Canon, a world leader in digital imaging space has announced the launch of the new EF200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x, a powerful new L-series lens designed for professional users to fully capture a variety of scenes using just one versatile high-performance zoom lens. This latest entry into Canon’s famous top-of-the-line L-series of lenses is the first of its kind to be equipped with an internal 1.4x extender. With this extender, the 200-400mm lens is able to extend its zoom to an impressive 200-560mm range, while still providing the superb image quality that L-series lenses are known for.
Long reach with high quality
Professional photographers, especially sports and nature photographers often need to photograph subjects that are far away and will employ different telephoto p
rime lenses to capture images at different zoom levels. Frequently shooting in the tough terrains, they are also limited by the amount of portable equipment they can carry. The EF200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x is a new type of lens that combines the convenience of a zoom lens with the high performance of a fixed focal length lens.
By incorporating the internal extender, the zoom range of the EF200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x can be extended from 200-400mm to 280-560mm, making it very effective for a wide variety of shooting situations and saving photographers from needing to carry multiple telephoto lenses and the hassle of switching them during important moments. Equally impressive is the fact that the EF200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x is able to maintain a minimum focal distance of 2m throughout its entire zoom range, even at 560mm telephoto zoom end, further expanding its versatility.
The EF200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x uses a newly developed optics which consists of 25 elements in 20 groups when the internal extender is set to 1x and 33 elements in 24 groups when the internal extender is set to 1.4x to achieve images of high level of resolution and contrast. These lens elements include 1 fluorite lens element and 4 Ultra Low Dispersion (UD) lens elements, providing high levels of resolution and contrast. To reduce ghosting from light sources, Subwavelength Structure Coating (SWC) is also incorporated in the optics. Finally, a 9-blade Electromagnetic Diaphragm (EMD) with circular aperture is mounted to provide the EF200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x with excellent background blur quality. In shallow focus situations, points of light in the background will become attractive nearly-circular blurs.
Better moving images
As professional sports, fast action, media and nature/wildlife photographers are often shooting moving subjects, the EF200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x features a newly-developed compact Image Stabilizer (IS) unit that was created through optimal part placement. For optimal IS performance in different situations, the EF200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x offers 3 different IS modes.
IS mode 1 is designed to shoot still subjects, and achieves image stabilization performance equivalent to a shutter speed approximately four stops faster. IS mode 2 is designed for panning shots, and uses a new algorithm that reduces shocks that can occur when panning. To shoot irregularly moving subjects with unpredictable movements, photographers can use IS mode 3, which corrects against vibrations only during the exposure stage. When the shutter release button is half-pressed, the IS compensation lens is locked, and IS is only implemented when the button is fully-depressed. Thus, photographers will find it easier to track a randomly-moving subject and shake compensation is only calculated when the photographer is committed to the shot.
As movie shooting has become an important part of photography, the EF200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x has a Power Focus (PF) mode particularly useful during movie shooting to create attractive gradual focus shift effect. When PF mode is engaged, rotating the playback ring enables smooth focus shift at a consistent speed. Focus shift speed can also be switched between 2 speeds depending on the angle the ring is rotated to.
Durability, Reliability and Operability
As a professional lens, the EF200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x has to be able to withstand the elements in harsh conditions and different environments. Canon has used magnesium alloy for several parts of this lens to make it both lightweight and structurally strong. Important components like the mount, the switch panel and its switches, the AF stop button, playback ring and drop filter all feature dust-proof and drip-proof construction to prevent water and dust from entering the lens and damaging its internal components.
The operability of the EF200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x has also been improved, with the frequently-used zoom ring positioned near the front of the lens for maximum convenience. The zoom and focus rings make use of a finely-patterned rubber texture for superior grip and comfort. To protect against oil and moisture, fluorine coatings have been applied to the front and rear lenses. This coating has the benefit of allowing the lens surface to be easily cleaned. The new High-performance Super Telephoto Zoom lens will soon be available in India at a price point of Rs 7,35,000/-
