Canon EF 70 mm-200 mm F/2.8 IS USM L Lens

Canon's most affordable "L" series telephoto lens features rugged construction, silent operation, very sharp optics, and good bokeh. It is a must-have upgrade for any photographer who has become frustrated by the mediocre image and build quality of many consumer-grade zoom lenses. A constant f/4 aperture across the zoom range, fully internal zooming and focusing, and a focus limit switch to prevent "hunting" with distant subjects, enable excellent general portraiture and wildlife photography wherever the light is good enough to justify at least an f/4 aperture.

Lack of an image stabilizer (IS) limits this lens to tripod use in low light, but also makes this lens between 40-60% less expensive and substantially more portable than the next two higher options, the 70-200mm f/4L IS and the 70-200mm f/2.8L. Filters for the 67mm filter ring are also still relatively affordable for an aspiring hobby photographer, whereas the 77mm ring used by some of the up-market zooms can become a significant added cost.

The f/4L is equally at home on consumer-grade camera bodies such as the Rebel series, and on pro-sumer bodies like the 40D and 50D. The all-metal construction is durable yet relatively light weight, however users of composite camera bodies (all Rebels, 60D) should strongly consider adding tripod collar mount (TCM) to avoid unnecessary stress on the camera body's mount when shooting from a tripod. The Canon TCM is pricey but good alternates are available from third parties such as Opteka.

This lens made me rethink how sharp my shots can be. Fast to focus with outstanding IS, this lens simply makes your pictures better. Just came back from vacation and was amazed how much detail this lens captures, especially when I need to crop. Remains sharp from wide open to closed down. I had just purchased a Sigma lens prior to this one and thought I was happy with it until I saw what this lens could do. Consequently, I sent the Sigma back I spent the extra dough on another Canon lens.

Saving about 20% buying this "used" on ebay makes it all the better.

Excellent new MKII Lens. The difference in price may seem steep at first but when you compare the image side by side to the old lens, there is no comparison. I had the older Canon EF L 70-200 F/2.8 IS before busing this MKII lens. At one point I had both and was able to see the difference between the two. Don't get me wrong, I loved the old lens but got spoiled with this new one. Better contrast, sharpness at F/2.8 and less flare than the previous. As sharp wide open as prime lens all the way through the zoom range. Now the only problem is, I expect the next generation of L series lenses to be up to this level! Cannot wait for the 24-70 2.8L replacement. :-)

Im pre-sorry for my pour eanglish, i thing i'll make myself understand.
I bought this only for making video with a Canon 5D and 7D, i just have another 24-70 same DOF same line same brand same everithng. The other lens is for every situation but when you mount this you want to film everithing in tele whith that beautifull sharpness and color that this lens has. The ring for the tripod its a little bit nonsense because you wount want to change the plate of the tripod every time you change lense, unles you're planing to do some work just with this one, an experience that i never had.
The stabilizer is great for video too! no matter what other people say in forums its very important to spend a little bit more on stabilizing for VIDEO, don't try to buy it without this its impossible to use. Every time i need a 70mm lense i change the 24-70 for this one because the other one its not stabilized.
If you are making video this is a tripod product only.
The original bag for the lense is great, i use it every time.
thats all folks!

The Canon EF L 70-200 F/2.8 IS USM II is the perfect lens for Wedding, Portrait and Landscape photography. This lens takes AMAZING images, what do you expect from an 'L' lens. The II version has a slight improvement from the previous generation (the images seem sharper IMHO).

Now, this is not you walk around lens. Its big and heavy, so if you are a serious photographer this is one of the must have lens. If you are planning on getting a zoom lens or large prime, save your money and get this lens instead (or the any of the 70-200m f/2.8L). You won't regret it.

BTW, this is my second 'L' lens, the first being a walk-about EF 24-105m f/4L IS. I'll be eying on a super wide-angle 'L' next. Now I just need to start saving $$ and maybe in a couple of years...