Canon's budget FD telephoto zoom — the basic 100-200mm with slow f/5.6 aperture.
The Canon FD 100-200mm f/5.6 is a budget telephoto zoom from Canon's FD-mount film era. Covering the moderate telephoto range with a slow f/5.6 maximum aperture, it provided affordable reach for Canon FD system users who could not afford the faster f/4 alternatives. It was one of the most basic telephoto options in the FD lineup.
Optical performance is basic. Sharpness is acceptable in the centre when stopped down but unremarkable overall. The f/5.6 maximum aperture severely limits low-light capability and viewfinder brightness on manual focus bodies. Adequate for well-lit outdoor photography at a distance but not suitable for demanding work. Chromatic aberration is present.
Canon FD mount, manual focus. Filter thread is typically 52mm or 55mm. Weight is approximately 350 grams — lightweight for a telephoto zoom. Build quality is basic with a mix of metal and plastic. The FD mount breech-lock or new FD bayonet coupling depends on the specific version. Adapts to mirrorless via FD adapters.
Very cheap on the used market — often under £20. Check for smooth zoom and focus operation. The slow f/5.6 aperture makes this difficult to recommend when faster FD telephoto options are available at similar prices. The Canon FD 70-210mm f/4 or FD 200mm f/4 are significantly better investments.