This page may contain affiliate links that pay me a small commission. There is no cost to you. You can review the affiliate statement at the very bottom of this page if you want more information. As an Amazon affiliate Canon Camera Geek may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases, at NO added cost to you.


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

by Eric Peterson
(Wall, NJ USA)

Canon EF 70-200mm vs EF 80-200mm lens

Canon EF 70-200mm vs EF 80-200mm lens

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


RELATED
Canon 70-200 Or Alternative
The More Affordable 70-200mm f/4.0





Click here to post comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Ask The Canon Geek.


Author Bruce Lovelace
Bruce Lovelace Signature

Bruce Lovelace is the publisher of Canon Camera Geek. Read more about him on the About Page. He also publishes how to articles and camera gear reviews at the Photography Tips website.

View some of Bruce's photos on Instagram  and Flickr  Join the tribe of followers on YouTube. Bruce also runs photo workshops and provides 1 on 1 digital photography coaching.

Canon Geek on Google My Business


You might like these






Search for articles on this Site:


Recent Articles

  1. Canon R6 Mark II FAQ. Answers To All of Your Canon R6 M2 Questions

    Sep 01, 25 07:51 AM

    R6 M2 Alcyon Fall
    There's a lot you can easily learn about Canon's mirrorless R6 Mark II camera. Get your questions answered in this R6 Mark II FAQ

    Read More

  2. Canon G1X Sensor Size. What Are The Specs on The Canon G1X Sensor

    Aug 26, 25 11:39 AM

    Canon Camera Sensor Sizes
    Here is a comparison of the Canon G1X sensor size with the rest of the "G" series Canon cameras

    Read More

  3. Macro Photography With the Canon G1X Mark II- G1X Close-up Flowers

    Aug 26, 25 11:24 AM

    Macro Photo of yellow flower taken qith G1X Mark II Camera
    Use these helpful tips for your macro photography with the Canon G1X Mark II and its re-designed lens. Here are the sample close up photos of flowers

    Read More

  4. Canon 5D Mark iii Replacement. After the 5D Mark IV, What Will Be Next

    Aug 20, 25 07:29 AM

    5d Mark III and replacement
    what is going to be the most attractive Canon 5D Mark III Replacement? Read this:

    Read More

  5. Best Canon Speedlites For Beginners. How To Pick The Right Canon Flash

    Aug 19, 25 11:39 AM

    Bruce Speedlite collection
    So which Canon Speedlite would be right for you? Find out the best Canon Speedlites for beginners. This post will help you choose the right Canon flash for you.

    Read More



Sign up for a monthly update

Enter Your E-mail Address
Enter Your First Name
Then

Don't worry — your e-mail address is totally secure.
I promise to use it only to send you Canon Geek Newsletter.