Canon EF55-200mm f/4.5-5.6 II USM

• Specifications
• Reviews
• Sample Images
• Initial launch information.

A EF lens that is now a standar focal length range available in the EF-S mount. Optically reasonable, but very cheap build quality and no manual focus ring as such.

Available from: Amazon.com | Amazon.co.uk | B&H | Adorama

Lens specifications

Focal Length & Maximum Aperture	55-200mm 1:4.5-5.6
Lens Construction	13 elements in 13 groups
Diagonal Angle of View	43° 12"
Focus Adjustment	Front group rotating extension system with micro USM
Closest Focusing Distance	1.2m / 3.94 ft. 0.21 x magnification
Zoom System	Rotating Type
Filter Size	52mm
Max. Diameter x Length, Weight	2.8" x 3.8", 10.9 oz. / 70.4 x 97.3mm, 310g

EF55-200mm f/4.5-5.6 II USM reviews and articles

• Canon UK / US Information Page
• Amazon
• Northlight Images
• Canon CPN article
• Fred Miranda
• Lens Tip
• Digital Picture
• PhotoZone
• SLR Gear
• Lens Review
• ePhotozine

Written a review? Contact us and we'll add it to the list.

Sample images

None available at present.

Product launch

Amstelveen, The Netherlands, August 20, 2003. Canon, a leader in photographic and imaging technology, today releases the EF55 200mm f/4.5 5.6 II USM telephoto zoom lens.

Lightweight, compact and affordable, the new lens works seamlessly with all EOS cameras and has special coatings to make it suitable for digital photography. Its focal length makes it the perfect supplementary lens for EOS 300D customers already using the new EF S 18 55 f/3.5 5.6 zoom lens.

"Many EOS 300D photographers will be working with the EF-S 18 55mm lens," says Hiroshi Komatsuzaki, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging Europe. "By adding the EF55 200 f/4.5 5.6 II USM to their kit, they can cover shooting situations from 29mm wide angle right through to 320mm long range telephoto in 35mm format - all with just two lenses".

The APS-C sized sensor in the EOS 300D gives the focal length of the lens a 1.6x magnification. The EF55 200 f/4.5 5.6 II USM therefore gives EOS 300D users the equivalent of an 88 320mm zoom lens in the 35mm format. For EOS film users, the low weight and compact size of the new lens makes it a suitable telephoto zoom lens for photography on the move.

Perfect for digital photography

By optimising the EF55 200 f/4.5 5.6 II USM lens coatings, Canon's engineers have effectively minimised the chance of flare and ghosting which are more prone to occur with digital cameras than with film cameras. The coatings reduce reflections off the rear of the lens to deliver crisp, undistorted digital images.

Ultra-sonic for ultra-fast auto focus

Canon's quiet Ultra Sonic Motor (USM) technology and improved electronic circuitry drive the auto focusing faster than the lens' predecessor, the EF55-200 f/4.5-5.6 USM. The drive pattern of the lens has been tailored to specifically match that of the latest EOS range to extract maximum benefit from the lens' speed advantage.

Unlike conventional motors that rely on conversion of electromagnetic force, Canon's USM uses ultrasonic vibrations to generate the rotational force required for auto focusing. This allows faster, more accurate and virtually silent focusing.

Precision optics for high image quality

With aspherical elements to correct aberrations, the lens has been meticulously designed to provide high image quality across the entire zoom range. As with all EF lenses, aperture is controlled with an EMD (electromagnetic diaphragm) for fast, quiet, highly precise control.

In harmony with the environment

In keeping with Canon's stringent environmental policy, only lead free glass is used in the lens' optics.