I bought all 3 versions of the EF70-200mm F4L mugs. As usual, I did a comparison test.

Picture: The Lens that sparked off the trend. Canon EF 70-200mm F4L USM.
All lens mugs claimed to be modelled on a 1:1 ratio!! How uncanny! We take a look at all 4 of them when placed side by side. On first look, can you spot the real lens on first glance?
When placed side by side, you will notice that all the 3 mugs above are not exactly 1:1 as claimed. even the color are off. The 3rd from the left above is the real lens.
Let’s scrutinize each version now.
Version 1:
This is version 1. On first look, not too bad, pretty close due to the color. And the packaging box was quite close to Canon’s theme of Red, Black & White.

However on a closer look, the AF/MF Switch was ultra fake and the “switch” itself wasn’t even moulded onto it.

The Distance scale meter was a joke, the font size are wrong. The Ultrasonic logo also looks a tad too fake to be real.

This “Canon” word is not supposed to be there, but I guess with a lens this fake, the logo helps to make it look more convincing.

I like the bottom though. The other 2 versions feature real Rear Lens caps except for this version. This is a anti-slip rubber base which adds functionality to the mug and to prevent spills. This is the best feature for this version. Let’s look at Version 2 now.
Version 2:

The switches are the most realistic of the 3 versions, but the rubber rings feel cheap and a little too soft to be real.

Featuring a real lens cap that can be used on a real EF lens, this feature is interestingly incorporated into the design of this lens mug. Let’s look at version 3 now.
Version 3:

Version 3 uses the Canon theme on the box design. The details of this version is amazing. Color is slightly off, but still closer to the real lens color when compared with the other 2 versions.

The lid was even made to look like a real Canon lens cap. But lack the golden “Ultrasonic” word on the lid. Compared with the earlier 2 versions, this will be an added advantage if the buyer really meant to buy and display rather than to buy and use.

The rear lens cap also can be used on real EF Lenses as a rear lens cap, however the texture of this version is not quite close to the real thing. I suspect it is made this way to create the friction on the mug base to prevent spills.
The overall winner has to be version 3. The details were paid attention to and it was in fact made to 90% close to the real lens. Inside the packaging (picture above), there’s a pleasant surprise that the manufacturer even included a mug holder mimicking a real “Lens Pouch”. So if you are out looking to buy one for collecting and light usage, do make sure you get the right version or get mugged.
Have fun collecting!
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Awesome review. I’ve got one in my hands here, and it seems to be slightly different from all of yours, but maybe most similar to the third one. I’ll post a review soon.
Thanks Pal. I supposed you may have bought a new version, there are currently 5 versions to date, these 3 are what I managed to find locally in Singapore. :)~
Where did you buy them?
Melissa, I bought it from various sources.
thank you for information. i like mugs from site here.
hello, can u please tell me where did you buy this?because I really need to buy this lens mug asap for my bro’s birthday present this week. pleaseee, and thankyou 🙂
Hi Anne,
I bought it from 3 different local suppliers.
You may wish to try http://www.canonmugs.com/
Thanks!