First revealed last January at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, the Canon EF 70-200mm F/2.8L IS II USM offers improved optical performance versus the company's predecessor model, courtesy of an internal redesign that adds a fluorite element along with a fifth UD element. The EF 70-200mm F/2.8L IS II USM also offers a new focusing algorithm that improves AF speed, a reduced minimum focusing distance across the zoom range, and a claimed one-stop improvement in image stabilization capability.

The lens barrel itself is said to be stronger, and has a wider focusing ring, as well as reduced protrusions from elements such as the switch panel. There's also a newly designed locking lens hood. Overall weight of the EF 70-200mm F/2.8L IS II USM lens has increased by a slight twenty grams.

Indicating its early popularity, the product page for the Canon EF 70-200mm F/2.8L IS II USM lens on the company's Japanese-language website has today been updated with a message noting the unexpectedly high demand, and apologizing to customers for a delay in fulfilling orders.

Canon's EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens with tripod collar attached. Photo provided by Canon.