For the first time in a commercially available lens, there is built-in 1.4x extender. This will make the lens attractive to professional sports and wildlife photographers. A robust magnesium alloy design, environmental protection and specialised lens coatings, combined with L-series optics, help to deliver exceptional results, even in the harshest conditions.
The lens can be used with Extenders EF 1.4x and EF 2x . The focal length extends from 560mm to 1120mm when the built-in extender is used with the Extender EF 2x.
Get closer to the action
The reach of the new lens is boosted by its internal 1.4x extender. This is engaged or disengaged at the flick of a lever to provide an extended focal length to 560mm. The optical design includes both fluorite and Ultra-low Dispersion (UD) lens elements. These help to help minimise chromatic aberration and eliminate colour blurring. Advanced anti-reflection SubWavelength Structure Coating (SWC) and Super Spectra Coating (SSC) reduce ghosting and flare. The use of the latest optical technologies mean that image performance is unaffected when the integrated extender is used.
With a fixed f4 aperture (f5.6 when the internal extender is activated) the use of high shutter speeds to capture fast-paced action or a low-light scene is possible.
A newly designed optical image stabiliser (IS) provides users with a four-stop advantage. IS ‘Mode 3’ applies image stabilisation only at the time of exposure, so photographers can pan with fast-paced action without IS overcompensating for movement. This feature is ideal for sports photographers, who typically have only a split-second to capture a subject in front of them.
Powerful, flexible focusing
The EF 200-400mm f4L IS USM Extender 1.4x features Canon’s ring-type Ultrasonic Motor (USM) for fast, silent autofocusing. A full-time manual override allows photographers to focus manually at any time in autofocus mode.
The Power Focus (PF) mode increases versatility during movie shooting with the EOS-1D C or EOS-1D X cameras, enabling photographers to achieve an accurate pull-focus effect at one of two speeds, simply by twisting the focus recall ring and stopping at a pre-set distance.
High-performance design for professional demands
A tough magnesium alloy chassis ensures that, despite the inclusion of the 1.4x extender, the lens is a similar weight to lenses of comparable focal length. Fluorine coatings on the front and rear lens elements reduce the ability of dirt to cling to the lens surface, while a dust and water-resistant construction allows photographers to shoot in challenging weather conditions.
Specifications
Construction: 25 elements in 20 groups (33 elements in 24 groups with extender)
Diaphragm blades: 9
Minimum aperture: f32 (f45 with extender)
Closest focusing distance: 2 metres
Maximum magnification 0.15x (0.21x with extender)
Filter: 52mm drop-in
Maximum diameter x length: 128 x 366mm
Weight: 3620g
Pricing and availability
The EF 200-400mm f4L IS USM will be available from June 2013 with an RRP of £11,999.99 / €13,999.99