topic Re: 200 - 400mm zoom in EF & RF Lenses

200 - 400mm zoom

buffalobreath — Wed, 25 Nov 2015 02:15:01 GMT

Does the built-in 1.4x extender make the lens 280 - 560mm or is the extender to get the 200-400? Thanks.

Re: 200 - 400mm zoom

cicopo — Wed, 25 Nov 2015 03:54:12 GMT

Your first set of numbers are what it becomes.

Re: 200 - 400mm zoom

ebiggs1 — Wed, 25 Nov 2015 14:46:32 GMT

"Does the built-in 1.4x extender make the lens 280 - 560mm or is the extender to get the 200-400?"

The lens is a 200-400 is a 200-400 is a 200-400 and will always be a 200-400. It can not change its physical focal length after being made. The 1.4x gives it the appearent AOV of a 280-560.

A 1.4x Extender simply multiplies the effective lens focal length by 1.4x.

Re: 200 - 400mm zoom

buffalobreath — Wed, 25 Nov 2015 14:57:38 GMT

Thanks guys for the help. I wasn't sure on that.

Re: 200 - 400mm zoom

TTMartin — Wed, 25 Nov 2015 17:12:44 GMT

The EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4X is a high-performance super telephoto zoom lens with an optically matched built-in 1.4x extender. With a flick of a switch, the zoom range can be quickly increased to 280-560mm (f/5.6).

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

Re: 200 - 400mm zoom

RobertTheFat — Wed, 25 Nov 2015 18:21:17 GMT

@ebiggs1 wrote:
"Does the built-in 1.4x extender make the lens 280 - 560mm or is the extender to get the 200-400?"

The lens is a 200-400 is a 200-400 is a 200-400 and will always be a 200-400. It can not change its physical focal length after being made. The 1.4x gives it the appearent AOV of a 280-560.
A 1.4x Extender simply multiplies the effective lens focal length by 1.4x.

Or to put it more familiar terms: The [effective] focal range of the lens/extender combination is 280-560 mm. (I say this with no intent to denigrate Ernie's often-expressed preference for AOV as the figure of measure. It just isn't the way most users are programmed to see it.)

Re: 200 - 400mm zoom

ebiggs1 — Wed, 02 Dec 2015 19:23:34 GMT

To get really technical the focal length does get a tad bit longer. It is just a small amount but is does happen. When you move the focus point farther from the focal plane something has to change.