LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., February 7, 2011 - Canon today announces the development of a telephoto zoom lens featuring an integrated focal length extender – the EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM EXTENDER 1.4x. The lens will be displayed for the first time during CP+, held in Yokohama, Japan.
Designed for Canon's leading range of EOS Digital SLR cameras, the new lens will be an ideal addition for sports and wildlife photographers, offering exceptional flexibility with a built-in 1.4x extender that creates an increased focal range of 280 – 560mm.
Perfect for photographers who require high performance, fast aperture and a flexible telephoto range, the EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM EXTENDER 1.4× will enable photographers to shoot a greater breadth of subjects using a single lens, delivering the best possible image quality at all focal lengths.
Developed as a new addition to Canon's acclaimed L-series of professional lenses, the new lens will offer an unsurpassed combination of versatility, first-class optical performance and an enhanced weather-proof construction. The model will be released as part of Canon's continued development of its EF lens line-up, offering enhanced performance and improved functions that cater for the needs of photographers from beginners through to professionals.
The EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM EXTENDER 1.4x is scheduled for launch during 2011.
When used on a 1.6x body it is 320-640mm native and 450-900mm with built in 1.4x tele engaged. When used on a 1.4x body it is 280-560mm native and 400-800mm with built in 1.4x tele engaged.
What do you all how to say about this?
Here are some of the great photos shared in this thread.
The lens foot is way too large. I hope it can be replaced. I'm still a bit disappointed that the lens is not 100-400, but the quickswitch TC is innovative for a 35mm lens. (Yes I know they are used in some video, etc. lenses.)
Now taking bets on MSRP: I will say it's going to come in at around $7500.
When I saw the little bump on the side for the extender, I thought of that line Arnold Schwarzenegger delivered in the movie "Twins": "IT'S NOT A TOOOMAHHHH."
I guess the 70-300 IS L is the new 100-400L after all. This new beast will be a whole different level of huge and one shudders at the thought of the price. Should be a pretty sweet wildlife lens though indeed, a really awesome Safari lens I bet.
Of now they find a way to try to tempt you three ways at once . A 300 or 400 2.8 for sports and low, low light wildlife and then a lightweight 70-300 for walk-about and then a 200-400 for general serious walk-about wildlife hah.
Anyway I can't imagine affording such a triplet myself although it sure sounds like a nice three.
EB-1 wrote:
I'm sure it will be high. I'll dump the 400/4 DO, 300/2.8 IS and one 100-400 to ease the pain somewhat.
EBH
Please reconsider and keep the 300? I can understand selling the others--they're no faster than the new lens--but the 300 is still a full stop faster. I love this lens so much I have a hard time imagining anyone else wanting to sell theirs Though if I'm lowballing the MSRP, I think you still might not break even if you sold all three.
EB-1 wrote:
I'll dump the 400/4 DO, 300/2.8 IS and one 100-400 to ease the pain somewhat.
EBH
that might give you enough to make a first down payment on it
It does sound pretty cool, but yeah seeing how absurd the price on the 70-300L is and then realizing that this lens actually sounds like it SHOULD be pretty expensive means a price that the world may not yet be prepared for hah.
I'm not sure I can give up my 300 2.8 IS and I can't imagine being remotely able to afford this otherwise but at least there will be something to salivate over in the store windows.
This is an interesting and welcome announcement. I can't wait to read more details. The 1.4 tooomah built in looks like a great feature.
For the sake of comparison I looked up the price on the Nikon 200-400 f/4 and it's nearly $7,000. I wouldn't expect this one to be too far off that mark.
??
Though if I'm lowballing the MSRP, I think you still might not break even if you sold all three. 