Canon EF 200-400mm lens explained

The EF 200–400 mm 4L IS USM Extender 1.4× is an EF mount super telephoto zoom lens produced by Canon. It is part of the professional L-series and functions with the Canon EOS line of cameras. The EF 200–400 mm lens features an ultrasonic motor, image stabilization and weather sealing. It is the first and only EF lens with a built-in extender.

History

The EF 200–400 mm 4L was first announced to be in development in February 2011 and a prototype was showcased at the 2011 CP+ tradeshow.[1] In November 2011, Canon announced that availability of the lens would be postponed to an unspecified later date.[2] The lens was only released more than a year later in May 2013.[3]

Built-in 1.4× Extender

Although not the first lens to be equipped with a built-in teleconverter, an honor that belongs to the older Canon FD mount 1200 mm 5.6L 1.4× lens,[4] [5] the EF 200–400 is the first to be for the EF mount, and the first to enter mass production. The extender, when engaged, increases the lens' focal length by a factor of 1.4×, while decreasing the aperture by a single stop, changing the lens to a 280–560 mm f/5.6 lens. The extender is activated and deactivated by a mechanical switch close to the lens mount.

Specifications

Attribute f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4×
Image
Key features
Image stabilizer
Environmental Sealing
Ultrasonic Motor
L-series
Diffractive Optics
Macro
Built in 1.4× Extender
Technical data
Maximum aperturef/4 (f/5.6 with extender)
Minimum aperturef/32 (f/45 with extender)
Horizontal viewing angle10°–5°10' (7°20'–3°40' with extender)
Vertical viewing angle7°–3°30' (4°55'–2°25' with extender)
Diagonal viewing angle12°–6°10' (8°50'–4°25' with extender)
Groups/elements20/25 (24/33 with extender)
  1. of diaphragm blades
9
Closest focusing distance2m (07feet)
Maximum Magnification0.15× (0.21× with extender)
Physical data
Weight3620g
Maximum diameter128mm
Length366mm
Filter diameter52 mm drop in
Accessories
Lens hoodET-120 (WII)
Lens CapE-145C
Case200–400
Retail information
Release dateMay 2013
MSRP (US$)$10999.00

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Canon Will Exhibit The Prototype Of A New Super-Telephoto Zoom Lens At The CP+ Event: The EF 200–400mm f/4L IS USM EXTENDER 1.4x Lens . Usa.canon.com . 2011-02-07 . 2013-06-22.
  2. Web site: Canon U.S.A. Provides Updates On EF Lens Availability . Usa.canon.com . 2011-11-16 . 2013-06-22.
  3. Web site: Canon U.S.A. Announces The Availability Of The Versatile EF 200–400mm F/4L IS USM Extender 1.4X Super-Telephoto Zoom Lens . Usa.canon.com . 2013-05-14 . 2013-06-22.
  4. Web site: History Lesson: Canon FDn 1200 f/5.6L 1.4× Lens Images . Canonrumors.com . 2012-12-09 . 2013-06-22.
  5. Web site: Correction and History Lesson About Built-in Teleconverters in Canon Lenses . Canonrumors.com . 2012-12-08 . 2013-06-22.