This ultra-fast telephoto, a new member of Canon legendary L-series lenses, has totally new optics to provide better image quality. It uses fluorite and UD lens elements for excellent chromatic aberration correction and consists of 17 elements in 12 groups. The built-in Optical Image Stabilizer gives it up to 4 stops of stabilization correction.
The inner USM and optimized AF algorithms result in fast and quiet auto focusing, and the circular aperture can even produce beautiful out-of-focus images. This ultra-high-performance lens also improves its durability - better dust- and water-proofing. The EF 200mm f/2L IS USM is outstanding for many available-light applications, including indoor sports, theater work, fashion, and candid at events.

When coupled with a 1.4x teleconvertor, the effective 35mm focal length is 280mm F2.8 on a full frame and 448mm ( 35mm equivalent) F2.8 on a APS-C sized sensor such as the Canon EOS 40D.

The EF 200mm F2L IS USM is 5cm shorter than the EF 300mm F2.8 IS USM while its 500g lighter than the old EF200mm F1.8 USM which is already end of production a few years back.