Lens · prime
Canon FD 200mm f/2.8
Canon · from 1975
Vintage35mm
Canon FD 200mm f/2.8: 5 elements in 5 groups, 8 aperture blades, 1.8m minimum focus, 72mm filter thread, 700g. Canon Camera Museum marketing dates: FD200mm f/2.8 S.S.C. (March 1975); New FD200mm f/2.8 (June 1979 October 1982).
- Focal length
- 200mm
- Max aperture
- f/2.8
- Mount
- Canon FD
- Format
- 35mm
- Elements / groups
- 5 / 5
Known for
- Sports
- Wildlife
- Events
- Action
Considerations
- Heavy at 700g
- 1.8m minimum focus
- Manual focus for action challenging
Optical characteristics
Silverlog's editorial rating: our own judgement, not measured data.
Sharpness (wide)4, level 4 of 5
Sharpness (stopped)5, level 5 of 5
Contrast5, level 5 of 5
Flare resistance4, level 4 of 5
CA control4, level 4 of 5
Vignetting control4, level 4 of 5
Distortion control5, level 5 of 5
Bokeh: Smooth telephoto compression
Rendering: Punchy, professional
Colour: Neutral, accurate
Silverlog's editorial rating, 1 to 5; five is best. Not lab-measured.
Versions
FD S.S.C. (breech-lock)
1975-1979
Chrome breech-lock ring
5 elements in 5 groups, f/22 minimum, 700 g
New FD
1979-1989
All-black, bayonet-style mount
5 elements in 5 groups, f/32 minimum, 700 g
Common issues
- Hood mechanism
- Tripod mount wear
- Focus stiffness
Buying guide
Check the tripod mount and hood mechanism and test focus smoothness.
Specifications
| Mount | Canon FD |
| Focal Length | 200mm |
| Max Aperture | f/2.8 |
| Min Aperture | f/32 |
| Aperture Blades | 8 |
| Min Focus | 1.8m |
| Filter Size | 72mm |
| Weight | 700g |
Optical design
| Formula | Telephoto |
| Elements | 5 |
| Groups | 5 |
| Coating | SSC (Canon) |
Pricing
- Typical used price
- £180 - £350
- Mint
- ~£450
Indicative, no dated source.