Canon Releases EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x Lens

Side view of the new Canon’s EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x lens. (Source: Canon.)

Featuring a built-in 1.4x extender that employs eight lens elements in four groups, the new Canon EF200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x enables users to instantly change the lens’s zoom range from 200″“400mm to 280″“560mm with the single flip of a switch. Included in the L (luxury)-series, this lens delivers high image quality, including when the extender is in use. It is ideal for capturing sports action, nature and other subjects in situations where weight and shooting-space restrictions might limit the amount of equipment that can be brought to a location, or in places where users are unable to get close to a subject.

The Canon EF200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x incorporates a new optical design that makes use of a fluorite lens and four UD (ultra-low dispersion) lens elements, which effectively correct for colour aberrations across the entire zoom range, making possible high-resolution, high-contrast imaging performance comparable to that made possible by large-diameter super-telephoto prime lenses. Greatly minimising the occurrence of flare and ghosting, the new lens employs optimal lens positioning and coatings, as well as Canon’s proprietary SWC (Subwavelength Structure Coating) anti-reflection coating technology.

In order to equip the new lens with an internal extender, Canon has developed a compact IS unit that delivers image stabilisation equivalent to approximately four shutter-speed stops. The EF200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x allows users to select from three different IS modes, including IS Mode 2, which is ideal for photography where panning is necessary and IS Mode 3, which provides optimal image stabilisation for capturing fast-paced action.

The new super-telephoto zoom lens has been thoroughly reduced in weight through the liberal use of magnesium alloy and features a construction that ensures a high level of durability and ruggedness in the face of harsh shooting conditions to satisfy the demands of professionals.  Its weight is listed as 3.62 kg on Canon’s EOS website . Details can be found at http://web.canon.jp/imaging/l-lens/index.html.

The Canon EF200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x super-telephoto zoom lens is expected to be available in Australia from the end of May with pricing at dealer discretion.  More information can be found at the Canon Professional Imaging site.