Canon USA Announces EF 300mm, 400mm, 500mm and 600mm L IS II Lens Firmware Version 1.1.1

[Canon Rumors]

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To the Users of the EF300mm f/2.8L IS II USM, EF400mm f/2.8L IS II USM, EF500mm f/4L IS II USM, and EF600mm f/4L IS II USM Interchangeable Lenses for Canon Digital SLR Cameras</p>
<p>Thank you for using Canon products.</p>
<p>Canon has released a firmware update for EF300mm f/2.8L IS II USM, EF400mm F2.8L IS II USM, EF500mm f/4L IS II USM and EF600mm f/4L IS II USM lenses. This firmware update will be performed by Canon Service Centers. Please contact us using the contact information listed at the bottom of this page.</p>
<p><strong>Firmware changes:


</strong>Firmware Version 1.1.1 incorporates the following enhancement:</p>
<p>1. Changes the control algorithm of the focus drive, and enhances the drive’s responsiveness for more precise focus and adjustments. In particular, the new firmware enhances the AI servo AF capability of the lenses to track objects that move irregularly in sports events, such as soccer or rugby.</p>
<p><strong>Affected Products:


</strong>Firmware Version 1.1.1 is for lenses with Firmware Version 1.0.0. If the lens’ firmware is already Version 1.1.1, it is not necessary to update the firmware. The serial numbers (10 digits) of the lenses equipped with Firmware Version 1.0.0 are as follows:</p>
<p><strong>EF300mm f/2.8L IS II USM:


</strong>The third digit in the serial number is either 0, 1, 2, or 3 (xx0xxxxxxx, xx1xxxxxxx, xx2xxxxxxx, xx3xxxxxxx).</p>
<p><strong>EF400mm f/2.8L IS II USM:


</strong>The third digit in the serial number is either 0, 1, 2, or 3 (xx0xxxxxxx, xx1xxxxxxx, xx2xxxxxxx, xx3xxxxxxx).</p>
<p><strong>EF500mm f/4L IS II USM


</strong>The third digit in the serial number is 0 (xx0xxxxxxx).</p>
<p><strong>EF600mm f/4L IS II USM


</strong>The third digit in the serial number is 0 (xx0xxxxxxx).</p>
<p>Lenses with serial numbers other than those listed above are equipped with Firmware Version 1.1.1 or later.</p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">c</span>r</strong></p>

 

[candyman]

Good thing that Canon is doing this.
On the other hand.....what is going on with the Quality Assurance at Canon?

 

[jrista]

Good thing that Canon is doing this.
On the other hand.....what is going on with the Quality Assurance at Canon?

I wouldn't necessarily call it a quality assurance issue. Canon has just developed a brand new 61pt AF system and drive in their new pro bodies that has some advanced capabilities not previously used. Seeing as all of these lenses were designed and announced well before the 1D X was even announced, let alone released, its not surprising they have an update to these lenses that would fully support their new AF system.

 

[Random Orbits]

I wouldn't necessarily call it a quality assurance issue. Canon has just developed a brand new 61pt AF system and drive in their new pro bodies that has some advanced capabilities not previously used. Seeing as all of these lenses were designed and announced well before the 1D X was even announced, let alone released, its not surprising they have an update to these lenses that would fully support their new AF system.

+1. At least Canon is willing to update/fix these issues when new technologies/products are introduced. 3rd party manufactuers can also run into these issues as well, but how often would they acknowledge and fix the issue?

 

[candyman]

Good thing that Canon is doing this.
On the other hand.....what is going on with the Quality Assurance at Canon?

I wouldn't necessarily call it a quality assurance issue. Canon has just developed a brand new 61pt AF system and drive in their new pro bodies that has some advanced capabilities not previously used. Seeing as all of these lenses were designed and announced well before the 1D X was even announced, let alone released, its not surprising they have an update to these lenses that would fully support their new AF system.

You have a point.

 

[Ellen Schmidtee]

How would one update the firmware on those lenses? Via an on-lens USB port?

 

[jrista]

How would one update the firmware on those lenses? Via an on-lens USB port?

According to Canon Rumor's original post, you have to take the lenses to a certified Canon Service Center:

This firmware update will be performed by Canon Service Centers. Please contact us using the contact information listed at the bottom of this page.

I would assume they have a special lens mount on a special device that attaches to a computer or other firmware update system. Mount the lens to such a thing, and it could be updated through its standard contacts that drive IS, AF, and allow the camera to control the aperture.

 

[Dalepa]

Is the upgrade free? What about the 1.4xiii and 2.0xiii? They have processors too...

Canon really needs to find a way for us to update our own lens.... I don't care to have my $10k lens being shipped out for weeks..

 

[LetTheRightLensIn]

Good and yet if after that many delays it seems a bit hard to fathom. Maybe now that it is in tons of real hands at the Olympics they are finally getting proper testing? A bit bizarre.

 

[lopicma]

Am I the only person here that finds it incredible that a LENS has a firmware update!? I thought they were just a bunch of glass in a tube, but I guess there is more to it than "meets the eye"...

Bad pun, sorry.

 

[Ellen Schmidtee]

Am I the only person here that finds it incredible that a LENS has a firmware update!? I thought they were just a bunch of glass in a tube, but I guess there is more to it than "meets the eye"...

There must be some electronics there to communicate with the camera and activate USM & IS.

 

[bear]

Is the upgrade free? What about the 1.4xiii and 2.0xiii? They have processors too...

Canon really needs to find a way for us to update our own lens.... I don't care to have my $10k lens being shipped out for weeks..

No, it's not free. I visited my local Canon service with my lens today and they were not able to download new firmware from Canon servers. New 40mm pancake will probably need update even more.

 

[lopicma]

Are they using a special "machine" to do the lens update, or can you just do it like you would your camera body?

 

[jeffabbyben]

Does anyone know if this update would only benefit the owners of the 1DX. I have a 5d mark iii and if the firmware update wouldn't add anything for me I would rather not send it in for a few weeks.

 

[TrumpetPower!]

Oh, bother. I'd really rather not have to deal with shipping that beast...methinks I'll wait until I sign up for CPS.

b&

 

[AJ]

Is there a way to check firmware version of lenses? I'm thinking this may be an issue in the future for 1Dx users shopping for used supertele lenses.

 

[jeffabbyben]

Just to let everyone know here is a email I received from canon after my inquiry.

Thank you for your inquiry about the firmware update for your EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens. We value you as a Canon customer and appreciate the opportunity to assist you.

The firmware update changes things in the lens itself, so it will benefit any camera body it is attached to, not just the EOS-1D X or the EOS 5D Mark III.

I hope this information is helpful to you. Please let us know if we can be of any further assistance with your EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II USM lens. Thank you for choosing Canon.

 

[Daniel Flather]

Was the "issue" for the 5d3 and 200/2 addressed?

 

[krisu]

I spoke to the Canon US service center in Irvine yesterday, and was told:
a) the firmware itself is not yet available; keep watching the support site
b) the newest bodies (e.g. 1DX, 5D3, 4Ti) will be able to update the lens firmware

So if you have one of the affected lenses, but not one of the newest bodies, find a friend that does so you won't have to ship your lens to a service center.

 

[altenae]

I spoke to the Canon US service center in Irvine yesterday, and was told:
a) the firmware itself is not yet available; keep watching the support site
b) the newest bodies (e.g. 1DX, 5D3, 4Ti) will be able to update the lens firmware

So if you have one of the affected lenses, but not one of the newest bodies, find a friend that does so you won't have to ship your lens to a service center.

Strange just got the new firmware installed on my lens.
Done in the Netherlands by Techrepair.

When checking the firmware you also see the 600 II firmware now.
See screenshot

The lens Firmware will not be available for download (like camera firmware) !!!