One of the most popular lenses in our recent popular DSLR lens list was the Canon 70-200mm F/2.8L IS lens.
Today Canon have released an updated version of this very popular lens a Mark II version.
With a really versatile focal length range it is no wonder that these 70-200mm lenses always feature in our top lenses lists. This updated lens comes with improved optical performance after a redesigned innards that now has a fluorite element and 5 UD elements to help with correcting chromatic aberration and faster focusing system.
The new lens has a smaller minimum focal distance of 1.2 meters (as opposed to 1.4 meters in the last version) and there are a couple of external changes including wider focusing ring. Its also a little stronger and weighs 20 grams more than the previous model.
Im not sure Ill be ordering one to update my current 70-200mm f/2.8L IS Mark I but if I was in the market for the best Id be certainly drooling over this new lens!
No price has been announced yet for this lens but it shouldnt be far off as it is expected in stores in April.
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM Lens Press Release
Canon Makes The Best Even Better, With The Introduction Of The Second Generation EF 70-200mm F/2.8L IS II USM Lens
Canons New EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM Incorporates Advanced Lens Elements and Enhanced Durability for High-Speed Autofocus and High-Performance Optical Image Stabilization
Canon, a leader in digital imaging, introduces the new EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens. Arguably the most popular focal range in Canons telephoto arsenal and a staple lens for any professional photographer, the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens provides the focal length, maximum aperture and zoom power for capturing everything from fast-action sports to studio portraits. Built for the professional, the body structure of the new EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens has been enhanced to provide better durability and strength without a significant increase in weight. Canon has improved optical performance on the new EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens by redesigning the internal elements, incorporating a fluorite element and a fifth UD element. The use of the fluorite element and five UD elements helps to minimize secondary chromatic aberrations and produce better image quality with improved contrast and resolution through the entire zoom range; the end result is an optically precise lens worthy of becoming the leader of Canons L-series lenses.
Along with its redesigned optical elements, the new lens design features improved AF speed due to a new focusing algorithm and has reduced the minimum focusing distance to 3.9 feet (1.2 meters) through the entire zoom range, allowing photographers to capture tighter portraiture shots in a small studio space. The previous lens models minimum focusing distance was 4.6 feet (1.4 meters), whereas now photographers can stand nearly 8 inches closer to their subject and achieve sharp focus and tight crops. Canon has also enhanced the Image Stabilization allowing it to compensate for shutter speeds up to four steps slower than 1/focal length, a one step improvement over the previous lens model.
Canons core has always been our optics, and we are constantly challenging ourselves to produce better and more advanced optical systems for our customers. The new EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens incorporates the best advancements in Canon lens technology from the past few years and packages it into what we believe will be the most popular lens for professionals and advanced photographers, stated Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A.
The enhanced magnesium alloy barrel design of the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens features added strength with a minimal 20-gram increase in weight compared with the previous model (1490g vs. 1470g) and retains Canons protective seals and fittings providing dust and water resistance for those photographers working in adverse conditions. A new bayonet mount on the front of the lens includes a locking mechanism to ensure the supplied lens hood remains securely in place. Other noticeable improvements include a wider focusing ring, and sleeker design by reducing the thickness of any protruding elements such as the switch panel. The new lens is also compatible with Canons existing EF1.4X II and EF2X II Extenders as well as EF Extension Tubes and the 77mm Close-Up Lens 500D.