Who Makes the Best 70-200mm f/2.8 Lens?

Perhaps no lens is more commonly relied on by professionals in challenging environments than the 70-200mm f/2.8. So, which company makes the best version? This great video review compares the respective 70-200mm f/2.8 options from Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Panasonic to see which one is best.

Coming to you from DPReview TV, this awesome video comparison looks at the 70-200mm f/2.8 lenses from Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Panasonic. Countless photographers rely heavily on a 70-200mm f/2.8 for work in a ton of genres ranging from weddings to sports, and they require fast and reliable autofocus, rugged construction, and of course, top-notch image quality. Thankfully, after several generations of such lenses, it is hard to go wrong with an option from just about any manufacturer. And although they are expensive, their versatility and longevity make them a great investment for a lot of work; I have personally used mine more than any other lens, and it has paid for itself several times over. Although it does not offer the allure of a more esoteric lens like a super-wide-aperture prime or some other extreme design, it is by far the most practical and reliable optic in my bag. Check out the video above for the full rundown. 

Alex Cooke's picture

Alex Cooke is a Cleveland-based portrait, events, and landscape photographer. He holds an M.S. in Applied Mathematics and a doctorate in Music Composition. He is also an avid equestrian.

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11 Comments

sony. this sony g-master 70-200 2.8 is an absolute beast (ok, it's big and heavy, but the quality beats everything)

The reality is there is barely noticeable difference between any of the brands premium trinity lenses and all are more than capable of world class images in the right hands so the whole argument is pointless really.

The huge difference is that Canon's lens lives up to what the mirrorless concept has been touted. Lighter, smaller and lighter.
Yes, all optically are great but the Canon delivers a superior package as a whole.

Super impressed with the Canon's size as well.... But jealous as a Sony owner 🙂

Your bokeh review was bonkeh! Bokeh means the out of focus area not the shape of the lights in the background. I’d like to have seen how it renders the out of focus areas .

It got loads of tools arguing with each other though at least, isn’t that the main goal of DPreview?

Well, since I shoot Nikon, I guess, it will be the Nikon one, as it fits my cameras

People get carried away so much with equipment, that they forget to put memory card in their camera. Happened 2 weeks ago with my 2nd shooter.... got to the location and forgot to bring memory card.

Comment on the wrong post dude, hahaha

I used to have that problem but I started transferring photos by WiFi since 2014 and never again.

Tamron 70-200 F2.8 G2 has never failed me. I shoot Canon R.