70-200mm Canon Lens – Which One is Best?

How do you rate 70-200mm Canon Lenses? Is there one most unbelievable lens in this category?

This question is the topic of many a debate. Photo enthusiasts have been discussing this question for years, probably since right after the second 70-200mm lens was produced.

Before we get into the meat of the discourse, let's clear up one vital issue. A 70-200mm lens is a essential part of each and every serious photographer's photo bag. After buying your digital SLR camera and a general walk around lens, this should be the very next lens you get. It covers some valuable real estate with regard to focal range.

It can be used for a wide range of photography types, from close-up to street photography to nature photography, and even portraits. The lens is a real multi-tasker.

In fact, since many photographers prefer to use the 100mm focal length for their portrait work, this is the favored lens of many professionals for that task.

So, is there one that really is the best?

Still, before getting to that, critics agree on two benefits that apply to all the lenses mentioned here. The first benefit is superior image quality - they are all virtually the same on that point. And the second is the HSM (hypersonic motor) feature that provides really fast focus speeds.

The 70-200mm lenses from Canon are their "flagship" lenses. They are proud of them, and they should be. They are each terrific, whether it is the cheapest or the most costly of the collection.

Notice that each one has the coveted "L" in its title. L is attached to only the best build quality lenses made by Canon. Every photographer covets at least one L lens.

One more thing, and this should have been mentioned with the benefits of all lenses in this category. The aperture, whether it is 2.8 or 4.0, is constant throughout the entire focal range. With zoom lenses, this is not always the case. This feature adds value because you do not give up quality or shutter speed by using the zoom.

There are five lenses to choose from made by Canon. There are also third party manufacturers which are really well made, too. However, for this article, we will focus only on the "home-grown" choices.

Now for the benefits of each offering.

Starting with the least complex, which is also the cheapest:

1. Canon 70-200mm f/4.0 L HSM - a highly regarded lens, even though it is a fraction of the price of the more advanced choices. It is the lightest but it still turns heads because of the tell-tale light grey color which is typical of all the lenses in this category. Lacking in IS(image stabilization) it is recommended for use with a tripod if the light is not really bright.

2. Canon 70-200 f/4.0 IS L HSM - add IS (image stabilization) to the mix and you can shoot hand-held images at lower shutter speeds, negating the need for a tripod. The IS feature does add a couple of ounces in weight, but the size is identical to the other f/4.0 lens. Price almost doubles though.

3. Canon 70-200 f/2.8 L HSM - the larger aperture of 2.8 is a huge plus to some photographers. This alone adds value in terms of being able to shoot at lower light levels with confidence that shutter speeds are fast enough to prevent image blur. The larger aperture adds length and weight to the lens, but it turns out to be about the same price as the previous model.

4. Canon 70-200 f/2.8 IS L HSM - this is the best of the group. The most complex lens has the most desired capabilities. Shooting at 2.8 apertures with IS gets you into very low light shooting without the aid of a tripod. This may include night scenes and concerts. It is a heavy lens, and it is the most expensive of the group. However, many photographers are totally convinced it is the only one to have.

5. There has been an upgrade to the top of the line - Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 IS L HSM II - it is improved technology and a bit higher price.

You MUST have one of these lenses. If you are a technology junkie, you will need the top of the line. But if you are on a budget, one of the other models will be up to the task.