On 7 June 2018, Canon announced the EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM. An update to one of Canon’s most celebrated telephoto zoom lenses, the new lens features ASC (Air Sphere Coating), which significantly reduces flare and ghosting. (Reported by: Makoto Suzuki (Digital Camera Watch))
ASC for significantly reduced flare and ghosting; fluorine coating for easier maintenance
The EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM inherits the optics of the current model, the EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM (released 2010), but newly incorporates Air Sphere Coating (ASC), a lens coating that reduces flare and ghosting.
Another update to the lens is the fluorine coating applied to the front surface of the first lens and the back surface of the last lens. This allows dirt to be wiped off easily and makes the lens easier to maintain.
EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM (Predecessor)
FL: 200mm, f/2.8
EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM
FL: 200mm, f/2.8
FL: 200mm, f/32
FL: 200mm, f/32
A staple of Canon’s premium L-lens series, the EF70-200mm f/2.8L family of lenses seeks to meet the needs of users of professional and advanced amateur DSLR cameras such as the EOS 5D series and the EOS-1D series. It is ideal for shooting a variety of genres including landscapes, sports and portraits.
The high resolution, finely-rendered details and beautiful bokeh in these images shot by the EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM reflect its professional-quality performance.
With its fixed aperture of f/2.8 throughout the entire zoom range, this large aperture lens is perfect for users who want to achieve beautiful, creamy bokeh and faster shutter speeds.
Lens construction
The lens consists of 23 lens elements in 19 groups.
A: Fluorite lens element
B: UD lens elements
Just like its predecessor, the lens utilises 1 fluorite lens element and 5 UD lens elements. The ASC coating is new to this version. The first and last lens surfaces also feature fluorine coating, which prevents dirt from adhering to the lens.
Key specifications and other details
The EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM retains the following specifications from the current model (EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM):
- 1.2m minimum shooting distance (=closest focusing distance)
- 0.21x maximum magnification
- Filter diameter: 77mm
- Minimum aperture: f/32
- 8 aperture blades
- 3.5 stops of image stabilisation
The external dimensions of Φ88.8 × 199mm (maximum diameter × total length) are also almost the same as the current model. However, the new lens weighs about 10g lighter (approximately 1480g).
The lens comes with a tripod ring mount attached. It is compatible with Canon Extenders EF1.4× III and EF2× III, and Canon Extension Tubes EF12 II and EF25 II.
Also see:
Canon Announces the EF70-200mm f/4L IS II USM
What is the difference between an f/2.8 and an f/4 telephoto zoom lens?
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Delivers daily news related to topics such as digital cameras and peripheral devices, and imaging software. Also publishes articles such as reviews on the use of actual digital camera models and photo samples taken using new models.