The Canon EF 50-200mm f/3.5-4.5 is an EF mount normal-to-telephoto zoom lens. It is one of the first lenses in the Canon EF series. [1]
In June 1988, Canon announced the EF 50-200mm f/3.5-4.5L lens. This lens has very similar physical qualities compared to the EF50-200mm f/3.5-4.5. [2] The main difference is that this is an L lens, meaning that the lens contains special lens elements which better correct for various aberrations. In the case of the EF 50-200mm 3.5-4.5 L, both an ultra-low dispersion ("UD") and a synthetic crystal fluorite ("Fluorite") were used. Aside from the different optical construction and slight variation in weight and length, the L and non-L lenses were basically identical. Note that at this time period Canon did not protect its L zooms against adverse elements such as weather. Both this lens and the similar duo EF 100-300mm 5.6 and its L variant lacked weather sealing construction, sharing the same housing as their non-L counterparts. Canon did, however, supply the L versions with lens hoods and cases at the time of purchase, which were available for the non-L lenses for separate purchase.
| Attribute | f/3.5-4.5 | f/3.5-4.5L | 
|---|---|---|
| Image | ||
| Key features | ||
| Full-frame compatible |  Yes | |
| Image stabilizer |  No | |
| Ultrasonic Motor |  No | |
| Stepping Motor |  No | |
| L-series |  No |  Yes | 
| Macro |  No | |
| Technical data | ||
| Focal length | 50 mm–200 mm | |
| Aperture (max/min) | f/3.5–f/4.5 / f/29 | |
| Construction | 16 elements / 13 groups | 16 elements / 14 groups | 
| # of diaphragm blades | 8 | |
| Closest focusing distance | 1.2 m (3.9 ft) | |
| Max. magnification | 0.23 x | |
| Horizontal viewing angle | ||
| Vertical viewing angle | ||
| Diagonal viewing angle | ||
| Physical data | ||
| Weight | 690 g (24 oz) | 695 g (24.5 oz) | 
| Maximum diameter | 75.6 mm (2.98 in) | |
| Length | 146.4 mm (5.76 in) | 145.8 mm (5.74 in) | 
| Filter diameter | 58 mm | |
| Accessories | ||
| Lens case | ||
| Lens hood | ||
| Retail information | ||
| Release date | December 1987 | June 1988 | 
| Currently in production? |  No | |
| MSRP yen | 72,100 | 105,500 |