non-IS version of 70-200 f/4 but that extra weight is worth of it. Pictures are excellently sharp, you can shoot hand-held with times below 1/100 sec. which is a dramatic improvement.
I believe any of Canon 70-200 lenses is great but not each is usable in low light conditions without tripod. 70-200 f/2.8L IS excels in such situations so if you're sure you'll be dealing with low light, this lens is for you.
It's excellent for wedding photography, portraits, nature, animals etc.