Canon 70-200 f/2.8 Vs. Canon 80-200 f/2.8L lens

by Eric Peterson
(Wall, NJ USA)

Was looking for information on the comparison between a 70-200 2.8L (white lens) and the 80-200 2.8L lens (black lens). Both canon lenses.

Hi Eric!

Thanks for asking about a comparison of the Canon EF 80-200mm f/2.8 L lens and the Canon EF 70-200mm L lens. I've never used a 80-200 lens, but have used both the f/4.0 and one of the 70-200mm f/2.8 lenses quite a bit. There are 4 versions of the 70-200mm f/2.8 lens. The first (1995) does not have image stabilization.

Canon EF 70-200 Vs. EF 80-200

Likely the most glaring difference between them for most photographers is the lack of image stabilization (IS) in the 80-200mm lens. The 70-200mm lenses, that were released in 2001, 2010, and 2018, have image stabilization. That's a feature we're all accustomed to benefitting from these days.

The 80-200 also does not have any weather sealing. If you never shoot in rain/snow/dusty conditions that's not a big deal.

Additionally, it would make sense that the optical design and materials (low dispersion glass) used for the more recently released 70-200 lenses will give you better image quality, although there can be variations within each lens model and the 80-200 lens is reportedly sharp.

I have done no testing on this, but it is possible the 70-200mm lenses are faster focusing. The 80-200mm's auto-focus was a big deal at the time and helped Canon grab some Nikon shooters away from the dark side. The 70-200mm lenses also include instant manual-focus override.

In terms of optical performance, none of these lens show much with defects. Chromatic aberrations, distortions and light fall-off issues are minimal according to the geeky lens testers who test them. Here is a recently discovered review of the Canon 80-200mm lens.

Eric, I hope this helps you. Good luck and let me know how you make out. Thanks, Bruce


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