What is the Canon FL 200mm f/3.5?
The Canon FL 200mm f/3.5 is a telephoto lens that was produced by Canon from the late 1960s to the early 1970s. It was part of Canon’s FL lens series, which was the predecessor to the popular FD lens series. The FL 200mm f/3.5 is known for its impressive optical performance and solid build quality, making it a favorite among photographers who were looking for a high-quality telephoto lens back in the day.
Key Features
The Canon FL 200mm f/3.5 boasts several key features that set it apart from other telephoto lenses of its time. Here are some of its notable features:
1. Optical Performance: The lens consists of 6 elements arranged in 5 groups, which helps in producing sharp and detailed images. The lens also has multi-coating to reduce flare and ghosting, resulting in improved contrast and color accuracy.
2. Aperture Range: With a maximum aperture of f/3.5, the lens allows for good light-gathering capability, making it suitable for various photography genres, including wildlife, sports, and portraiture.
3. Focusing: The lens features manual focus with a smooth focusing ring, allowing photographers to have precise control over their subjects. It has a minimum focusing distance of 4.5 feet (1.4 meters), enabling photographers to capture subjects from a distance.
4. Build Quality: The Canon FL 200mm f/3.5 is built solidly, with a metal barrel and durable construction. It feels robust in hand and is capable of withstanding the rigors of outdoor shooting.
5. Versatility: The lens is compatible with Canon FL mount cameras, although with the use of adapters, it can also be used on modern Canon DSLRs and mirrorless cameras. This adaptability allows photographers to enjoy the lens’s excellent optical performance on their modern-day cameras.
Real-world Experience
Having had the opportunity to use the Canon FL 200mm f/3.5, I can attest to its exceptional performance. The lens produces sharp, contrasty images with beautiful bokeh and pleasing colors. Its focal length of 200mm provides a significant amount of reach, making it perfect for capturing wildlife and sports action from afar.
The build quality of the lens is superb, and it feels like a tank in hand. The manual focus ring is smooth and precise, allowing for easy and accurate focusing. Despite being a manual lens, it is a joy to use and can yield fantastic results when paired with a modern camera.
In conclusion, the Canon FL 200mm f/3.5 is a fantastic lens that offers impressive performance and versatility, even several decades after its initial release. Whether you are a collector, a vintage lens enthusiast, or a photographer looking for a unique shooting experience, this lens is definitely worth considering. Its solid build, excellent optical performance, and adaptability make it a gem in the world of telephoto lenses.
