EF 200-400 f/4L IS 1.4x

[tiger82]

I got to check out the EF 200-400 f/4L IS 1.4x with a 1Dx in the CPS Lounge at Photoplus 2012.  The lens is a little heavy but utterly ridiculous when paired with the 1Dx.  The venue was limited but AF is fast and the ability to turn the 1.4x "on and off" by flipping a lever makes going from 200-400 f/4 to 280-560 f/5.6 is simply amazing especially when focus is maintained.  The 1Dx kept its 12fps in every mode I tried.  I can't speak for image quality but the lens' flexibility is unmatched.

[neuroanatomist]

I wonder...since the 1D X can now AF at f/8, can you mount a 1.4x TC behind this lens for a 392-784mm f/8 lens??

[tiger82]

The CPS rep said no and there wasn't a 1.4x at the lounge.  The 200-400 wasn't on the expo floor where they had a 1.4, only at the lounge.  One would expect that is should but the heft of the lens makes swapping out a second 1.4 really unwieldy.

[neuroanatomist]

Thanks!

FWIW, it's not the heft - I have no problem swapping a 1.4x or 2x TC on the 600/4 IS II.  The question is whether or not there's room at the back of the lens for the protruding front of the 1.4x TC.

[tiger82]

The rep's response was fairly quick and authoritative so the interference issue could be correct.  It did feel quite a bit more unwieldy than the 500 f/4 that was also quite impressive.

[neuroanatomist]

Interesting. I suspect another way to tell would be to look at the lens mount contacts on the 200-400 - 10 contacts means TC-compatible (electronically), 7 contacts means not.

[tiger82]

Sorry I didn't take a closer look.

[neuroanatomist]

No worries!  Thanks for posting your impressions.  Honestly, the most important question on most people's minds is when it will actually be available...I don't suppose the rep gave any indication?

[tiger82]

Within a year is the "hope", it seems that the lens looks pretty robust and I'm not sure what is holding up the release date.

[1337]

Dan Carr's take

http://prophotocoalition.com/index.php/dcarr/story/hands_on_with_the_canon_200-400_f4_l_is_1.4x/

[dolina]

Can anyone bring a sales ale and weigh the thing?

[MichaelHodges]

How would you compare the bulkiness of the 200-400 F4 IS to a 300 F4 L IS with a Canon TC?

I find the portability of that combination incredibly useful.

The 200-400 appeals to me, but only if I can hike around with it and have quick access.

[neuroanatomist]

How would you compare the bulkiness of the 200-400 F4 IS to a 300 F4 L IS with a Canon TC?

Much longer, thicker, and about 3x heavier.

[Greatland]

Is Canon giving any indications when the lens will be available??

[wickidwombat]

I wonder...since the 1D X can now AF at f/8, can you mount a 1.4x TC behind this lens for a 392-784mm f/8 lens??

I couldn't see why the kenko would not work