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

[MichaelDanielHo]

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

[MichaelDanielHo]

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@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.  

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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 

[JoeDavid]

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...

[MichaelDanielHo]

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 

[Edward]

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

[MichaelDanielHo]

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@Edward wrote:

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

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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

[Edward]

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,

[MichaelDanielHo]

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@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,

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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.

[MichaelDanielHo]

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@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...

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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 

[MichaelDanielHo]

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@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...

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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

[CanonUser]

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@MichaelDanielHo wrote:

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@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...

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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 

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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.