Canon 7-63mm T2.6 vs Canon EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM
Canon 7-63mm T2.6 vs Canon EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM
When comparing Canon EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM and Canon 7-63mm T2.6, which one is better?
1. Lens Weight Comparison
Regarding the weight of the lenses, Canon EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM is the winner with a weight of 765 g compared to the 1980 g that Canon 7-63mm T2.6 weighs.
Winner: Canon EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM
Regarding weight: The weight of a lens is something you need to consider, since you have to carry it around on the camera as long as you're shooting. It adds to the total weight of your camera and it's important to keep the weight low if you get tired in your arms when taking photographs or filming.
2. Lens Mount Comparison
The lenses each feature different lens mounts — the Canon 7-63mm T2.6 features a Arri PL Mount while the Canon EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM features a Canon EF — and because of this the preference varies. If you have a compatible camera, then of course that lens will be a better choice for you.
Winner: Tied — It depends on your gear
Regarding lens mount: Popular lens mounts are Canon RF and EF, Micro Four Thirds and Nikon Z. Different lens mounts lets you connect different lenses to camera bodies, but some might not be compatible. This can be helped by using an adapter, like a Canon EF to RF adapter.
3. Largest Aperture Comparison
The Canon 7-63mm T2.6 has the largest aperture of the two lenses at 2.6 compared to the 2.8 aperture of Canon EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM. This means that you get more light to your sensor using Canon 7-63mm T2.6 wide open, and therefore it might be a better lens in dark situations.
Winner: Canon 7-63mm T2.6
Regarding largest aperture: A lower aperture number means that the widest aperture on the lens is larger. This means that more light will hit the sensor and also that the depth of field will be shallower, better separating your subject from the background.
4. Focus Distance Comparison
Canon 7-63mm T2.6 features a minimum focus distance of 60 cm while Canon EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM has a minimum focus distance of 145 cm. Depending on your shooting style, the Canon 7-63mm T2.6 might be a better choice.
Winner: Canon 7-63mm T2.6
Regarding minimum focus distance: The minimum focus distance of a lens is the smallest distance from the lens to the subject you want to be in focus; subjects closer than the lens' minimum focus distance will not be in focus. Whether or not this is important to you is up for you to decide, but some want to take close photos and videos and in those cases it's important to have a lens with a low minimum focus distance.
5. Lens Type Comparison
The Canon 7-63mm T2.6 is a Zoom lens while the Canon EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM is a Prime lens. Whether or not a zoom lens or a prime lens is what you need, is up to you to decide; they both have their respective strengths and weaknesses.
Winner: Tied — It depends on your gear
Regarding type: There are two types of lenses; zoom lenses and prime lenses. Prime lenses have a fixed focal length and cannot be zoomed, while zoom lenses have a focal length range and can be zoomed in to get closer to the subject. Prime lenses are usually lighter, cheaper and let in more light. Zoom lenses are more versatile but are more expensive since they require a more advanced lens design.
Specifications
Full specifications table of Canon 7-63mm T2.6 and Canon EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM:
| Canon 7-63mm T2.6 | Canon EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM | |
 |  | |
| Brand | Canon | Canon |
| Year | Missing | 1996 |
| Weight | 1980 g | 765 g |
| Lens Mount | Arri PL Mount | Canon EF |
| Focal Length | 7 - 63 mm | 200 mm |
| Largest Aperture | 2.6 | 2.8 |
| Anamorphic | Missing | No |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 60 cm | 145 cm |
| Type | Zoom | Prime |
| Aperture Range | 2.6 - 22 | 2.8 - 32 |
| Filter Thread Diameter | Missing | 72 |
| Lens Front Diameter (Not Filter Thread) | 95 mm | Missing |
| Aperture Blades | Missing | 8 |
| Lens Groups | Missing | 7 |
| Lens Elements | Missing | 9 |
| Image Stabilization | Missing | No |
| Autofocus | Missing | Yes |
| Macro | Missing | No |
| Weather Seal | Missing | Yes |
| Full Frame Coverage | Missing | Yes |
| Lens Hood Included | Missing | Yes |