The Canon EF 200mm f/2L IS USM Lens is the highly-anticipated replacement for the long-discontinued but legendary Canon EF 200mm f/1.8 L USM Lens . This replacement lens was number 1 on my personal most-wanted Canon lens list - And I am in no way disappointed with it.

If you watched any broadcasts of the Beijing Olympics you probably saw photographers with Canon's large, ultra-fast telephoto prime lenses, which are purpose-designed to provide pin-sharp images in low light levels.

One of the greatest lens I've ever used. I had the f/1,8 FD version, which was already stunning, but this new model is even better, especially wide open. And the stabilizer is a great addition. To improve this lens, I can only think about a shorter minimum focusing distance.

Fast auto-focus; Superior build quality; Super-sharp images; bokeh; sharpness wide open; color rendition

heavy; bulky

I bought this lens because Canon (CPS) stopped servicing my original 200L 1.8 lens. I reluctantly sold the original 1.8 version and bought the 200L IS 2.0 in 2009. I used this lens for well over 2 years till I sold it. The 200L IS 2.0 is sharp and makes lovely pictures but... Let me explain.

Fast subject acquisition; great IS and great IQ

The magic of the 200L 1.8 is not here

My favorite lens. This lens is a true beauty that produces unreal and stunning images. The bokeh is creamy smooth, contrast and colors and beautiful and it's razor sharp wide open. It's light enough to handhold for complete two hour engagement sessions and similar events.

bokeh; sharpness; contrast; Image Stabilization

Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Consistent Output; Fast / accurate auto-focus; Nice Bokeh; Rugged; Strong Construction

Heavy; Tough To Attach

I bought mine via Canon Price Watch brand new. All I can say is that this lens is heavy but you will disregard this once you will see images you take on whatever camera you put this on. This make me sell my 70-200mm F4 and 90mm prime/macro. This is now 99% my primary lens.

This lens by far is now my favorite on my Sony A7R2 with Metabones IV. It is heavy but I really dont mind the weight. When used with Yongnuo 2x TC III it will become a 400mm F4 and the image quality is not affected or undetectable unless you blow it up 1:1 and even if you do this you can still...

This lens is extremely sharp! And I am not easily impressed as I already got Canon's 300 mm f2.8 IS L as well as Canon's 500 mm F4 IS L and 9 other L-lenses. Expensive, yes, but the overall image quality (both on my 1ds MarkII & III) is simply stunning. Portraits, animals, sport, flowers, etc.

If "Bokeh" and "Crisp" images you are after, then this is the lens for you. I have had the pleasure of comparing this lens to the monster 85 F/1.2L, both lens deliver superb result, however, there is something extraordinary about the 200 F2L, to me that have to be the crisp images produced.