Quick verdict: The Canon EF 70-200mm f2.8L IS II is one of those must-have lenses for Canon shooters. It’s heavy and expensive, but it produces extremely sharp, clean images with great edges and effective image stabilization, and it holds up even on the 50MP Canon 5DS R.
The Canon 70-200 f2.8L II lens should be in every Canon shooter’s kit. It’s one of those must-have lenses. The image quality is truly beautiful, and owning this lens has immediately improved my portfolio.
It’s heavy, it’s expensive, but it’s a Canon, and it’s worth every penny.
Canon 70-200 f2.8L IS II Review
The time is drawing near for me to provide a comprehensive update on this review. A great deal has changed since this lens was released. We have the Canon 5DS R that now shoots 50MP, and Sony has started making cameras that people care about. So, how does this lens perform even with these high-megapixel cameras?
From my tests, fantastic. Here is a shot taken with the 5DS R.
What I Love About This Lens
I know they say a better camera won’t make you a better photographer, but this lens will. And any pro would agree with me.
The lens produces extremely sharp, clean images. The edges look great. Image stabilization is a really handy feature and works great.
When I originally purchased this lens, I used it exclusively on my Canon 5D Mark II. Now, I use it on my Sony A7R with the Metabones Adapter. Although this slows down the autofocus and confuses the image stabilizer, I still find it enjoyable. I actually use it for many videos. You have to get further back, but it compresses your shots in a unique and beautiful way. I always try to shoot with long lenses with video, and this lens definitely does it for me.
Canon 70-200mm F2.8 IS II Bokah Samples
Wow, it’s nice! The only bokeh I’ve liked more is from my Zeiss Sonnar T* FE 35mm f2.8. But this lens has an excellent creamy bokeh. It just makes every image look magical.
What I Don’t Like About Canon 70-200mm f2.8L IS II
Not much else to note, except that it’s big and heavy. But that’s to be expected, and you can’t hold that against it. I wish it were cheaper.
The main problem I have with this lens is that I don’t have heavy-duty tripods. I use medium/lightweight tripods. Therefore, any long exposures in landscape photography become problematic due to vibrations. The lighter-weight tripods just can’t support the weight of the lens. You’ll need something heavier and bigger to support it. It’s not a big deal, and I don’t use this lens for landscape photography too often, so I can make it work for me.
I Wish It Were Black
I don’t like the attention it draws when I am in questionable areas of the world. I wish Canon would make a black one. I know many people share this sentiment.
Canon 70-200mm f2.8L IS II Sample Photos
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