A 70-200mm is a perfect lens for a variety of genres. From photographing cityscapes to portraits to even some street photography, a 70-200mm can do a lot. However, choosing such a popular focal length can be a challenge. There are so many options and varieties to choose from. So, we have curated and picked the best 70-200mm lenses for you. Whether you are a full-frame or APS-C user, there is something for everyone.
Sony 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II
The Sony 70-200mm f2.8 features an 11-blade aperture, 14 groups in 17 elements, and compatibility with 1.4x and 2x teleconverters. The lens also has 4 XD linear autofocus motors, a 0.4m minimum focusing distance, and a weight of 1,042g. The lens is lightweight, has excellent autofocus, excellent sharpness, and vivid colors. Plus, it has solid stabilization, making it easy for long-term use. “The bokeh, for example, is fantastic, and there’s character to be had with the mix of sharpness and blurred backgrounds,” as we said in our review.
Canon RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM
The Canon RF 70-200mm f2.8 L IS USM is weather-resistant, features 5-stop shake reduction, and has a close focusing distance of 2.3ft. The lens is small and compact, offers a great close focusing distance, and is fast focusing. In fact, the lens has great bokeh, impeccable sharpness, and colors. But it is pricey, which makes the lens ideal only for professionals. “Not only is there image stabilization and exceptional build quality, but it’s got beautiful image quality,” as we said in our review.
Nikon 70-200mm F2.8 VR S
With a 2.9x zoom ratio, the Nikon f2.8 VR S has a close focusing distance of 1.64 ft at 50mm and 3.28 ft at 200mm. The lens has a 77mm filter thread, weighs 1,360g, and has a 9 rounde bladed diaphragm. The lens offers great bokeh, color, and character. There is also a digital info panel, quick autofocus, and it is also weather-sealed. As we said in our review, “The background melts away, while the subject remains quite sharp for a zoom lens. Color is equally stunning. And, even though most Z bodies have stabilization, the lens still packs in VR as well.”
Panasonic 70-200mm F2.8 Lumix S Pro
The Panasonic lens has a close focusing distance of 0.95m, a 0.21x magnification, and 11 diaphragm blades. Constructed using 22 elements in 17 groups, the lens offers exceptional stabilization, weather sealing, and multiple controls and buttons for shortcuts. In addition, you get great colors and bokeh. As we said, “The colors are beautiful and the distortion is well-controlled. And, to top it off, it’s sealed against dust and moisture.”
Fujifilm XF 50-140mm f2.8
Designed for X series cameras, the 50-140mm is a 76-213mm equivalent on APS-C. The lens has a close focusing distance of 1m, 0.12x magnification, 7 rounded aperture blades, and 72mm filter thread. Created with 23 elements in 16 groups, the lens has an internal zooming mechanism and is easy to carry. It is sharp, has great bokeh, and is weather-sealed. Writing about its performance, we said, “It’s a major boon for folks looking to do sports photography who might’ve felt left out by the lack of telephoto zoom options where a constant aperture is a must. It’s also a major plus for portraitists who want a little variety in their focal lengths.”
