Canon has announced 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.
Price | Where to Buy | Specs | Release Date | Sample Images | MTF Charts | Lens Construction
EF 200-400mm f/4L 1.4x Price
EF 200-400mm f/4L IS 1.4x – $11,799.
Where to Buy
| Store | Buy Now |
|---|---|
| Adorama.com | Buy Now |
| Amazon.com | Buy Now |
| B&H Photo Video | Buy Now |
EF 200-400mm full pre-order options here
Features and Specification
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
| 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 x |
| 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 |
Release Date
The EF 200-400mm f/4L 1.4x starts shipping on May 29, 2013.
Sample Images
See EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM 1.4x Sample Images
MTF Charts
Lens Construction
