Canon EF 70-200mm F4L IS II USM Review

May 31, 2019 | Mark Goldstein | Rating star Rating star Rating star Rating star Half rating star

Conclusion

The new EF 70-200mm F4L IS II USM represents a major update of Canon's venerable 70-200mm F4 lens, replacing the 12 year old Mark I version by introducing a number of significant improvements.

These most notably include a vastly-improved image stabilization system, reduced minimum focus distance and an improved maximum magnification rating, better weather-sealing, a new 9-blade rounded aperture, and new lens coatings to help reduce flare/ghosting and to assist with keeping the lens clean, topped off with very good image quality when shooting wide-open and outstanding performance from f/5.6-f/11.

All of which makes this the best 70-200mm F4 lens that Canon have ever released, in turn narrowing the gap to the flagship Canon EF 70-200mm F2.8L IS III USM.

If you don't need the faster F2.8 aperture (although that is a pretty compelling feature), then this lens has a lot to offer and very little to complain about, making it easily worthy of our Highly Recommended award.

4.5 stars

Ratings (out of 5)
Design 4.5
Features 4.5
Ease-of-use 4.5
Image quality 4.5
Value for money 4.5