EF 400mm f/5.6L IS on the Way?

[Canon Rumors]

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<p>We’ve heard, <a href="http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/Canon_new_lenses.html" target="_blank">along with others</a> that the EF 400 f/5.6L is hard to acquire in a few areas around the globe. This is leading to the suggestion that the little supertelephoto is being primed for replacement with an IS version.</p>
<p>We have said we’ve been told 2014 will be the “<a href="http://www.canonrumors.com/2013/11/more-mentions-of-2014-being-the-year-of-the-lens-cr1/" target="_blank">year of the lens</a>“, and if that’s the case, a few of the lenses will definitely be of the niche variety. The lenses have lower production requirements and usually higher margins. The EF 400 f/5.6L, while a wonderful performer, would certainly benefit from the latest optics, IS and perhaps a bit of weight savings or length reduction.</p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/12129-USA/Canon_2526A004_400mm_f_5_6L_USM_Autofocus.html/bi/2466/kbid/3296" target="_blank">Canon EF 400 f/5.6L at B&H Photo</a></strong></p>
<p>Source: [<a href="http://www.northlight-images.co.uk/Canon_new_lenses.html" target="_blank">NL</a>]</p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #ff0000;">c</span>r</strong></p>

 

[Danack]

I'm definitely hoping that it gets replaced with a 400mm f4 IS lens at an affordable price.

I realise that both the 400mm f2.8 and 500mm f4 are really expensive, but the 300mm f4 is under £1000, so shurely a 400mm f4 could be made that isn't that expensive.

 

[photonius]

Maybe Canon will finally move forward with a new 100-400 and 400mm IS, given that Tokina's new 100-600 - based on the first test pictures showing up - could provide a decent competition.

 

[slclick]

I need a new 100-400 Mk2 and a 400 f/5.6 with IS comparison war to rage for many many moons like a hole in the head.

I'll never make a decision on a 400 with MORE options

 

[mackguyver]

I need a new 100-400 Mk2 and a 400 f/5.6 with IS comparison war to rage for many many moons like a hole in the head.

I'll never make a decision on a 400 with MORE options

I'm sure the new price tag might help, if recent increases (24-70, etc.) are anything to go by. If they really add IS and upgrade the optics, it will probably go for over $2k.

 

[AlanF]

I'm definitely hoping that it gets replaced with a 400mm f4 IS lens at an affordable price.

I realise that both the 400mm f2.8 and 500mm f4 are really expensive, but the 300mm f4 is under £1000, so shurely a 400mm f4 could be made that isn't that expensive.

A 400mm f/4 will be about the same size and weight as a 300mm f/2.8, unless it is a DO version, which is already available at an even higher price than the £5000 300mm f/2.8. So, I don't think a 400mm f/4 will be cheap.

If Canon is going to make something the size of 400mm f/4, my dream would be a super sharp f/5.6 500mm as a lightweight supertele that could combined with 1.4xTC.

 

[kegressy]

The current 400 f5.6 L is a great lens but it could use IS for sure.
Unfortunately the replacement rumor has been circulated since 2009 on the Internet and it is still just a rumor.

 

[Lichtgestalt]

given that Tokina's new 100-600 - based on the first test pictures showing up - could provide a decent competition.

???

you mean tamrons 150-600mm i guess....

 

[Don Haines]

given that Tokina's new 100-600 - based on the first test pictures showing up - could provide a decent competition.

???

you mean tamrons 150-600mm i guess....

How many mm's pales in comparison to quality of optics.

For example, a 70-200F4IS will resolve more detail on a distant object than the Sigma 120-400. I am fairly willing to bet that an updated 400F5.6 will resolve more distant detail than a Tamron 150-600.

I will be first in line to pre-order this lens.....

 

[Lichtgestalt]

I need a new 100-400 Mk2 and a 400 f/5.6 with IS comparison war to rage for many many moons like a hole in the head.

I'll never make a decision on a 400 with MORE options

well i would be happy when finally some facts come from canon.

i would pay 2000 euro (twice what i have to pay for the old) for a new and improved 100-400mm but nothing happens.
but the day i buy the old 100-400mm the new one will be announced... im sure.

the only good is that i don´t desperately need a new 100-400mm yet.

 

[tron]

Would you mind putting a CR rating to this rumor?

I for one strongly doubt it. The story about shortages in specific items suggesting an upgrade has been used - and denied - many times in the past. If almost nobody buys an item why should the retails keep it in stock?

Edit: In addition, your B&H advertisement shows it in stock (same as Adorama and BuyDig)...

 

[Loswr]

...shurely a 400mm f4 could be made that isn't that expensive.

As surely as you could use it to take pictures of rainbow-pooping unicorns. Unfortunately, the laws of physics and the principles of lens design are at odds with your surety.

 

[Don Haines]

Would you mind putting a CR rating to this rumor?

I for one strongly doubt it. The story about shortages in specific items suggesting an upgrade has been used - and denied - many times in the past. If almost nobody buys an item why should the retails keep it in stock?
Edit: In addition, your B&H advertisement shows it in stock (same as Adorama and BuyDig)...

I will bet they sell a lot more of this lens than the 200-400.....

The old 400F5.6 is/was a decent selling lens. I have seen a lot of copies of it in the field, certainly more than the 600F4 or 800F5.6....

There is a market for a long prime under $8000.

 

[slclick]

What is the price jump history of lenses that have had IS added in the past 10 years? $500-700+? It would make the 5.6 IS a 1999-2099 lens. Now factor in the more recent higher prices Canon has been starting with and it becomes a 2399 lens...regardless of all that conjecture, it's still a rumor. I can't buy a rumor.

 

[tron]

Would you mind putting a CR rating to this rumor?

I for one strongly doubt it. The story about shortages in specific items suggesting an upgrade has been used - and denied - many times in the past. If almost nobody buys an item why should the retails keep it in stock?
Edit: In addition, your B&H advertisement shows it in stock (same as Adorama and BuyDig)...

I will bet they sell a lot more of this lens than the 200-400.....

The old 400F5.6 is/was a decent selling lens. I have seen a lot of copies of it in the field, certainly more than the 600F4 or 800F5.6....

There is a market for a long prime under $8000.

I did not say it would be a bad idea. I for one would be seriously tempted.

I said I do not believe this rumor! Plain and simple!

 

[Don Haines]

...shurely a 400mm f4 could be made that isn't that expensive.

As surely as you could use it to take pictures of rainbow-pooping unicorns. Unfortunately, the laws of physics and the principles of lens design are at odds with your surety.

Neuro... Neuro... Neuro... (shaking my head in disbelief)... It's easy to make a 400F4 at a decent price.... after all, you can get a 800mmF8 mirror lens for $180... they should be able to make a 400F4 mirror lens for close to the same price.....

Now a DECENT 400F4 lens is a bit harder.... Expect the same dimensions and price as a 300F2.8 or a 200F2.0.... and at the low low price of $6000 or more.... Perhaps Tamron or Sigma can come up with a cheaper version that isn't quite so sharp and does not work quite so well at the bargain price of $4000

 

[Don Haines]

Would you mind putting a CR rating to this rumor?

I for one strongly doubt it. The story about shortages in specific items suggesting an upgrade has been used - and denied - many times in the past. If almost nobody buys an item why should the retails keep it in stock?
Edit: In addition, your B&H advertisement shows it in stock (same as Adorama and BuyDig)...

I will bet they sell a lot more of this lens than the 200-400.....

The old 400F5.6 is/was a decent selling lens. I have seen a lot of copies of it in the field, certainly more than the 600F4 or 800F5.6....

There is a market for a long prime under $8000.

I did not say it would be a bad idea. I for one would be seriously tempted.

I said I do not believe this rumor! Plain and simple!

Fair comment, and I'm with you. As much as I would like this lens, I won't believe it until it is officially announced by Canon.

 

[Loswr]

I did not say it would be a bad idea. I for one would be seriously tempted.
I said I do not believe this rumor! Plain and simple!

That was my first reaction, and that the 100-400L needs an update more. But....the 100-400L outsells the 400/5.6 by a wide margin - and the zoom still sells well. Maybe it makes sense to Canon to release a new 400/5.6 IS prime with substantially better IQ than the 100-400L, inducing current 100-400L owners to buy the prime...then (after a suitable delay) update the 100-400L with IQ almost equal to the new prime.

It's easy to make a 400F4 at a decent price.... after all, you can get a 800mmF8 mirror lens for $180... they should be able to make a 400F4 mirror lens for close to the same price.....

I thought about the mirror lens option, but that's probably even less likely than the aforementioned unicorn.

 

[tron]

I did not say it would be a bad idea. I for one would be seriously tempted.
I said I do not believe this rumor! Plain and simple!

That was my first reaction, and that the 100-400L needs an update more. But....the 100-400L outsells the 400/5.6 by a wide margin - and the zoom still sells well. Maybe it makes sense to Canon to release a new 400/5.6 IS prime with substantially better IQ than the 100-400L, inducing current 100-400L owners to buy the prime...then (after a suitable delay) update the 100-400L with IQ almost equal to the new prime.

It's easy to make a 400F4 at a decent price.... after all, you can get a 800mmF8 mirror lens for $180... they should be able to make a 400F4 mirror lens for close to the same price.....

I thought about the mirror lens option, but that's probably even less likely than the aforementioned unicorn.

I believe that we could have a 400mm f/4 at a decent price if its quality was ... non decent ;D
P.S Only this would be a 3rd party lens (I have omitted the L deliberately)... ;D

 

[Haydn1971]

Rather than a 400mm f5.6 IS or a 100-400mm, what about changing the game with a 200-500mm f4.0-5.6 IS for less than £3000 ?