What does the \"II\" mean in this lens?

[scollins]

Telephoto EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM Autofocus Lens

I have a novice question about lens nomenclature. What does the "II" mean in the name of this lens. I realize the "L" lenses are incredible lenses, but does the "II" indicate something different?


Thanks.

[pwagner]

Given the price, you might be tempted to think you 2 (II) for that price. Sorry, the "II" designates that this is the second 200mm f/2.8 that Canon has made. The first one was probably not a USM version (used the previous-generation focusing) or the first one was an older glass design. Either way, you are almost certainly getting a better lens in some way.

There are many "II" versions of Canon lenses. Also, the two current Canon teleconverters are both "II" versions: 1.4x II and 2x II.

The breathtaking 300mm f/2.8 L has actually gone through 3 versions: 300mm f/2.8, 300mm f/2.8 II, and 300mm IS f/2.8

[scollins]

Thanks Pwagner for the info. I'm relatively new to the SLR field, and there's a lot to learn.