Canon EF 70-200 mm f/2.8L IS III USM § 03 Head to head
Canon EF 70-200 mm f/2.8L IS III USM vs Canon EF 70-200 mm f/2.8L IS USM
Canon 70–200mm f/2.8 is 150 g lighter.
Both lenses are made for the Canon EF mount: the Canon EF 70-200 mm f/2.8L IS III USM is a 70–200mm f/2.8 zoom, and the Canon EF 70-200 mm f/2.8L IS USM is a 70–200mm f/2.8 zoom. On paper the Canon EF 70-200 mm f/2.8L IS III USM comes out ahead, 3 advantages to 0, but which one suits you depends on what you shoot.
Canon EF 70-200 mm f/2.8L IS III USM 
Canon EF 70-200 mm f/2.8L IS USM 01
Key differences
Why is the Canon EF 70-200 mm f/2.8L IS III USM better than the Canon EF 70-200 mm f/2.8L IS USM?
- 150 g lighter (1440 g vs 1590 g)
- Focuses 20 cm closer (1.2 m vs 1.4 m)
- Newer design (2018 vs 2001)
Why is the Canon EF 70-200 mm f/2.8L IS USM better than the Canon EF 70-200 mm f/2.8L IS III USM?
No measurable advantage on paper.
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Which should you buy?
- portrait For portrait photography, the Canon EF 70-200 mm f/2.8L IS III USM has the edge: it is 150 g lighter to carry.
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Specification
| Specification | Canon EF 70-200 mm f/2.8L IS III USM | Canon EF 70-200 mm f/2.8L IS USM |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 70–200mm | 70–200mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum aperture | f/32 | f/32 |
| Lens type | Zoom lens | Zoom lens |
| Format | Full frame | Full frame |
| Weight | 1440 g (50.79 oz) ◆ | 1590 g (56.09 oz) |
| Dimensions | 199 x 89 mm | 86.2 x 197 mm |
| Minimum focusing distance | 1.2 m (47.24 inches) ◆ | 1.4 m (55.12 inches) |
| Image stabilization | Yes | Yes |
| Weather sealing | Yes | — |
| Aperture ring | No | — |
| Aperture blades | 8 | 8 |
| Optical construction | 23 elements / 19 groups | 23 elements in 18 groups |
| Filter size | 77 mm | 77 mm |
| Lens mount | Canon EF | Canon EF |
| Released | 2018 | 2001 |
| Price | $2,099 launch price | — |
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Size
- A · Canon
- B · Canon
- 199 × 89 mm
- 197 × 86.2 mm
The Canon EF 70-200 mm f/2.8L IS III USM is 2 mm longer and 150 g lighter than the Canon EF 70-200 mm f/2.8L IS USM.
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Sample frames
Canon EF 70-200 mm f/2.8L IS III USM
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Video reviews
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Questions
- Which is lighter, the Canon EF 70-200 mm f/2.8L IS III USM or the Canon EF 70-200 mm f/2.8L IS USM?
- The Canon EF 70-200 mm f/2.8L IS III USM weighs 1440 g, 150 g less than the Canon EF 70-200 mm f/2.8L IS USM (1590 g).
- Which focuses closer, the Canon EF 70-200 mm f/2.8L IS III USM or the Canon EF 70-200 mm f/2.8L IS USM?
- The Canon EF 70-200 mm f/2.8L IS III USM focuses down to 1.2 m, against 1.4 m for the Canon EF 70-200 mm f/2.8L IS USM.
- Do the Canon EF 70-200 mm f/2.8L IS III USM and the Canon EF 70-200 mm f/2.8L IS USM have image stabilization?
- Yes, both lenses have optical image stabilization.
- Is the Canon EF 70-200 mm f/2.8L IS III USM or the Canon EF 70-200 mm f/2.8L IS USM better for portrait photography?
- For portrait photography, the Canon EF 70-200 mm f/2.8L IS III USM has the edge: it is 150 g lighter to carry.
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