p.1 #1 · Firmware upgrade for 300mm, 400mm, 500mm and 600mm L IS II
To the Users of the EF300mm f/2.8L IS II USM, EF400mm f/2.8L IS II USM, EF500mm f/4L IS II USM, and EF600mm f/4L IS II USM Interchangeable Lenses for Canon Digital SLR Cameras
Thank you for using Canon products.
Canon has released a firmware update for EF300mm f/2.8L IS II USM, EF400mm F2.8L IS II USM, EF500mm f/4L IS II USM and EF600mm f/4L IS II USM lenses. This firmware update will be performed by Canon Service Centers. Please contact us using the contact information listed at the bottom of this page.
Firmware changes:
Firmware Version 1.1.1 incorporates the following enhancement:
1. Changes the control algorithm of the focus drive, and enhances the drive’s responsiveness for more precise focus and adjustments. In particular, the new firmware enhances the AI servo AF capability of the lenses to track objects that move irregularly in sports events, such as soccer or rugby.
Affected Products:
Firmware Version 1.1.1 is for lenses with Firmware Version 1.0.0. If the lens’ firmware is already Version 1.1.1, it is not necessary to update the firmware. The serial numbers (10 digits) of the lenses equipped with Firmware Version 1.0.0 are as follows:
EF300mm f/2.8L IS II USM:
The third digit in the serial number is either 0, 1, 2, or 3 (xx0xxxxxxx, xx1xxxxxxx, xx2xxxxxxx, xx3xxxxxxx).
EF400mm f/2.8L IS II USM:
The third digit in the serial number is either 0, 1, 2, or 3 (xx0xxxxxxx, xx1xxxxxxx, xx2xxxxxxx, xx3xxxxxxx).
EF500mm f/4L IS II USM
The third digit in the serial number is 0 (xx0xxxxxxx).
EF600mm f/4L IS II USM
The third digit in the serial number is 0 (xx0xxxxxxx).
Lenses with serial numbers other than those listed above are equipped with Firmware Version 1.1.1 or later.
Support
This information is for residents of the United States and Puerto Rico only. If you do not reside in the USA or Puerto Rico, please contact the Canon Customer Support Center in your region.
Please register your EF300mm f/2.8L IS II USM, EF400mm f/2.8L IS II USM, EF500mm f/4L IS II USM or EF600mm f/4L IS II USM. By registering, we will be able to notify you via email when future firmware updates become available.
Thank you,
Customer Support Operations
Canon U.S.A., Inc
Contact Information for Inquiries
Canon Customer Support Center
Phone: 1-800-OK-CANON 1-800-652-2666
TDD: 1-866-251-3752
Email: [email protected]
For additional support options: www.usa.canon.com/support
p.1 #2 · Firmware upgrade for 300mm, 400mm, 500mm and 600mm L IS II
Sad to see that they have to be sent in. At least the 1DX has a feature to update the firmware of a lens, too, but apparently they don't want to allow for that... or there's more to it.
p.1 #4 · Firmware upgrade for 300mm, 400mm, 500mm and 600mm L IS II
So... The third digit of the serial number is (part of?) the batch number. Perhaps the first two numbers are the year in which they were made? I know it's off topic but I can't help but wonder since I heard that there's no more date code.
p.1 #6 · Firmware upgrade for 300mm, 400mm, 500mm and 600mm L IS II
I should also hope Canon picks up the cost of shipping (and insurance) in both directions....that can be very hefty and something the owner should not have to front him/herself.
p.1 #7 · Firmware upgrade for 300mm, 400mm, 500mm and 600mm L IS II
stanj wrote:
That was not a firmware upgrade, that was a logic board replacement...
Yes, I am aware that it is was a part replacement.
Updating lens firmware could be done by mounting the lens onto an adapter designed to upgrade firmware or by opening up the lens to access data ports housed inside.
p.1 #10 · Firmware upgrade for 300mm, 400mm, 500mm and 600mm L IS II
Canon paid for shipping both ways on my 800, the only problem is when it was returned the shipper just left it by the front door, no signature required.
p.1 #13 · Firmware upgrade for 300mm, 400mm, 500mm and 600mm L IS II
Canon pays for shipping but there is no insurance on the shipment (even if you are CPS) and they don't send UPS to pick it up. They want you to drop it off at a UPS store. There was a recent thread here on FM where a shipper dropped off a package at the UPS store, and he even bought insurance, and UPS opened the box and stole the item. UPS refuses to cover the full amount of the stolen item because they claim the UPS store is a separate company: https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1124847
That's worrisome since I have four lenses to send in.
p.1 #14 · Firmware upgrade for 300mm, 400mm, 500mm and 600mm L IS II
netexpress wrote:
Canon pays for shipping but there is no insurance on the shipment (even if you are CPS) and they don't send UPS to pick it up. They want you to drop it off at a UPS store. There was a recent thread here on FM where a shipper dropped off a package at the UPS store, and he even bought insurance, and UPS opened the box and stole the item. UPS refuses to cover the full amount of the stolen item because they claim the UPS store is a separate company: https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1124847
That's worrisome since I have four lenses to send in.
It may be time for a road trip to Irvine. ...Show more →
I remember that thread...out of curiousity, can't you take the package direct to the actual UPS shipping facility or do they not accept packages there? I've had to pick-up packages at my local UPS facility and I think I've seen an area to package & ship right from there.
p.1 #15 · Firmware upgrade for 300mm, 400mm, 500mm and 600mm L IS II
omarlyn wrote:
I remember that thread...out of curiousity, can't you take the package direct to the actual UPS shipping facility or do they not accept packages there? I've had to pick-up packages at my local UPS facility and I think I've seen an area to package & ship right from there.
Omar
Yeah - it's a long drive from here but I can drive it up to Oakland. Not a big deal. But it's still not insured if I use the CPS prepaid labels. So do I cover shipping myself insured via FedEx air? That'll be over $500 I'm sure. Oh well... such is life.
Otherwise I'm 406 miles, 7 hours and 5 mins from Irvine. Anything to do in Irvine? I've never been.
p.1 #16 · Firmware upgrade for 300mm, 400mm, 500mm and 600mm L IS II
That advisory doesn't surprise me much. At first I thought the lenses were optimised for 1DX, so they misbehaved a bit on my older bodies. However, now that I have tried the MKII supertelephoto lenses on 1DX, I know that is not the case.
However, I am not sure I really wanna have my 400 II and 500 II modified because they are the only lenses I have ever had that perform in the Servo AF mode better with 1.4XTC MkIII mounted on them than when bare.
p.1 #17 · Firmware upgrade for 300mm, 400mm, 500mm and 600mm L IS II
I have my camera/lens insurance thru Hartford. I called them before I sent the 800 in and the rep said it was covered both ways and I didn't need additional insurance.
p.1 #18 · Firmware upgrade for 300mm, 400mm, 500mm and 600mm L IS II
Well, I just got off the phone with Canon and they say...1. That my early pre-order lens that I'm about to put into high gear up here in Alaska for the upcoming busy fall season is one of those that could be, or should be updated, and 2. This is an optional update, 3. Since it's optional it costs the customer the shipping to Canon, but that it looks like Canon will pay for it to come home, 4. Turn around may be 5 or 6 days or so, and 5. CPS turn around doesn't apply 'cause it's not a repair, it's an optional upgrade.
As a wildlife photographer I'm thinking my needs are similar to those photographing rugby, and likely a useful upgrade, but I'm probably going to hold off until this winter. I hope I'm making the right choice.
p.1 #20 · Firmware upgrade for 300mm, 400mm, 500mm and 600mm L IS II
Jim McCann wrote:
Well, I just got off the phone with Canon and they say...1. That my early pre-order lens that I'm about to put into high gear up here in Alaska for the upcoming busy fall season is one of those that could be, or should be updated, and 2. This is an optional update, 3. Since it's optional it costs the customer the shipping to Canon, but that it looks like Canon will pay for it to come home, 4. Turn around may be 5 or 6 days or so, and 5. CPS turn around doesn't apply 'cause it's not a repair, it's an optional upgrade.
As a wildlife photographer I'm thinking my needs are similar to those photographing rugby, and likely a useful upgrade, but I'm probably going to hold off until this winter. I hope I'm making the right choice.
Upgrading from my version I superteles to the version II superteles at a cost of around $40K was an "optional update." Once Canon took my $40K I don't think fixing broken firmware on the version II should be considered optional. Do you? And aren't all these lenses still under Canon's warranty?
It is surreal that they would resort to semantic games.
