Canon has finally confirmed the
impending release of one of the most anticipated lenses for wildlife and sports
photographers, their EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x.
The lens, which is particularly aimed at
professional sports and wildlife photographers, has several notable,
distinguishing features. The primary one though, is the inclusion of an
integrated 1.4x extender.
This can be engaged, or disengaged by
flicking a lever rather than by having to risk exposing one’s camera to dust by
removing the lens. Additionally, it transforms the lens into a 280-560mm on
full frame cameras like the EOS 5D Mark Ill or the EOS 1D X, for example, or
into a 448-896mm on an APS-C body with a 1.6x crop factor.
Cannon
EF 400 mm f/4L
The lens further boasts a fixed f4
aperture, ideal for use in low light and for capturing pleasingly blurred
backgrounds. Engaging the Teleconverter does cost you a stop though, in this
case rendering the lens into a still respectable f5.6.
Built to last
As we have come to expect from Canon’s
premium L lenses, the EF 200-400mm has been built to handle life in the rough,
boasting a magnesium alloy design, environmental protection and specialized
lens coatings.
Cannon
EFs
According to Canon, the optical design
includes both fluorite and Ultra-low Dispersion (UD) lens elements, which help
minimize chromatic aberration and eliminate color blurring. Advanced
anti-reflection Sub-Wavelength Structure Coating (SWC) and Super Spectra Coating
further reduce ghosting and flare.
The final feature worth mentioning is the
newly designed optical Image Stabilizer (IS), which provides users with a four
stop advantage. Furthermore, an IS Mode 3 applies image stabilization only at
the time of exposure, which enables photographers to pan with fast-paced action
without IS overcompensating for movement.
EF
200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x
To the point
Understandably, these features do come at a
price, and the lens is expected to retail for about $10,000 if not more, when
released Stateside, while local availability is expected by the beginning of
this month. Although no official local pricing has been confirmed as yet,
indications are that it will be in the region of $13,172. We suspect this is a
lens that will separate the men from the boys so to speak, or at least compel a
visit to the bank.
