Archive for the ‘Canon Lenses’ Category
A question I am asked daily
We were told ages ago that any replacement of the EF 100-400 f/4.5-5.6L IS would happen after the EF 200-400 f/4L IS 1.4x had begun shipping. That time is nearly upon us.
The new 100-400 does indeed exist and is being actively tested, however Canon is in no rush to announce the lens. We’re told that the current 100-400 still sells at an amazing clip and outpaces the 70-300L by a 4 to 1 margin.
Canon may also be waiting to see how the EF 200-400 f/4L IS 1.4x sells, would people really hold off buying it if a new 100-400 was available?
With Nikon announcing their new 80-400, 2013 will probably be the year we finally see the new 100-400 from Canon. Here’s a patent for the new 100-400 optical formula, notice that the new design starts at f/4 instead of f/4.5.
Canon EF 100-400 f/4.5-5.6L IS
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Stay tuned……..
As previously mentioned, the EF 200-400 f/4L IS 1.4x will be announced tonight, stay tuned for full coverage. Get your $12 grand ready!
I’ve had a chance to use the lens and will give you my thoughts!
Below is an overview of the EF 200-400 f/4L IS 1.4x
Designed to satisfy the discriminating needs of sports and wildlife photographers, the EF 200–400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4X is a high-performance super telephoto zoom lens with an optically matched built-in 1.4x extender for maximum versatility. With a simple flick of a switch, the zoom range can be quickly increased to 280–560mm (f/5.6). This capability is extremely useful in applications where it is not possible to change lenses quickly, while also protecting delicate equipment such as a digital SLR camera’s image sensor in environments with dust and high humidity. The EF 200–400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4X incorporates one fluorite and four UD lens elements, which provide excellent correction of chromatic aberration throughout the entire zoom range for professional quality images with high resolution, contrast and color fidelity, while a 9-blade circular aperture helps deliver beautiful, soft backgrounds. It utilizes inner focusing, ring USM, a high-speed CPU and optimized AF algorithms for fast and accurate autofocusing. And, with Power Focus mode, focus shifts are quiet and smooth, which is essential for filmmaking. Image stabilization is effective up to four shutter speed steps, with three image stabilization modes (standard, panning, and during exposure only) providing excellent results for a wide range of subjects. Optimized lens placement and coatings deliver outstanding color balance, while helping to minimize ghosting and flare. The lens is highly resistant to dust and water, enabling shooting even in harsh conditions. A fluorine coating on front and rear lens surfaces repels dust particles and makes the lens easier to clean.
MTF Charts
EF 200-400 f/4L IS 1.4x MTF Charts
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Announcement in May?
Two people have contacted me saying that a Canon Rep has told them that the EF 200-400 f/4L IS 1.4x will be officially announced in May, 2013. It could be as early as Tuesday, May 14, 2013. The other date could be the previously mentioned May 31, 2013. We’re also told limited quantity would be available within 3 weeks of the announcement.
This comes from brand new sources, so keep in mind it’s CR1.
More to come…
cr
New Tilt-shifts on the horizon?
We’ve received reports that new tilt-shift lenses are being tested. The 45mm and 90mm have both been on the replacement clock for some time now, basically since the 17mm and 24mm tilt-shift lenses were released.
We’re told that the new lenses are scheduled to appear in early 2014 with a possible announcement shortly have Christmas.
A separate person has suggested a macro tilt-shift lens could also be on the distant horizon.
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Speculation has started again
We’ve received a few reports that an announcement for a replacement to the EF 100-400 f/4.5-5.6L IS is “very possible for the end of August”. A few prototypes of the lens are currently in use in Asia.
This has been a lens that has been set for replacement as far back as I can remember. I think it’s more probable for release now that Nikon has put their new 80-400 out, which was an area of weakness for them.
We’ve heard from a few people that Canon is having manufacturing issues and that there’s a backlog of new lenses slated for production.
EF 100-400 f/4.5-5.6 IS at B&H Photo
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Another mention
More mentions of a replacement to the longest lens in the Canon lineup. We’re told the new 800mm will be announced once the EF 200-400 f/4L IS 1.4x has begun shipping. There’s a possibility we’ll see at least a development announcement some time this fall. There was no mention of the EF 200 f/2L IS, a lens that was announced alongside the original 800mm only 5 short years ago. Beyond a new build type in materials, the lens will be a “nearly identical” optical formula, although improvements in vignetting and sharpness are probable.
Announcement timing could also depend on stock levels with retailers, not so much with Canon itself. I don’t imagine too many of these are made and warehoused.
I have had communication from a few other anonymous people that the next 800 would have a built-in teleconverter, which is not something I think will happen.
Canon EF 800mm f/5.6L IS at B&H Photo
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Another launch date!
The ever moving launch date of the EF 200-400 f/4L IS 1.4x lens. After the latest post about the lens, I have received a barrage of emails saying the mid 2014 comment was untrue.
As of now, a couple of people have said that May 14, 2013 is the day the lens will be officially announced with availability coming in September/October 2013.
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The lens that will never be…. it seems
Juza from JuzaPhoto.com had a chance to play with the upcoming, but yet-to-be-officially-announced EF 200-400 f/4L IS 1.4x. As with most previews, he was not allowed to post any images taken with the lens.
The interesting part of the article is at the end where he claims the lens will be available in mid 2014. That’s still a pretty long wait!
“One last thought is about price and availability. Canon has not said anything about price, but it won’t be cheap – my bet is between $9000 and $10000; availability is expected in mid 2014. As soon as the final version will be in production I’m going to try it to see its real image quality!”
Source: [JP] | Image from juzaphoto.com
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A light at the end of the tunnel?
I spoke to someone at NAB last week about the yet-to-be-officiall-announced EF 200-400 f/4L IS 1.4x. I was told that the lens is now “expected to arrive in the fall of 2013. The design and functionality of the lens are set, Canon is now waiting for the manufacturing process to be finalized so production can begin”.
I got to hold and play with the 200-400 a bit last week, and I must say the weight of it shocked me. It’s going to be pretty close to the EF 600 f/4L IS II. I’m sure everything else about the lens is top notch, as we’re still being told to expect a price north of $10,000 USD.
cr
Finally?
An update to the 100-400 has been rumored for years. It sort of reminds of the 24-70 replacement rumors. Apparently patent applications for optical formulas don’t guarantee a speedy release. You can see another patent here.
A very solid source says as it stands, a new 100-400 will be announced alongside the EOS 7D Mark II in the late summer/early fall. Even if the availability of the 100-400 is not immediate, Canon feels the two products will fit extremely well together from a marketing standpoint.
Just a hunch about pricing, it won’t be cheap. See Nikon’s new 80-400…… :)
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