topic Re: Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4X lens in EF & RF Lenses

EF 200-400mm f/4L IS - Best Wildlife Lens

MichaelDanielHo — Thu, 09 Jan 2014 10:15:01 GMT

This revolutionary and versatile wildlife lens has been released. I have taken delivery now and have written a preliminary review of this production lens. Once I have put it through a few wildlife photo shoots, I will write a more detailed review. This lens is a wildlife photographer's dream when used with the EOS-1D X camera. Take a look at my review below. Keep checking back. MichaelDanielHo.com

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

Canon EOS-1D X Camera Review

Re: Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4X lens

Skirball — Tue, 14 May 2013 15:24:22 GMT

As soon as I dredge up $12,000 for a lens, I'll get right on that waiting list.

Re: Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4X lens

7D5D — Tue, 14 May 2013 15:42:18 GMT

@Skirball wrote:
As soon as I dredge up $12,000 for a lens, I'll get right on that waiting list.

I'm right there with you, Gonna be a tough sell to the wife, maybe cancel the kids' college fund.

Re: Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4X lens

Skirball — Tue, 14 May 2013 16:26:40 GMT

@7D5D wrote:
@Skirball wrote:
As soon as I dredge up $12,000 for a lens, I'll get right on that waiting list.
I'm right there with you, Gonna be a tough sell to the wife, maybe cancel the kids' college fund.

I'm not quite as far along in the family stage as you. I was thinking I may have to discuss with the wife: cancelling the kids.

Re: Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4X lens

7D5D — Tue, 14 May 2013 22:49:25 GMT

@Skirball wrote:
@7D5D wrote:
@Skirball wrote:
As soon as I dredge up $12,000 for a lens, I'll get right on that waiting list.
I'm right there with you, Gonna be a tough sell to the wife, maybe cancel the kids' college fund.
I'm not quite as far along in the family stage as you. I was thinking I may have to discuss with the wife: cancelling the kids.

Oh definitely cancel the kids and go for the lens. Kids are tough, especially girls from about 11 on. Just kidding of course.

No doubt this 200-400 is a very appealing lens. The MTF charts are very impressive. A constant f/4 from 200-400 then a constant f/5.6 from 280-560. Along with my 70-200 II what more could I want? Oh ya, a 1D X.

I'm looking forward to renting one someday but I'll bet that will even be pricey and with a waiting list. Don't expect many shops will have multiple copies.

Oh and what kills me is Canon is charging $910 for the case. You mean the case isn't included? Good grief!

Re: Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4X lens

MichaelDanielHo — Wed, 15 May 2013 00:57:44 GMT

@7D5D wrote:
@Skirball wrote:
@7D5D wrote:
@Skirball wrote:
As soon as I dredge up $12,000 for a lens, I'll get right on that waiting list.
I'm right there with you, Gonna be a tough sell to the wife, maybe cancel the kids' college fund.
I'm not quite as far along in the family stage as you. I was thinking I may have to discuss with the wife: cancelling the kids.
Oh definitely cancel the kids and go for the lens. Kids are tough, especially girls from about 11 on. Just kidding of course.

No doubt this 200-400 is a very appealing lens. The MTF charts are very impressive. A constant f/4 from 200-400 then a constant f/5.6 from 280-560. Along with my 70-200 II what more could I want? Oh ya, a 1D X.

I'm looking forward to renting one someday but I'll bet that will even be pricey and with a waiting list. Don't expect many shops will have multiple copies.

Oh and what kills me is Canon is charging $910 for the case. You mean the case isn't included? Good grief!

Hi. Yes, the EF 200-400mm f/4L's price is quite high but I need to upgrade my 400mm lens inventory. My current models' technology date back to 1993 (EF 400mm f/5.6), 1998 (EF 100-400mm) and 2001 (EF 400mm DO). I am also eagerly waiting for the EF 100-400mm f/4-5.6L IS II to come out some time later this year. The new EF 200-400mm lens will be a bit too heavy for hand holding but the new EF 100-400mm will be perfect for that purpose and should be priced less than $3,000.

I expect the EF 200-400mm to be in very short supply so it will be highly unlikely this lens will reach the rental market any time soon. All Super Telephoto Lenses come with a bespoke hard lens case but Canon also sells the case separately in case one needs a replacement. http://MichaelDanielHo.com

Re: Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4X lens

ebiggs1 — Wed, 15 May 2013 15:35:29 GMT

I find it difficult to get over joyed with a 400mm tele zoom at f4 and/or a f5.6. Especially with a $12 grand price tag.

I am curious how many pro sports photographers will gravitate to one? Might be OK for daytime sports but under the lights?

We'll see.

Re: Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4X lens

MichaelDanielHo — Sat, 18 May 2013 22:50:32 GMT

@ebiggs1 wrote:
I find it difficult to get over joyed with a 400mm tele zoom at f4 and/or a f5.6. Especially with a $12 grand price tag.
I am curious how many pro sports photographers will gravitate to one? Might be OK for daytime sports but under the lights?
We'll see.

On the contrary, I cannot wait to take delivery of this lens. An f/4 aperture when mated to the Canon EOS-1D X camera is perfectly acceptable for wildlife photography, even in the rainforests of Central America or jungles in India. You can read a preview of the amazing EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x lens here.

EF 200-400mm lens preview

Re: Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4X lens

ebiggs1 — Sun, 19 May 2013 13:32:10 GMT

I guess we'll see. Won't we? I will not be in line for one. Better judgment would suggest the 600mm f4, which is at nearly the same price point would be a better choice. And even the 400mm f2.8 for less money would be and even better choice.

The thing is, most zoom lenses are used at the long end of their range, way more than they ever are at the short side.

Re: Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4X lens

Edward — Mon, 20 May 2013 11:24:15 GMT

This lens was long in coming and I recall seen with jealousy my Nikon friends with their 200-400 zooms.

I will be seriously considering this lens and after its reviews are posted in the web; will probably consider as a replacement for my 400 mm f 2.8 IS MKII. I currently use 400mm lens with the 1.4X about 90% of the time so the zoom f 4 opening will not be a concern. I am glad that Canon is finally listening and moved the zoom ring to the front where its is more praticable to use and the focusing ring to the back while reducing its size. I seldom using the focusing ring due to the new autofocus systems in both the 1Dx and the 5DIII. My only concern with this lens is with the built-in 1.4X level; I wonder how waterproof it is; it looks like a perfect reservoir to collect water/debris. I use my gear in wet areas and so far, the 400 mm and the newer cameras has worked without problems.

Re: Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4X lens

MichaelDanielHo — Fri, 24 May 2013 01:16:19 GMT

@Edward wrote:
This lens was long in coming and I recall seen with jealousy my Nikon friends with their 200-400 zooms.
I will be seriously considering this lens and after its reviews are posted in the web; will probably consider as a replacement for my 400 mm f 2.8 IS MKII. I currently use 400mm lens with the 1.4X about 90% of the time so the zoom f 4 opening will not be a concern. I am glad that Canon is finally listening and moved the zoom ring to the front where its is more praticable to use and the focusing ring to the back while reducing its size. I seldom using the focusing ring due to the new autofocus systems in both the 1Dx and the 5DIII. My only concern with this lens is with the built-in 1.4X level; I wonder how waterproof it is; it looks like a perfect reservoir to collect water/debris. I use my gear in wet areas and so far, the 400 mm and the newer cameras has worked without problems.

Hi Edward. I have been informed by my equipment supplier my EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Explorer 1.4x lens may arrive in the next week or early June. I have also wondered about the extender switch area and whether it will collect dirt. No doubt it will be sealed against moisture but dirt and dust collection is another matter. I should have an answer for both of us once I have a chance to examine the lens in detail. Keep checking back. http://MichaelDanielHo.com

Re: Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4X lens

JoeDavid — Tue, 28 May 2013 00:59:51 GMT

With the price on this lens, Canon is making the case for getting the 500/4L IS II instead for me. At $10,300, roughly the same size, and nearly a pound lighter it's a better choice. I'd rather have the raw quality of 500mm without an extender. If they'd priced it as $9999, I might have gone for it...

Re: Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4X lens

MichaelDanielHo — Wed, 29 May 2013 13:41:53 GMT

The EF 200-400mm f/4l IS USM Extender 1.4x lens has arrived in the US and Canada. Some dealers should be getting their shipment perhaps this week. I may get my lens (hopefully) by the first or second week of June.

Canon has released new Firmwares for the EOS-1D Mk IV and EOS-1Ds Mk III cameras to support the new lens. You can read my post and download the software here

MichaelDanielHo.com

Re: Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4X lens

Edward — Fri, 31 May 2013 11:38:04 GMT

Talking about software. Can I update the 200-400mm software without having to send it to the Canon Service facility.

Re: Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4X lens

MichaelDanielHo — Sun, 02 Jun 2013 00:58:01 GMT

@Edward wrote:
Talking about software. Can I update the 200-400mm software without having to send it to the Canon Service facility.

Hi Edward, Canon does not have any programmable software built into their lenses. All firmware updates occur on the camera itself. I should be getting my EF 200-400mm next week. The Memorial Day holiday messed things up a bit for the US. People who pre-ordered in Canada actually got their lenses already. http://MichaelDanielHo.com

Re: Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4X lens

Edward — Sun, 02 Jun 2013 01:58:41 GMT

Michael: Refer to my post of 2/18/13 under lenses regarding the 400 mm. When I asked as to upgrading the software for the 400 mm f 2.8 IS MKII in response to a Canon advisory notice, Mike, the Canon's product expert responded and subsequently, Tim also responded (2/22/13) stating that the only lens that can have its software updated without sending it to Canon Factory Service is the new 40mm f 2.8.

So far, I do not know of any Canon comments as to the posibility of having the 200-400 software updated without sending it to Canon Factory Service. That is why I asked.

Waiting to hear about your comments once you test your new 200-400 mm.

Respectfully,

Re: Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4X lens

MichaelDanielHo — Sun, 02 Jun 2013 13:40:43 GMT

@Edward wrote:
Michael: Refer to my post of 2/18/13 under lenses regarding the 400 mm. When I asked as to upgrading the software for the 400 mm f 2.8 IS MKII in response to a Canon advisory notice, Mike, the Canon's product expert responded and subsequently, Tim also responded (2/22/13) stating that the only lens that can have its software updated without sending it to Canon Factory Service is the new 40mm f 2.8.

So far, I do not know of any Canon comments as to the posibility of having the 200-400 software updated without sending it to Canon Factory Service. That is why I asked.

Waiting to hear about your comments once you test your new 200-400 mm.

Respectfully,

Sorry for the misunderstanding, Edward. Now I understand what you meant. Yes, there was a factory bulletin to address all the Series II Super Telephoto lenses a few months ago. The update has to be performed by the Service Center with specialized equipment. I meant there are no firmware updates a customer can perform on any Canon lens. If there is a firmware update for the EF 200-400mm in the future, the same will happen but thankfully I live only about an hour's drive from the Service Center. Mailing a big lens like that back to Canon is no easy feat.

Re: Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4X lens

MichaelDanielHo — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 22:37:38 GMT

@JoeDavid wrote:
With the price on this lens, Canon is making the case for getting the 500/4L IS II instead for me. At $10,300, roughly the same size, and nearly a pound lighter it's a better choice. I'd rather have the raw quality of 500mm without an extender. If they'd priced it as $9999, I might have gone for it...

Hi Joe. I agonized over the same dilemma as you in trying to decide between the EF 500mm f/4L IS II and the EF 200-400mm f/4l IS 1.4x but the versatility of the zoom and built-in extender won me over eventually. I have received the EF 200-400mm today and have written a preliminary review . Keep checking back to see if I have made the right decision. MichaelDanielHo.com

Re: Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4X lens

MichaelDanielHo — Sun, 09 Jun 2013 14:25:43 GMT

@JoeDavid wrote:
With the price on this lens, Canon is making the case for getting the 500/4L IS II instead for me. At $10,300, roughly the same size, and nearly a pound lighter it's a better choice. I'd rather have the raw quality of 500mm without an extender. If they'd priced it as $9999, I might have gone for it...

Hi Joe. So far I am quite impressed with the lens. A bit heavy but manageable and it's SO nice to be able to zoom with a Super telephoto lens. Take a look at my review. EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x Lens Review

Re: Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4X lens

CanonUser — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 21:57:45 GMT

@MichaelDanielHo wrote:
@JoeDavid wrote:
With the price on this lens, Canon is making the case for getting the 500/4L IS II instead for me. At $10,300, roughly the same size, and nearly a pound lighter it's a better choice. I'd rather have the raw quality of 500mm without an extender. If they'd priced it as $9999, I might have gone for it...

Hi Joe. I agonized over the same dilemma as you in trying to decide between the EF 500mm f/4L IS II and the EF 200-400mm f/4l IS 1.4x but the versatility of the zoom and built-in extender won me over eventually. I have received the EF 200-400mm today and have written a preliminary review . Keep checking back to see if I have made the right decision. MichaelDanielHo.com

Thanks for posting your review of the EF 200-400mm f/4L lens. Judging from the photos, I can't see how one could regret owning this lens. Can't wait for more photos from your photo shoots once you return.