Canon's coated FD telephoto zoom — the S.C. version of the 100-200mm with improved contrast.
The Canon FD 100-200mm f/5.6 S.C. is the Spectra Coated version of Canon's budget FD telephoto zoom. The S.C. coating provides improved contrast and flare resistance over the uncoated original. Despite the coating upgrade, the slow f/5.6 maximum aperture remains the primary limitation, restricting this lens to bright daylight conditions.
Optical performance is basic with the S.C. coating providing a noticeable improvement in contrast over the non-coated version. Sharpness is acceptable in the centre when stopped down. The slow maximum aperture creates a dim viewfinder on manual focus bodies, making composition and focusing more difficult. Adequate for casual outdoor telephoto work only.
Canon FD mount, manual focus. Filter thread is typically 52mm or 55mm. Weight is approximately 360 grams — lightweight for a telephoto zoom. Build quality is adequate with a mix of metal and plastic construction. The S.C. designation confirms improved coatings but the optical design remains basic. Adapts to mirrorless via FD adapters.
Very cheap on the used market. Check for smooth zoom and focus operation, and clean optics. The S.C. coating makes this marginally better than the non-coated version but the f/5.6 aperture severely limits its practical utility. The Canon FD 70-210mm f/4 is a dramatically better choice at only slightly higher used prices.