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Canon announces 200-400mm f/4 telezoom with built-in 1.4x extender

May 14, 2013 at 04:00:00 GMT

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Canon has introduced the EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x - a top-end telephoto zoom with a built-in switchable teleconverter, whose development was first announced back in February 2011. Simply flicking a lever at the rear of the barrel converts it to a 280-560mm f/5.6 lens. Designed for professional sports and wildlife photographers, it includes an array of top-end features such as Power Focus for movie shooting, and IS 'mode 3' that only applies stabilisation at the point of exposure, aiding panning. It also offers weathersealed construction, 4-stop image stabilisation, and a minimum focus distance of 2m. It will go on sale on 29th May, at an RRP of £11999.99 / €11800.

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Press Release
Specifications
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Press Release:

Introducing the EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x – improved performance and versatility for professional sports and wildlife photographers

London, UK, 14 May 2013 – Canon today adds a new category to its range of high-performance super-telephoto lenses, with the introduction of the EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x to Canon’s acclaimed L-series. The EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x features a flexible 200-400mm focal range with a fixed f/4 aperture, 4-stop optical Image Stabilizer and for the first time in a commercially available lens, a built-in 1.4x extender. These features combine to provide an outstandingly versatile lens for professional sports or wildlife photographers. A robust magnesium alloy design, environmental protection and specialised lens coatings also make it ideal for mobile use, combining with the finest quality optics to deliver exceptional results, even in the harshest conditions.

Get closer to the action with superior image quality

The reach of the EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x is boosted by its internal 1.4x extender, which is engaged or disengaged at the flick of a lever to provide an extended focal length of 280mm to 560mm – allowing photographers to get even closer to distant action. Ensuring the highest image performance, the optical design includes both fluorite and Ultra-low Dispersion (UD) lens elements, which help minimise chromatic aberration and eliminate colour blurring. Advanced anti-reflection SubWavelength Structure Coating (SWC) and Super Spectra Coating also reduce ghosting and flare. Thanks to the use of the latest optical technologies, image performance is unaffected when the integrated extender is used.

With a constant f/4 aperture the use of high shutter speeds to capture fast-paced action or a low-light scene is possible. A newly designed optical Image Stabilizer, which provides users with a four stop advantage, while IS ‘Mode 3’ applies image stabilisation only at the time of exposure – ensuring that photographers can pan with fast-paced action without IS overcompensating for movement. This feature is ideal for sports photographers, who typically have only a split-second to capture a subject in front of them.

Powerful, flexible focusing

The EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x features Canon’s pioneering ring-type Ultrasonic Motor providing fast, silent autofocusing. For those who prefer to fine-tune focus themselves, full-time manual override allows photographers to manually focus at any moment when using AF. The Power Focus (PF) mode also increases versatility during movie shooting with the EOS-1D C or EOS-1D X, enabling photographers to achieve an accurate pull-focus effect at one of two speeds, simply by twisting the focus recall ring and stopping at a pre-set distance.

High-performance design for professional demands

Designed to answer professional demands for superior image quality and versatile zoom range, the EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x a boasts a premium-quality design befitting Canon’s industry-renowned L-series lenses.

The tough magnesium alloy chassis ensures that, despite the inclusion of the 1.4x extender, the lens is a similar weight to lenses of comparable focal length. Fluorine coatings on the front and rear lens elements also reduce the ability of dirt to cling to the lens surface, while a dust and water-resistant construction allows photographers to shoot in challenging weather conditions. The combination of outstanding optical performance, versatility, weight and tough construction will make it an essential part of any professional sports or wildlife photographer’s kitbag.

EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x key features

Built-in 1.4x extender, for extra magnification when you need it
Shoot in low light with four-stop Image Stabilizer
High image quality using Fluorite lens elements
Fast AF with USM technology
Robust design for use in the toughest environments

Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x specifications

Principal specifications
Lens type	Zoom lens
Max Format size	35mm FF
Focal length	200–400 mm
Image stabilisation	Yes (4 stops claimed)
Lens mount	Canon EF
Aperture
Maximum aperture	F4.0
Minimum aperture	F32.0
Number of diaphragm blades	9
Optics
Elements	25
Groups	20
Special elements / coatings	Fluorite and Ultra-Low dispersion glass elements, Sub-Wavelength Structure Coating and Super Spectra Coating
Focus
Minimum focus	2.00 m (78.74″)
Maximum magnification	0.15×
Autofocus	Yes
Motor type	Ring-type ultrasonic
Full time manual	Yes
Focus method	Internal
Distance scale	Yes
DoF scale	No
Focus distance limiter	3 positions: Full, 2m-6m, 6m-infinity
Physical
Weight	3620 g (7.98 lb)
Diameter	128 mm (5.04″)
Length	366 mm (14.41″)
Materials	Magnesium alloy barrel
Sealing	Yes
Colour	White
Zoom method	Rotary (internal)
Power zoom	No
Zoom lock	No
Filter thread	52 mm
Filter notes	Rear drop-in filter holder
Hood supplied	Yes
Hood product code	ET-120 (WII)
Tripod collar	Yes
Other
Notes	Switchable built-in 1.4x extender (8 elements / 4 groups) converts lens to 280-560mm f/5.6 lens with 0.21x max magnification

Additional images

LENS NEWS CANON EXTENDER TELECONVERTER

Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x

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Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x Lens●

$11,799.00

Buy on GearShop

Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x	$11,799.00
Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x	$11,799.00
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras	$1,449.00
Canon EF 300mm f/4L IS USM Telephoto Lens for Canon SLR Cameras	$1,449.00
Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM UD Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon EOS SLR Cameras	$1,599.00

Get more prices from Amazon

Comments

Total comments: 250

tell the truth rants about the 36 megapixel Nikon. Why would you ever need so many pixels? It takes longer to process these shots and more in storage.

I got a National Geographic Explorer magazine front cover with a SIX megapixel Pentax Ist-D shot. They didn't seem to mind the missing 30 megapixels ...

0 upvotes

Did you accidentally add a zero to the price?

1 upvote

Has anyone used this lens? Any first hand experience with it?

0 upvotes

Andy Rouse has had his hands on one for the last 6 months or so. He's written a first impressions review at his site which is very positive: http://www.andyrouse.co.uk/index.php?page_id=174

0 upvotes

Nice lens, Price is a joke!

0 upvotes

One could say that about all the super telephoto lens prices across all brands.
Let's look at the pricing realistically... this new lens costs just under $12k USD. That places the lens between the 600mm and 500mm f/4 lenses.

You get the benefit of a zoom, constant speed aperture, and built in teleconverter that extends your reach 140mm or the "angle of view" (for those who like to be overly technical) of 336mm on a 1.6x sensor.

While I miss the old Canon super telephoto lens prices, it is hard for me to consider the pricing of this lens a "joke" relative to the pricing assigned to Canon's current supertele lineup.

If you designed this lens yourself, at what price would YOU sell the lens?

Comment edited 46 seconds after posting

0 upvotes

200 - 400mm x 1.4 tele converter x 1.6 crop 7d body = 448mm - 896mm Isnt that worth 12k?

0 upvotes

It's actually a 320-896, even better!

0 upvotes

It's not for me at this point. But, if I start traveling allot again. It might be? And the new Canon lenses are insanely good. Just a joy to use.
If you could pair a good crop sensor body with it??? hint hint Canon. That matched up with this beauty, then Wow...

0 upvotes

Seems like an awful lot of judgemental comments about a piece of equipment that nobody has gotten their hands on yet. Yes the price may be a bit of a shocker (it was for me), BUT, if you are a truly a professional sports photographer (or wildlife photographer) and you get thousands for a really good shot for publication, this lens is a no-brainer if it will help you get "the shot". The inclusion of the built-in teleconverter is a great addition for those situations where extra reach will give you "the shot" and you can do it in one second instead of grabbing your teleconverter, taking the lens off the camera, attaching the converter, then putting the lens back on the camera, then recomposing and refocussing and taking the shot. By then the touchdown would be made and the extra point would be kicked. That is the type of situation this lens is made for. I will withhold my opinion until good old dp tells us whether it is up to snuff.

Comment edited 1 minute after posting

1 upvote

Couldnt agree with you more! Price is a shocker, ok.. but maybe its simply not for your needs/budget. If someone needs it to get the job done, theyll get one anyway

0 upvotes

What I find amazing is how many people are honestly shocked at the price in the first place. What on earth did people think the price was going to be for a lens that sits between the 600mm and 400mm primes, and offers the convenience of a zoom and built in teleconverter/extender?

(chuckle)

0 upvotes

Just realised I replied to a spammer on here. "tell the truth" seems to live on another parallel universe. Watch out DP Review

3 upvotes

Already wasted time replying to one of his little rants, I think that's it for me too. There's obviously some conscious thought there as he's replying to us by name, but I don't think we're going to reach this one... Shame really; it's certainly arguable this lens is (too?) expensive, but I don't think he's quite going about it the right way...

3 upvotes

Speaking of...
Why does DPReview not seem to give an option to block a user, for those of us who wish to avoid the madness?

4 upvotes

Thorbard is right. tell the truth speaks no truth and just trolls to get his jollies. If he was funny there'd be merit in looking at his/her posts, but as it stands, typing in varied caps and all caps does not pass as humour.

I feel sorry for the Panasonic. With comments like this guy's, sales of the FZ200 will probably go down instead of up.

4 upvotes

Someone just has too much time to talk nonsense over price that will not change anyway.. lens that if doesnt suit you quality wise, pricewise, no body force you to buy one.

On the other hand posting message like that is like drunken peps disturbing public order.

Dpreview need dislike button like youtube... too many dislike means people in general dont want to see the comment

Comment edited 3 minutes after posting

0 upvotes

Unbelieveable lens, unbelievable price. No new Canon for me. I'm lucky to own the 500mm F4, which I now plan to keep for as long as I can carry it.

I switched from Nikon to Canon 16 years ago for practical and usable performance improvement of Canon's IS. Today, I can't afford Canon's new products nor justify a 60%+ premium over Nikon. Sad reality. But in today technology age I expect performance improvements at stable or reduced prices.

0 upvotes

If you sell your Canon 500mm f4 probably you can buy a brand new Nikon D800 and the 200-400 f4....

0 upvotes

Yikes! to the lens
Yikes! to the price

1 upvote

$700 just for the case!

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/973134-REG/canon_5183b001_lens_case_200_6400_for.html

0 upvotes

It is good to see Canon bringing out more options that will work with the EOS-M ;)

4 upvotes

Or you could do the D800e and the 80-400VR and be a lot sharper for half the price :^)

1 upvote

Cheaper? Yes.

Sharper? Doubt it.

1 upvote

the new 80-400VR improved a lot from the infamous AF-D but is still soft near the tele end. I expect 200-400/4LIS stunning sharp or Canon won't have set the price that high.

2 upvotes

How do you know it's sharper??

2 upvotes

That is an f4.5-f5.6 lens. So, even assuming it is as sharp (doubtful due to the longer zoom range and has optics that handle flare and distortion as well over the 200-400 range (doubtful based on comparing specifications), it is a whole stop slower at the 200-400 range. The latter is a big reason for the increase in price - shaving a stop from such a big lens is VERY expensive.

0 upvotes

Canon must be smoking crack. I mean really 11K for a 200-400 F4 lens even with a built in 1.4x extender is crazy. You can buy a 200-400 for a lot less and just put on a much cheaper 1.4x extender when you need it.

Come on are we getting so lazy that we can't do this ourselves. Plus if we keep bowing to the big camera companies and paying crazy money for all of these new lens they will just keep going up and up.

A lens is not a car and they don't cost anywhere nears as much to manufacture. Nikon fell and hit their heads when they increased the 200-400 they make and charged almost 2K more for adding VRII. Heck there was nothing wrong with VRI so I didn't see the big upgrade to this lens so I still have mine VRI lens. Before long even us pros won't be able to justify buying new gear. Even Nikon's new 80-400 4.5-5.6 is 2.5K. Are they serious. No 4.5-5.6 variable aperture lens is worth that. Come on Nikon and Canon get real in your pricing before we all have to switch to Sigma/Tamron

6 upvotes

Agree with you Scott another evidence of wacky backy pricing is the 18K Nikon charges for the 800 F5.6 AFS VR whereas Canon's version was only £10k. Glad I got majority of my lenses couple of years ago when prices were cheaper; only regret was not picking up a Nikon 200-400 F4 AFS VR I back in 2007.

0 upvotes

Please, at these prices Canon certainly isnt smoking crack you common street hooligan! They are mainlining pure Burmese blond heroin. Ican see these being purchased by NatGeo and one or two big image houses... maybe a Washington lawyer and a Arab prince or two. You and me? F-NO! But maybe some tech will filter down to those of us whoonly sniff glue on holidays

1 upvote

Has anyone ever thought of a standalone tc that slides in and out like this one? i.e a mechanism such as used in the 200-400 that can be put on the front any tele lens so can switch extender in and out without removing lens. would solve lots of arguments I'm sure

0 upvotes

it's very different in that the distance between the original lens and the sensor doesn't change.

put the converter in front of the lens will cost huge if possible because the it has to be larger than the front element of the lens.

Comment edited 4 minutes after posting

1 upvote

will there be a low cost version without inbuilt extender?
:P

2 upvotes

Like all the big canon lenses it will be cheaper on the street,give it a few months for the early adaptor's...

Comment edited 6 minutes after posting

0 upvotes

looking at some websites, the pricing seems to slot between the 600mm f4 and 400mm f2.8. So its price does seem reasonable in my opinion. The target audience will be fee paying sports or wildlife photographers or ppl who just can afford the best. In terms of sports, I use the 200-400 f4 Nikon for golf tournaments as it is versatile when the player comes towards you, or for green shots in good light. Other possibilities are polo shoots where f4 is good enough to isolate the horse or even horse racing. Most big ball pitch sports photographers would use the 400 f2.8 mainly because of subject isolation. So I see it even a specialist lens for sports. Drop tele lens is convenient and eliminates the chance of dust, etc. getting in the main lens, and maybe on some occasions you will need the reach. The optics are likely to be stunning and fast focusing lens. You'll probably get a good 10yrs use of this lens and will easily make your money back, it's a nice tool to have.

5 upvotes

For the past three years, I used my 400mm f/4 DO IS telephoto with 1.4x tele plus to make up 560mm f/5.6 to capture flying house swallow. All photographs of the flying birds came out sharp and clear, all because of the extreme light weight of the Dwflaxtive Pptics design and fast aperture to freeze the fast motion of the small body size swallow.
But the 200-400mm 2x zoom ratio seems to be not enough although the optical material and coating is very good. I will say this lens is suitable for portrait or fashion photography more then wild life.
I am looking for a 500 to 600 mm f/4 Defractive Optics telephoto lens? Since it is not possible to capture small flying object with a tripot, you have to hand hold the lens and came together and swing your entire body try to follow the bird moment because they fly in three dimensions.

0 upvotes

I think you are very correct. The lens is really too short for wildlife photography unless you're shooting large subject relatively close to your location, but horribly short for small birds at a distance if you're wanting to come close to filling the frame- the 500, 600 and 800mm primes are for that type of work.

This is an excellent lens for portraiture/fashion as you stated, which is something many people do not think about. It is also an excellent lens (on paper anyway) for large outdoor social or political events as well as street photography in areas where the photographer wants to be as discrete as possible.

The practical uses for the lens are endless, and I think the shortsightedness of many photographers is due to not having a use for the lens, or not having enough experience that enables them to think of the many areas on photography that can readily benefit from such a lens.

1 upvote

This lens reaches 560, but you say the it can't fill the frame like a 500 can.

0 upvotes

So it is really a 200mm to 560mm f4-5.6 IS L lens.
Might as well buy a Panasonic FZ200 and get 25-600mm f2.8. Ok not the same and a tiny sensor but unless you are a serious photographer or quite wealthy what to do?. Don't get me wrong I would love this but my wallet says no. My longest lens is an old 100-300 f5.6 L lens that is a push pull design like the 100-400 L, but it is much sharper than that lens (now sold). I also have a 70-200 f4 IS and it is nearly as good as that, especially good at the long end, except it doesn't have IS. I was really surprised! Cost me almost nothing too!

Comment edited 2 minutes after posting

1 upvote

I know, stayed up all night and can't decide between this lens or an FZ200.

0 upvotes

@zapatista.
If you can afford this lens then you can easily add the FZ200 on to the bill. OR try the FZ200 and see.

1 upvote

Gorgeous, but the price also is professional, doh.

0 upvotes

Cool Canon. Would be great if you bring 50L II, 35L II and 45 TS II along....;)

0 upvotes

How does this new telephoto lens stack up against the Canon SX50? Lol

0 upvotes

Is it just me or is everyone else out there thinking that $12K is a ton of money to spend on this lens - or any lens for that mattter. I already own an older Canon EF 100-400mm IS lens that perhaps is not as sharp as this one and a bit slower (f4.5-5.6), but for the price difference which is about $10,700 new, there is no way I would consider buying this when I could have the lens I have and five to eight other lenses and perhaps an extra body in my camera bag.

2 upvotes

this is perfect range for me and awesome tele.

0 upvotes

Is image stabilization even relevant on these lenses, I mean who's gonna shoot this handheld?

3 upvotes

But even with tripod IS is still very useful on such long lens.

4 upvotes

Zuiko Digital 150mm F2.0 - 1100 € used (300 mm (F4 eq.DOF) 35mm)
+EC14 - 250 € (used) (420 mm f2.8 (F5.6 DOF) eq 35mm)
+EC20 - 250 € (used) (600 mm f4 (F8 DOF) eq.35mm)
+the next E-7/om-d M6 (1900€? new)

3500€...in a smaller package :D

Yeah, i could live with it :)

2 upvotes

just because someone owns one system, doesn't mean they can't own two — or more. especially at this price differential. that said, all superior optics built for high rez digital cameras are going to be much more expensive from now on. this lens, as well as the 800mm f5.6 VR nikkor, and the new 80-400mm G VR are just a few examples of the increases people are seeing.

get used to it, and get the gear which best suits what you photograph, you're preferred workflow, and what fits your budget. in the end, all photography is about story telling. if your story telling ability is weak, it doesn't matter what lens or system you buy into ... does it?

1 upvote

What a rip off. Anyone who buys this needs their head examined. PERIOD.

2 upvotes

Maybe not. If they have that kind of money, they are pretty good in making money. I think their "heads" are just fine.

6 upvotes

If you can't afford to buy this lens don't belittle people who can afford it.

7 upvotes

People spend that kind of money on cars all the time. I'd prefer the lens :).

6 upvotes

I would say that if they can afford to buy this then they are
pretty rich and not only are their heads worth examining and admiring but their homes as well.
Tough titty for those who dont have the money.

2 upvotes

This lens wasn't aimed at you. It was aimed at two kinds of people:

1) Professional sport and wildlife photographers.
2) Serious enthusiasts who realize that they can't take their money with them when they die. But instead of spending $12k on a weekend motorcycle, they'd rather spend it on photography gear because that's their hobby.

2 upvotes

That's the perfect lens for shooting little league baseball!

2 upvotes

From past your court-ordered 100y radius?

3 upvotes

Ha - very funny. I could use a zoom lens to get a bit closer. I currently use the 100-400L and it would only take me about 75 games to pay for the new lens!
http://www.pbase.com/ericsorensen/youth_baseball

Comment edited 2 times, last edit 1 minute after posting

0 upvotes

Let’s not complain about the price now. Sigma just dropped their price on Sigma 200-500mm f/2.8 APO EX DG. It went down from MSRP of $32,000 to very affordable $25,999 and they’ve included hard case, 2x teleconverter, battery pack & charger.

;)

2 upvotes

down boy!

0 upvotes

So this lens will ship in a cardboard box with styrafoam for protection? 12k wow Canon! Please don't cheap out on customers spending that kind of money and include the case.

Comment edited 2 minutes after posting

2 upvotes

Yet another rip-off. Since when have Euros been worth more than Pounds?
RRP of £11999.99 / €11800

2 upvotes

Hopefully never

0 upvotes

Everyone knows that tech has a special exchange rate of $1=£1=€1

0 upvotes

200-400? Welcome to the 21st century Canon!

4 upvotes

Look at the price... This lens should be 31st century with that price-tag...

0 upvotes

I call Shenanigans! How could a lens case be priced at $699!!! ;=)

5 upvotes

made by louis vuitton :-)

0 upvotes

...because its the same company that thinks nothing of asking about £50 for an SLR battery and about £100 for a mounting ring?

0 upvotes

at that price, will there be a free 1DX in the package ?

7 upvotes

Having previously worked with broadcast ENG/EFP video cameras, where integral "range extenders" (aka TCs) are a standard component of many zooms, it's always puzzled me why this configuration has taken so long to arrive in the stills sector. Those video lenses aren't exactly cheap either.

2 upvotes

I wonder if it's some sort of hesitation to fit the integral extender into a body that could see harsh use, bumps, etc.? I don't quite know, I'm just speculating.

1 upvote

It could be partially due to sensor and image circle size. Those pro ENG/EFP cameras usually use 2/3" sensors and smaller. Maybe it's just harder, or more expensive, to incorporate an extender into a lens with a full frame image circle compared to just attaching a separate extender. Also, functionality-wise, those ENG/EFP cameras tend to be enormous kits that might not lend themselves to be easily reconfigured on the spot -- you want everything set up beforehand for maximum flexibility. It's probably more feasible to expect a photographer to switch extenders than to expect an ENG/EFP operator/assistant to swap in an extender in the middle of the live, video-recorded action.

Comment edited 1 minute after posting

0 upvotes

From Andy Rouse web page.

Pointless Comparison

This is a plea to the lens geeks. Please do not start comparing the Canon lens with the Nikon one, it is pointless. The Nikon 200-400 does a great job for Nikon photographers and the Canon lens will do a great job for Canon photographers. Comparing the two is just pointless, as no one is going to change camera system to use this lens are they? No they are not, so please don’t fuel the silly Canon vs Nikon debate anymore, it’s not what this lens or this review is all about.

6 upvotes

That has merit if no one ever based initial buy-in to a system based on available lenses.

This is a specialty item. One that people seek out, and Nikon's version is very, very popular. There is a great deal of merit in comparing the two, as with the relatively low cost of a camera body in comparison to the glass there's nothing keeping one from just picking up a body of the other brand to use with a superior lens investment, even if they ARE invested in a different brand.

Compare! It's not a Nikon vs Canon debate, it's Nikon 200-400/4 vs Canon 200-400/4 debate.

Comment edited 1 minute after posting

3 upvotes

A lot of people use websites such as this in order to educate themselves about a product before they buy/rent/test it. I think objective comparison is exactly what we should be doing here. I already know that the 2 lenses fit on different bodies and, for the record, I also know that photography is about taking pictures, good pictures don't just come from better cameras etc, but this is an article about a specific lens. I want to know how good it is. A comparison to the Nikon, as well as Canon primes would be a good place to start. Especially true because I can buy the Nikon and a D800 for less money than this.

Comparison doesn't have to mean brand bashing and fanboyism, although I know it often does...

5 upvotes

The question is how this lens performs.

How the Nikon performs might under other cirumstances be midly interesting; however, every second spent by DPR or another reviewer discussing the Nikon is a second not spent discussing this lens.

The Nikon is useless because it does not fit a Canon body.

Those saying "we need to know to make purchasing decisions" are simply not in the market.

Expecting people to believe you need to decide now, without having either system, whether a $12K USD lens is right for you in order to make it part of your "first" purchase into a system is really not on. Nobody's buying the story, and you're not buying the lens. Either lens, if we're honest.

Stop lowering the level of the discussion.

3 upvotes

I spent a few days at Kruger with a man that owns nothing but a FF Nikon body and the 200-400vr. Someone in the position he was in years ago would certainly benefit from comparison. Aside from worry that a prized lens might not fare well against new competition, I see little reason not to run such a comparison.

Stop lowering the bar for accountability in lens performance.

2 upvotes

sorry penguin man - but I think your comment is pointless -
if I need for my work a long lens Zoom - I will keep my System and by the best Zoom and a camera for it. Time ago this was Nikon with the 4/200-400 mm - witch is not very good with converters - then it was a Olympus 2,8/90-250 and I bought an E-3 - but cam was not fast enough for me - but now I will by the Canon 200-400 mm.
For the price - more then 6000 - the camera is just a sensor - not more. I find all the system discussions stupid - if there is a need for a long lens.

1 upvote

@ryansholl:

The Nikon does not work. Its optics are interesting only in theory; it will not fit the camera. This has nothing to do with what you apparently perceive as... accountability in lens performance.

If DPR can muster a few contenders in this category that will actually work on a Canon body, that'd be interesting. The Nikon is neither interesting nor relevant, because it simply doesn't work.

0 upvotes

Seldom do I see someone miss the point by such a wild margin.

0 upvotes

Don't be daft. The lens is not going to be a first purchase for anyone. If you're keen on the Nikon go buy three. Whether you or I or anyone like them is irrelevant; from the perspective of a Canon system, they may as well not exist.

Edit: Now that I think of it, disregard the above in favour of this response: Cool story bro. OKthanxbye!

Comment edited 2 times, last edit 2 minutes after posting

1 upvote

Nothing pointless, everything matter. But it is matter to one or to the other. At this class of price for a lens, you could buy a body like an accessories. In this case, the decision of buying can be think in the opposite way as for a cheap lens.

Comment edited 4 minutes after posting

0 upvotes

@rallyfan

I don't think anyone is being daft...
The fact is that Canon does not compete in a vacuum...

The Fact is that for a person that has a Canon 7d, 5DII, 5DIII, or 1DS camera, getting this lens would closely equal a purchase of a D4 and 200-400 for close to the same price as this lens is alone.

The immediate benefit is increased performance (low light, frame rate, tracking,focusing system, build) over any of the aforementioned Canon cameras.

Comment edited 40 seconds after posting

0 upvotes

To be fair, I was being intentionally daft, as I imagine rallyfan with his "doesn't fit a canon camera, so doesn't matter" comment was intentionally naive.

1 upvote

given the fact that you could buy the Nikon lens + D800E for less than the Canon - I'd say comparison is valid.

0 upvotes

For all those who constantly whinge that Canon never come up with anything new and inventive, just look at this, a pro level tele zoom with a built-in converter.

Get stuffed Nikon

2 upvotes

People complain about Canon's pricing for bodies and lenses. They also complain about Canon's lack of innovation on bodies.

Few are unhappy with the quality and innovation of Canon's high end lenses.

5 upvotes

Nikon have been making 200-400/4s for 30 years. And with recent bodies one could also put a 1.7 or 2x extender and not be limited by the in-built one.

3 upvotes

Why the hostility to Nikon? It's absolutely pathetic, i'm a Canon shooter because i've bought into the system massively and see absolutely no reason to change, but they aren't football teams. I've got mates who shoot Nikon because they prefer what they do with their fingers; there's no real advantage to either

2 upvotes

Agree with Jahled kudos to Canon and Nikon in bringing some quality camera and lenses to the market.

0 upvotes

Yes it's great to see a lens that is new and inventive from Canon 10 YEARS after Nikon has had the 200-400 on the market.

Great move Canon, your inventiveness never stops surprising me and leaving me with a feeling of awe and wonderment.

2 upvotes

Yea, Nikon surely have 200-400 with build-in TC since 10 years. Just like they have APS-C mirrorless and their own sensor manufacturing fabs. They do have them. Only there's no proof. lol

0 upvotes

@Plastek
Nikon has never had their own fab.
They do produce the steppers that make the sensors used in most fabs, so i can assume from that that Nikon could make their own sensors if they chose to.

But why would they, that would be just plain dumb and would leave them in the same situation that Canon is in INFERIOR SENSOR's in their cameras, and using the same sensor technology for the past 5 years.

You do realize that Canon has been using the same sensors on the the last 4 cameras they have introduced and even the sensor on the 5DIII is the same sensor used on the 5DII.

0 upvotes

Whether it's Canon or Nikon, you can always count on naysayers here at DPReview.
It's what has made me detest the forums here for years.
moving on now...

0 upvotes

A Pro lens for the stuff people make money from. Always moaning about price. This is a precise piece of equipment and what it does is outstanding (tried one 2 months ago..). I think it's worth more and is for Pro photographers who need nothing but the best....

6 upvotes

^This

0 upvotes

I'd be happy to buy one if I needed or wanted it enough. Nobody bats an eyelid if you spend £12k on a car, yet the car's value will drop like a stone...unlike this lens.

5 upvotes

My last car earned me over $500k during the time I owned it by transporting me to work.

5 upvotes

I wear a belt to work, which keeps my pants up, which keeps the crack of my ass from showing, which keeps me employed. But it definitely does not earn my living, nor did your car earn you yours.

24 upvotes

Oh ryansholl that's brilliant. Made my day.

0 upvotes

ryansholl, that was funny!

But still, the relevant point here is that it's not "expensive" if it helps you turn a profit. With your analogy, the belt is an even better bargain!

1 upvote

Yeah, I completely understand what was meant, tkbslc. Saw the opportunity for comedy, went for it.

0 upvotes

Canon should think on things more affordable.

Comment edited 4 minutes after posting

0 upvotes

Why? Because you can't afford it?
It's for professionals, if you need to ask the price you don't need one

2 upvotes

Professionals need to know what things cost. What you're referring to is billionaires, they don't need to ask.

2 upvotes

They do. Just because you can't afford to buy or hire one, or aren't employed by someone who can provide you one to work with, gear like this shouldn't exist?

Idiot

1 upvote

I hope all of you can afford to buy one like myself can. That is not a strong reason to not find it pricey, almost half a car price. I have enough money but I earn it honestly so... toidI

0 upvotes

Really cool lens, but it's about 3 pounds heavier & 2x the cost vs. my current setup (400DO+1.4TC). Obviously, thing is going to have better optics, the zoom is nice, waaay better IS, and other improvements, but for what I do, I just wouldn't want to lug it around.

1 upvote

The technology is very impressive. It's unfortunate that great lenses like this are so far beyond the reach of most photographers.

1 upvote

The pros and the bureaus will buy it. These aren't made for the masses. If you want a decent lens for the masses, that is what the 100-400mm L is for. Me, I shoot with the 400mm f/5.6L no-IS and am happy.

5 upvotes

That's a nice lens though, and it's available less than $1,5k new. It's a very nice value. For what I do IS isn't all that much of a necessity and I can get by find without it usually too. The 400 focuses great.

1 upvote

But it's $5k over the competing Nikon model. Is having to pay $5k more worth not having to put on a 1.4x teleconverter manually?

0 upvotes

The 200-400 f4 VR II seems to have some image quality issues at times (longer distances). The Canon looks to be a better performer than the Nikon.

http://www.bythom.com/nikkor-200-400mm-lensreview.htm

3 upvotes

True we have to wait for reviews to come out, the Canon could have issues 2 like one described for Nikon ?

2 upvotes

mother...

1 upvote

People complaining about the price, would you really buy one at $7000-8000? How about at $10,000? Personally, I won't spend more than about $1000 for a lens, so to me it's about like drooling over sports cars. Price is irrelevant since they are all too expensive, so I just have fun drooling over the excellent engineering.

9 upvotes

interesting concept

1 upvote

not that expensive actually ... when consider that 5 scoops of the Golden Opulence Sundae cost about a thousand bucks ..and we are talking about an ice cream here .... something that can hurt your stomach stillness easy. Sell your house, sell your kidneys move your kids to a public school in North Korea and soon you will have that cash !

3 upvotes

Total comments: 250

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