It was time to move up from my 70-200 F4L and the older f2.8 version's were not an option due to their week performance at f2.8 so I bit the bullet. So far this lens almost stays permanently on my 5D MKII and it has earned it's money back several times over.

Very very sharp; Too sharp actually at times; weather sealing; nice new locking hood design; Improved IS over older versions; can really hand hold to 3 real stops under; 3D like rendering of subjects in circle of confusion ( Almost Pentax limited lens like; great colour rendering and contrast,...

PRICE; I don't know of Pentax patented it but a hood window to adjust polarizing filters or similar would be nice; Strange bokeh; it's a bit harsh with back ground high lights and can make some hard yet still round halos.

The Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM is a member of Canon's flagship L-series of lenses. This lens is tough and built for the rigours of professional use, featuring dust and water-resistance. Four-stop image stabilisation is available with two modes for static and moving subjects.

A very high quality lens giving very clear photographs, the weight is the only criticism I found. By using a monopod it makes life a lot easier.

Easy lens choice for entering the big league

Best quality; works in dim lighting.

Heavy; large

Nothing wrong with the lens. More that it was unlikely to be a UK product and the issues arose with it being listed on Amazon at all. It was supposed to qualify for the Canon offer (the Amazon link claimed). It didn't.

This is a grey market lens meaning it does not qualify for Canon's manufacturer warranty. It arrived from zoom electronics without extra packaging or protection, just the original box. I am unsure if it is actually a Canon original product. I wouldn't recommend buying this through zoom electronics.

"One of the best tidbits of advice I have ever received was to buy this lens. And so I did from the Henry's booth at the Exposure Show (fall 2011). And I love it. And so I am passing the advice forward. This lens is the workhorse of my kit.

Bought this lens a few days ago to replace my 70-200 F4L. It's big, heavy and expensive. But it's also the best zoom lens Canon has ever produced. I'm completely happy. It's just as sharp as any prime I have.

I bought this lens on a friends advice & have been blown away by the versatility of it & the ease of use.I take it with me everywhere now & use it for a variety of things landscapes, portraits & anything else that I might see.

Superior build quality; Super-sharp images; Fast auto-focus

So sharp, you'll have paper cuts on your eyes. Image stabilisation is like hitting the brakes on a race car. Bokeh is creamy and cheesy and beautiful when combined with the telephoto compression. Buy one. Even if you have to mortgage your children.