Patent: Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS With Built-in 1.4x and 1.7x Extender

[Canon Rumors]

<p>We didn’t think the built in extender on the EF 200-400mm f/4L IS 1.4x was going to be a one off. Now a patent showing an optical formula for a new EF 400mm f/2.8L IS with a 2 stage built in extender has appeared. This would give the lens a focal range of 400mm, 560mm & 680mm.</p>
<p>Patent Publication No. 2016-191761 (Google Translated)</p>
<ul>
<li>Published 2016.11.10</li>
<li>Filing date 2015.3.31</li>
<li>Focal length 392.57</li>
<li>F-number 2.90</li>
<li>Angle of view 3.15</li>
<li>Image height 21.64</li>
<li>Overall length of the lens 371.15</li>
<li>BF 44.00</li>
<li>The first state magnification 1.40</li>
<li>The second state magnification 1.70</li>
</ul>
<p>We had heard previously that an extender was being tested in a new 800mm lens, but this may make more sense.</p>
<span id="pty_trigger"></span>

 

[Talley]

I originally thought why not 2x but then it probably comes down to space. They are basically doing dual 1.4x... I mean the 1.7 is a happy medium.

Pretty interesting concept really. I suspect $13,000 msrp though.

 

[lightthief]

Great. I like the idea of built-in TCs. That is a good way to reduce the negative effects of a one-for-all-lenses TC.

Is there enough space inside the EF 300 f4.0 IS to built in two TCs to get 420 f5.6 and 600 f8? At least one TC?

Thanks and have a nice day!
Lightthief

 

[tron]

Clever, but I guess it will be heavier than my 3.2Kg 500 f/4 IS II so not for me. If were to guess I would say it will weigh about 4Kg. But I realize that some may find it useful. Now where is 600 DO ? 8)

 

[H. Jones]

Now geez, that's gonna be a beast of a lens.

Canon already dominates the supertelephoto market as is, and basically any major event you go to you're gonna see a 200-400mm 1.4x on the sidelines. With this lens, I could really see some sports photogs and news photogs switching systems, which already happened when Canon released the 200-400mm 1.4x. This could be a real game changer, especially in big-field sports.

 

[BeenThere]

Kind of like a fast variable aperature 400-680 zoom. Pros would love it.

 

[GMCPhotographics]

One of the major benefits of the 400mm f2.8 is it's versatility with tele-converters. It's a simpler way to get a 400/2.8 and 560/f4 (nearly a 600/f4) and a 800/f5.6....or in this 700/f5. Having this tele-converter integrated will certainly save the lens mount from the pounding my 400/2.8 LIS takes. I'm also assuming the 400mm f2.8 LIS mkIII with have even more weight saving...making the additional new built in TC with the lens about the same or even a little lighter than the current model. I'm still using the mkI LIS and it is REALLY heavy....but optically...it's an astounding lens.

 

[bsbeamer]

Am I the only person who wishes there would be a 70-200 (or similar) 2.8 with IS and a built-in extender? Or an extender that you can leave on your body and just turn off/on (with a switch) without the need swap lenses? Not saying it's possible or practical for everyone, but it's on a wish list...

 

[H. Jones]

Am I the only person who wishes there would be a 70-200 (or similar) 2.8 with IS and a built-in extender? Or an extender that you can leave on your body and just turn off/on (with a switch) without the need swap lenses? Not saying it's possible or practical for everyone, but it's on a wish list...

I could agree with that, but I also wouldn't mind if Canon made a native 100-300 f/4L IS lens or something similar either. I'd say it'd be a good mid-ground between the 100-400 f/5.6 and the 70-200mm f/2.8L IS. I liked the range of Sigma's 120-300 f/2.8 but would prefer something lighter and with faster/better autofocus. Would make a great combo with the 24-105 as well.

That said, a 70-200mm f/2.8L 1.4 would probably be the best of both worlds.

 

[can0nfan2379]

Living in the PNW, we have lots and lots of overcast days where 2.8 would be helpful. The ability to have the extended reach with a 1.7 and not dropping all the way to f8 is a nice compromise. When light is poor you've got 2.8 available at the flick of a switch (albeit losing some reach) but if it means getting the shot and then cropping in after it's an option.

Interesting concept if it ever makes it to production. Between this and the 600 DO these are exciting times.

 

[slclick]

One lens to rule them all.

 

[tron]

One lens to rule them all.

So you were kind of thinking:

One lens to rule them all, One lens to find them,
One lens to bring them all and in the light bind them
In the Land of Photo where the Canons lie.


;D ;D ;D

 

[cid]

looks pretty interesting, however even if it really went to production, it would be pretty expensive

 

[9VIII]

It sounds like Canon should just work on making a better variable aperture 100-400 zoom.
If they could get the aperture open to f2.8 at 200mm then you'd have something to effectively replace two other lenses.
Maybe it would just be ridiculously big, but as a concept it certainly sounds better than sticking a TC in all the existing lenses shorter than 400mm.

 

[j-nord]

A prime zoom? What is this witchcraft?

 

[mitchel2002]

A prime zoom? What is this witchcraft?

+1

 

[Jopa]

Canon isn't innovating, Canon is doomed!!!

 

[vscd]

This will be definately not covered by my budget, but what a nice lens A fast 400 2.8 is always nice to have, with 2 TCs this will definately be a good point to get Canon further in the sportsfield. Sensors are also up to date now, so please come up with some more patents for a EVF/OVF Hybrid.

Hope the 6D will be on par with the 5DM4, Dynamic Range-wise.

 

[docsmith]

the 400 mm is likely a bit too big for me.

But put that on a 300 mm f/2.8, take my money and (nod to ahsanford) gimme gimme gimme

 

[Mt Spokane Photography]

Canon has been using built-in TC's in their broadcast lenses, so its time to migrate them to more of their EF lenses.