Lens · prime
Canon FD 200mm f/4
Canon · from 1971
Vintage35mm
Canon FD 200mm f/4: 7 elements in 6 groups, 8 aperture blades, 1.5m minimum focus, 52mm filter thread, 440g. Canon Camera Museum marketing dates: FD200mm f/4 (March 1971); FD200mm f/4 S.S.C. (March 1973); New FD200mm f/4 (June 1979).
- Focal length
- 200mm
- Max aperture
- f/4
- Mount
- Canon FD
- Format
- 35mm
- Elements / groups
- 7 / 6
Known for
- Wildlife
- Sports
- Nature
- Budget telephoto
Considerations
- f/4 limits low light
- 1.5m minimum focus (2.5m on breech-lock versions)
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
Contrast4, level 4 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
Rendering: Clean, sharp
Colour: Neutral
Silverlog's editorial rating, 1 to 5; five is best. Not lab-measured.
Versions
FD / FD S.S.C. (breech-lock)
1971-1979
Chrome breech-lock ring; S.S.C. marking from 1973; 55mm filter
6 elements in 5 groups, 2.5 m MFD, 675-725 g
New FD
1979-1989
All-black, bayonet-style mount; 52mm filter
7 elements in 6 groups, 1.5 m MFD, 440 g
Common issues
- Hood mechanism
- Sticky aperture
- Focus wear
Buying guide
Check the hood and aperture operation.
Specifications
| Mount | Canon FD |
| Focal Length | 200mm |
| Max Aperture | f/4 |
| Min Aperture | f/32 |
| Aperture Blades | 8 |
| Min Focus | 1.5m |
| Filter Size | 52mm |
| Weight | 440g |
Optical design
| Formula | Telephoto |
| Elements | 7 |
| Groups | 6 |
| Coating | SSC (Canon) |
Pricing
- Typical used price
- £50 - £100
- Mint
- ~£140
Indicative, no dated source.