This ultra-fast telephoto, a new member of Canon legendary L-series lenses, has totally new optics to provide better image quality. It uses fluorite and UD lens elements for excellent chromatic aberration correction and consists of 17 elements in 12 groups. The built-in Optical Image Stabilizer gives it up to 4 stops of stabilization correction. The inner USM and optimized AF algorithms result in fast and quiet autofocusing, and the circular aperture can even produce beautiful out-of-focus images. This ultra-high-performance lens also improves its durability - better dust- and water-proofing. The EF 200mm f/2L IS USM is outstanding for many available-light applications, including indoor sports, theater work, fashion, and candids at events.
The Canon EF200mm f/2L IS USM is an exceptionally sharp lens that is significantly lighter (2520g/5.5 lbs. vs. 3000g/6.6 lbs.) than its predecessor, the renowned EF200mm f/1.8L USM lens, while adding OIS and a weather-resistant design. Ideal for all kinds of low-light photography including portraiture as well as indoor sports, the EF200mm f/2L IS USM has a close-focus setting of 1.9 m/6.2 feet and a circular aperture system that enhances its background blur rendition at wide apertures.
The new Canon EF200mm f/2L IS USM is scheduled to be available in April at an estimated retail price of $5,999.00 and the new Canon EF800mm f/5.6L IS USM is scheduled to be available in May for an estimated retail price of $11,999.00.
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| Canon EF200mm f/2L IS USM |
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| Photo 1: EF 200mm f/2L IS USM |
Development objectives
The EF 200mm f/2L IS USM (Photo 1) is a new L-series telephoto lens with image stabilization. It replaces the discontinued EF 200mm f/1.8L USM lens. The lens's large f/2 aperture and lightweight design make it ideal for portraits or for indoor sports photography.
The primary development objectives of this lens are described below.
Feature 1: Top picture quality suitable for an L lens
The optical system - which was redesigned from the ground up with one fluorite and two UD elements - delivers the high-fidelity, high-contrast images one expects from an L lens while minimizing chromatic aberration and eliminating color fringing (figures 1 and 2). Lens elements G7 and G8 form the inner-focusing system. |
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| Figure 1: Optical assembly of the EF 200mm f/2L IS USM |
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| Figure 2: MTF characteristics of the EF 200mm f/2L IS USM |
Feature 2: Five f-stop stabilization gain
Image stabilization on this lens is achieved with a mechanism that shifts the compensation optics (G11, G12, and G13). The high-performance IS unit - which is highly responsive to even subtle blurring - and the gyro-sensors - which precisely detect blurring - together with an optimized image-stabilization algorithm, give the lens a stabilization gain equivalent to roughly five f-stops* of shutter speed (photos 2 and 3). |
 |  | | Photo 2: Image stabilization on | Photo 3: Image stabilization off | |
| (Photos 2 and 3 were taken with an EOS-1Ds Mark III at 1/100 sec.) |
This lens's image stabilization function has the following outstanding features: | · | Two selectable image stabilization modes - Mode 1, for still shooting, and Mode 2, for pan shooting | | · | Image stabilization when using a monopod is equivalent to hand-held image stabilization | | · | Image stabilization available when using a tripod** | | · | Image stabilization can be used with the EF 1.4x II or EF 2x II extender attached |
*The minimum unaided hand-held shutter speed is roughly [1/focal length] seconds.
**In certain shooting conditions and with certain tripod types, it is better to work with image stabilization off.
Feature 3: Lightweight design
For easier hand-held shooting, we designed the major components of the lens from lightweight magnesium alloy. This allowed us to pare the lens down to 2,520 grams (from the 3,000 grams of the EF 200mm f/1.8L USM) despite the large aperture and image stabilization unit.
Feature 4: Superior waterproof and dustproof construction
Waterproof and dustproof construction (Figure 3) around the mount, the switch panel and switches, the AF stop buttons, the focus-recall and focusing rings, and the drop-in filter prevent dust and moisture from getting into the lens, making it suitable for taking pictures in harsh conditions.
*Be sure to use the lens with a weatherproof/dustproof camera body. |
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| Figure 3: Waterproof and dustproof construction on the EF 200mm f/2L IS USM |
Feature 5: Optimal optics for digital SLRs
The lens configuration and coatings have been optimized to ensure excellent color balance as well as to minimize the flaring and ghosting found with digital SLRs due to surface reflections from the imaging sensor.
Other features
• Manual focusing in AF mode
After the one-shot AF operation, the full-time mechanical manual focus construction allows the user to continue to focus manually without leaving the AF mode.
• Fast, silent autofocusing
The lens's inner-focusing system, ring-USM drive, high-speed CPU, and optimized AF algorithms enable fast, silent autofocusing performance on par with the EF 300mm f/2.8L IS USM.
• AF stop function
The photographer can pause the autofocus drive while the lens is autofocusing by pressing one of the four AF stop buttons located near the front of the lens. This allows the photographer to stop the lens from accidentally focusing on obstructions appearing between the photographer and the subject.
• Focus preset function
The lens comes with a focus preset that instantly moves the lens to a previously stored focus position. This is useful for pre-focus shooting
• Circular aperture produces beautiful bokeh blurring effects
The lens features an electro-magnetic diaphragm with a circular aperture that provides attractive bokeh blurring effects (Photo 4). |
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| Photo 4: Bokeh effect of the circular aperture at f/3.5 |
• Switch shapes designed to prevent accidental settings
The switch panel switches have been shaped to prevent them from being moved accidentally while shooting or during transport.
• Large hood provides more effective light blocking
The inner wall of the large circular ET-120B hood (Photo 5) has been flocked for superior anti-reflective performance, vastly reducing harmful reflections. |
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| Photo 5: Dedicated ET-120B hood for the EF 200mm f/2L IS USM |
• Environmentally friendly design
The lens optics use only lead-free glass in consideration of the environment.
Furthermore, the lens design meets the environmental requirements of the European Union's RoHS Directive (Directive on the Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment).
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| Photo 7: The telephoto/super-telephoto large aperture L-lens series |
This concludes this month's look at our two new high-performance L-series lenses. With the addition of these two new lenses, our EF lens line now features six large-aperture L-series lenses that cover telephoto and super-telephoto ranges (Photo 7).
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