OMG: Canon finally released the EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM 1.4x

[TCampbell]

I've been watching the rumors on this lens for years. I thought it was never going to surface in the real world.

It's a 200-400mm zoom (which makes it Canon's highest focal length "zoom") at a fixed f/4 focal ratio... except it has a built-in 1.4x teleconverter -- flick a switch and it's a 280-560mm f/5.6 lens.

The teleconverter is specifically tuned for this lens -- it's not a generic 1.4x. The articles I've seen about it mention that it's MUCH shaper than just using a general 1.4x teleconverter with a lens.

And this lens can be yours for the low low price of only $11,799! At that price you may just want to buy two!

Just in case anybody was wondering... my birthday is in October.

 

[Tony S]

My birthday is in late December, so you guys have longer to save up to get it for me.

I will be getting one after I turn in my winning Powerball ticket.

 

[Overread19 7]

I'd just like to remind you all that my birthday is in July and that if you all club together and get me one I'll not only write a really nice review for the forum, but I'll also all let you in the mods bar once for a drink!

*I might then have to go into hiding before Teri tries to kill me for the bill that will incur *


Price is high, but I'd hope that some of that will get knocked down after launch like many prices - so it might end up $10K ish if we are lucky. Otherwise great to see Canon finally nail this section of the market (I've known quite a few wildlife/sports togs jump to Nikon JUST for their 200-400mm)

 

[KenC]

For that price they should include not only a nice padded carrying case, but also a break on the insurance.

 

[JacaRanda]

They clearly did not have me in mind with that price tag. Darn, I thought it was all about me :angry1:

I am really struggling with wanting more reach and which route to take. I should really thank Canon for letting me off the hook with their 200-400.

 

[Derrel]

This thing was actually spotted, and photographed, by a TPF member on a photo safari in Africa, I believe it was, mid-way through the development phase, along with some pre-production Canon camera bodies..that was like, two years ago I think!!! I remember the thread here on TPF. I 'think' the Canon bodies were the prototypes of the 5D-III and 1DX, but could be mistaken. But the lens, yeah...it's been a long time in development.

 

[kathyt]

I want it. How much does it weigh?

 

[kathyt]

This thing was actually spotted, and photographed, by a TPF member on a photo safari in Africa, I believe it was, mid-way through the development phase, along with some pre-production Canon camera bodies..that was like, two years ago I think!!! I remember the thread here on TPF. I 'think' the Canon bodies were the prototypes of the 5D-III and 1DX, but could be mistaken. But the lens, yeah...it's been a long time in development.

Are you being serious?

 

[Derrel]

I want it. How much does it weigh?

3,620 grams. Google is your friend!!!

33 elements in 24 groups!!!

Canon EF 200-400 f/4L IS 1.4x Hands On Preview [JuzaPhoto]

And YES, totally serious. The lens was seen, and photographed while in use on a safari, and the post was here on TPF. "Mystery lens" spotted or something like that was the thread name, IMMSMC, and it might NOT SMC!!! But yeah...the lens and the cameras were seen, "in the wild", during their testing phase, and there were photos of them posted. I think it was ~ two years ago.

 

[kathyt]

I want it. How much does it weigh?

3,620 grams. Google is your friend!!!

33 elements in 24 groups!!!

Canon EF 200-400 f/4L IS 1.4x Hands On Preview [JuzaPhoto]

And YES, totally serious. The lens was seen, and photographed while in use on a safari, and the post was here on TPF. "Mystery lens" spotted or something like that was the thread name, IMMSMC, and it might NOT SMC!!! But yeah...the lens and the cameras were seen, "in the wild", during their testing phase, and there were photos of them posted. I think it was ~ two years ago.

That would be pretty amazing. I would be sure to make nice with those fine fellows. I like how they put the weight in grams instead of pounds. It doesn't sound so bad. They could have listed "really frickin' heavy" instead.

 

[Derrel]

3,620 grams according to an on-line conversion engine is 128 ounces, or 7.98 pounds, so "about" what some 300mm f/2.8 lenses weigh. In the same general ballpark.

 

[Overread19 7]

Yep I recall those in the wild shots - they spun around the web like mad! Probably did canon a good bit of free marketing there since till that point it was something they were "working on" but that no one had seen anything of save demo mockups.

 

[runnah]

It takes a true gear geek to take photos of photographers during an African Safari.

 

[Steve5D]

For that price they should include not only a nice padded carrying case, but also a break on the insurance.

B&H has the lens available for pre-order at $11,799.00. The case is another $699.00.

How the case isn't included is a mystery to me...

 

[kathyt]

3,620 grams according to an on-line conversion engine is 128 ounces, or 7.98 pounds, so "about" what some 300mm f/2.8 lenses weigh. In the same general ballpark.

Yep. I have the 300mm f/2.8 lens right now for two weeks from CPS. It is really heavy. I can't imagine lugging this lens around for very long.