Canon EF 80-200mm f/2.8L

The Magic Drainpipe says it all......

I bought this lens 9 years ago off of a photo bulletin board and it possibly the best photo related investment I have ever made. Theatre, sports, model portfolios, commercial work, this lens has done it all and never disappointed. I recently had a chance to mount it on a brand new Canon 1Ds MKIII.......... what a combo.


If you can find it, buy it. Even if you have to trade in a 70-200 2.8L lens to do so, you won't be disappointed

Built like a proverbial tank and tack sharp wide open across it's entire focal range. The only lens I've used that even came close was the 200mm 1.8L

Did I say it was built like a tank? It weighs almost as much, but it's still my go to lens.

300 mm 4L, 200 mm 1.8L, 28-70 mm 2.8L , 20-35 mm 2.8L

Never

Fantastic lens ! I have tried them all,and only the new 70-200 f 2,8 usm IS Lens is better! that says it all; its a shame it went out(its on par w the famed 28-70 2,8L) if you can find one buy it(as the 100-300 5,6 L its a gem too!) BOUY IT

all; sharp sharp sharp did i say sharp super colour and etc......

weight!!!

many many in the lenght from 50 mm- to 1000 mm bot zooms and fixed all from both canon and nikon due to almost 20 yrs!

nope

I was wondering when someone was finally going to get a link going for this lens. I traded mine in for a 70-200 f4 about 6 months ago, the sole reason for doing so being the 70-200 is 1/2 a kg lighter. As my main style is travel/street photography this is a factor. I love the 70-200 but can't help wonder if I should have kept the 80-200 as well. I'm missing f2.8 more than I thought I would. Yes this lens is old, but they were built to last. Mine was a bit battered but worked flawlessly. It's not as quick as USM but not a problem IMHO. For the quality of the results you adjust. It doesn't have FTM which I enjoy, but again you just adjust. I bought mine after owning 75-300 consumer lenses so initially found it heavy, but without sounding like a broken record, again you adjust IMHO. Something that wasn't a problem for me but may be for some is that this lens isn't compatible with Canon extenders (or the Sigma ones either) because of the extenders protruding element. I have read that good results come with the Kenko or Tamron SP converters. Make no mistake, the optical quality of this lens is outstanding. I can't say much more than that because it is. Useable at f2.8? Absolutely! Quality wide open is outstanding, as an 'L' lens should be. Yes IS, FTM and USM are great but if you're looking for an affordable, top quality 'L' lens you will not go wrong with this gem. If I had the oppotunity (and finances) to get another one, I wouldn't hesitate.

Outstanding optically Sharp with open at all focal lengths Affordable (for an 'L'lens) Internal focusing Built like a tank

Nothing major, lens hood is the old clip on type which I'm not a fan of. Some may consider the lack of USM & FTM a weakness but I didn't.

Canon 75-300 Mark 2? Canon 75-300 IS usm (my copy was worse than the non USM) Canon 70-200 f4 'L' (Awesome lens)

Not Needed

The magic drainpipe. This lens is the precursor to the highly regarded 70-200 f/2.8L. This lens is sharp, very sharp, sharp throughout the entire zoom and aperture range. The build quality is pro, focus and zoom are internal. This is probably my favorite lens right now. This lens holds up in quality to the 70-200L, and some believe it is a bit sharper across the board. It is a wonderful mid range zoom.

Sharpness, build quality, f/2.8 across the entire range. Absolute bargain for a lens of this quality.

Arc Form focusing motor(pre USM)is a little slower and noisier than the USM motor, not really a problem for me. Heavy, it is heavier than my 300 f/4, a price I am willing to pay for the quality results from this lens.

FD 70-210, Tamron 28-200

Haven't had to use them.