Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS 1.4x Full Review

EF 200-400mm f/4L IS 1.4x
Shot with the Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS 1.4x – Image credit: Andy Rouse

British photographer Andy Rouse spent 6 months with Canon’s new EF 200-400mm f/4L IS 1.4X lens. His extensive review is now online, and comes with plenty of sample images. All aspects of this lens are examined.

About image quality:

In my experience, and I frankly cannot be arsed to do a pointless side by side comparison, the 200-400 produces images that are perfectly good enough for publication. I have published many images with it already, from high class A3 calendars to an advertising campaign ( all with the EXIF removed by the way ), and not once has the quality been questioned.

Final words:

The Canon 200-400mm lens is the first in a generation, ground breaking, and how often have we been able to say that in the past few years. Who knows whether we will get IN-BUILT teleconverters in other Canon lenses, I am sorry but I am not party to that information! Its my view that the new Canon 200-400mm is just great, thats all I can say. In fact you know what, we should start calling it the 200-560mm lens because that is really what it is. Using the teleconverter is so seamless now that I dont even think about it, in fact most of the time I have it engaged and am using a 280mm – 560mm lens, perfect for wildlife, sports and aviation photography. Thats if you have a full-frame sensor of course, if you have a cropped sensor then you are effectively using a 300-840mm lens

Pre-orders for this $11,799 lens are possible at Amazon(click here) and Adorama (click here) and B&H (click here). There is also a hard lens case for the EF 200-400mm, sold for $799.95 at Adorama (click here) and for $649 at B&H (click here). To see the specification sheet click here. The lens is expected to ship May 30.

EF 200-400mm f4/L IS 1.4x

Deal: Canon EOS-1D X Body Only – $5940 (compare at $6799)

Great deal by eBay seller 6ave (>9900 rating, 99.5% positive): get a brand new EOS-1D X for just . Regular price is $6799. Bonus items: two 32GB memory cards and a case. Free shipping.

Product Information
The rugged Canon EOS-1D X digital camera provides a wide variety of features suitable for even experienced photographers. With the magnesium alloy body, the black Canon camera body is resistant to dust and weather conditions. The well-balanced grip design on this 18.1 MP digital camera provides user comfort and reduces fatigue. Photographers can use the manual or autofocus on the Canon EOS-1D X digital camera to produce sharp, creative images. Because the 18.1 MP digital SLR camera also connects to the computer with an USB cable, it is easy to share photos or transfer them to print. This versatile Canon camera features a self-timer to allow the photographer to participate in group shots or take a self-portrait. Users can also provide narrative through an external microphone connected to the Canon camera. This 18.1 MP digital SLR camera body measures 15.8 cm wide, 16.36 cm high, and 8.27 cm deep, and it weighs 1.34 kg.
Product Features
  • 18.1-megapixel full frame CMOS sensor
    A Canon 18.1-megapixel full frame CMOS sensor delivers stunning performance, producing exceptional low noise, high-resolution images even in the darkest conditions. The full frame sensor delivers optimum results from wide-angle lenses and gives you greater control over depth of field. Image resolution exceeds the quality demanded by leading photo agencies – making it ideal for extra large prints, even after cropping.
  • Huge ISO range
    An exceptionally wide ISO range means shooting need never stop from the brightest conditions right through to near darkness.
  • 61 point AF system
    A high-precision 61 point AF system, featuring 41 high sensitivity cross type sensors, delivers fast, accurate focusing of fast moving subjects – whatever the lighting conditions. The center 5 AF points are dual cross type for added precision.
  • Consistent, accurate metering
    A 100,000 pixel RGB AE metering system with a dedicated DIGIC 4 processor measures not only brightness but also color to ensure highly accurate exposure for natural results even in complex lighting situations.
  • Full HD EOS movies
    Shoot Full HD (1080p) video with a wide range of user selectable controls on a DSLR including exposure, frame rates, audio and compression control. An HDMI output allows high definition playback of footage and images.
  • Dual “DIGIC 5+” processors
    Canon’s dual “DIGIC 5+” processors deliver the fastest and most advanced image processing to date for best-in-class image quality. Working with 4 A/D converters to provide 14-bit image processing for smooth tonal gradations and natural looking coolers as well as advanced noise reduction at higher ISO speeds.
  • Large, anti-reflective LCD
    A high-resolution 3.2″ Clear View II LCD screen, allows easy, accurate review of images and video. Superbly durable, an anti-reflective, hardened glass structure prevents reflections even in the brightest sunlight.
  • Ethernet port
    A built in Ethernet port allows for fast, easy transfer of images directly to a PC or via a network to clients from live events.

Canon develops new Picture Style for EOS DSLRs

London, UK, 14 May 2013 – Canon today announces the release of a new in-camera Picture Style pre-set for its range of EOS DSLRs. Created following direct feedback from video enthusiasts, the new Picture Style, called Video Camera X–series-look, enables users to capture EOS Movie footage with lower contrast levels, allowing for easier colour grading during post production processes.

Similar to that available in Canon’s range of X-series camcorders, the new Picture Style works by lowering colour saturation levels and contrast during filming. This makes it ideal for videographers during post production grading processes, especially if complementing with pre-existing footage shot with Canon’s X-series models, or alternatively for those who instantly want to add atmosphere to Full HD movies. In addition, the new Picture Style can also be applied to still images captured in RAW or JPEG formats.

The new Picture Style can be downloaded now from: http://software.canon-europe.com/

Here It Is: Canon’s EF 200-400mm f4/L IS 1.4x Officially Announced (Hands-On Review, Pre-Order Links)

EF 200-400mm f4/L IS 1.4x

Finally, it is here! The long awaited EF 200-400mm f/4L IS 1.4x lens has been announced by Canon.

Pre-orders for this $11,799 lens are possible at Amazon(click here) and Adorama (click here) and B&H (click here). There is also a hard lens case for the EF 200-400mm, sold for $799.95 at Adorama (click here) and for $649 at B&H (click here). To see the specification sheet click here. The lens is expected to ship May 30. A hands-on review can be found on B&H’s site.

  • Professional 200-400mm f/4 zoom lens
  • Built-in 1.4x extender
  • Up to four-stop Image Stabilizer
  • Weather-sealed, magnesium-alloy construction
  • Fast USM autofocus with Power Focus for EOS Movies
  • Instinctive focus controls for enhanced handling
EF 200-400mm f4/L IS 1.4x
EF 200-400mm f4/L IS 1.4x case

A sample image, more samples can be seen here

EF 200-400mm f4/L IS 1.4x
EF 200-400mm f4/L IS 1.4x sample image

Canon UK press release (Canon USA press release is here):

Introducing the EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x – improved performance and versatility for professional sports and wildlife photographers
London, UK, 14 May 2013 – Canon today adds a new category to its range of high-performance super-telephoto lenses, with the introduction of the EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x to Canon’s acclaimed L-series. The EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x features a flexible 200-400mm focal range with a fixed f/4 aperture, 4-stop optical Image Stabilizer and for the first time in a commercially available lens, a built-in 1.4x extender. These features combine to provide an outstandingly versatile lens for professional sports or wildlife photographers. A robust magnesium alloy design, environmental protection and specialised lens coatings also make it ideal for mobile use, combining with the finest quality optics to deliver exceptional results, even in the harshest conditions.
 EF 200-400mm f4/L IS 1.4x
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 fixed f/4¹ 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

 

OPTICAL FEATURES/SPECIFICATIONS

Angle of view (horzntl, vertl, diagnl) 10° – 5°10′, 7° – 3°30′, 12° – 6°10′
with extender 7° 20′- 3°40′, 4° 55′- 2°25′, 8° 50′ – 4°25′
Lens construction (elements/groups) 25/20 (33/24 with extender)
No. of diaphragm blades 9
Minimum aperture 32(45 with extender)¹
Closest focussing distance (m) 2
Maximum magnification (x) 0.15 (0.21 with extender)
Distance Information Provided
Image stabilizer 4-stops
AF actuator Ring USM²

PHYSICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Dust/moisture resistance* Yes
Filter diameter (mm) 52 drop in
Max. diameter x length (mm) 128×366
Weight (g) 3620

ACCESSORIES

Lens Cap E-145C
Lens hood ET-120 (WII)
Lens case/pouch 200-400
Magnification w/ Extension Tube EF12 II 0.20-0.03 (0.36- 0.02 with extender)
Magnification w/ Extension Tube EF25 II 0.26-0.07 (0.52- 0.05 with extender)
Extender Compatiblity Compatible
Other Accessories Lens wide strap B

SPECIFICATIONS WITH EF 1.4X III

Focal Length 280-560 (392-784 with built in extender)
Maximum Aperture 5.6-45¹ (8-64 with built in extender)
Maximum Magnification 0.21
AF Possible Yes²
IS Yes³

SPECIFICATIONS WITH EF 2X III

Focal Length 400-800 (560 -1120 with built in extender)
Maximum Aperture 8-64 (11 -91 with built in extender)
Maximum Magnification 0.31
AF Possible Yes² (No with built in extender)
IS Yes³

Canon EOS 5D Mark III Records 24P RAW Video (thanks to Magic Lantern)

The skilled hackers at Magic Lantern discovered another hidden feature that can be activated on the Canon EOS 5D Mark III (price & specs).

At first they announced that they found a way to output RAW CineDNG on the EOS 5D Mark III and EOS 5D Mark II (price & specs). But it was not possible to record more than 12 fps at 1080p because of buffering issues. Later they announced that there is a way to record almost 1080p at 24fps (which can be cropped to 2.35:1 aspect ratio) as long as you are using a 1000x memory card.

This a major breakthrough for the ML team.There is a substantial difference between RAW video mode and regular H.264: more dynamic range and resolution at first instance.

Check the videos. The video above is RAW output, the video below was recorded in H.264 ALL-I with Cinestyle profile.

[via nofilmschool]

Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS 1.4x Announcement Matter Of Few Days?

EF 200-400mm f/4L IS 1.4x
Image credit: Juzaphoto.com

It is getting chaotic. After various rumors about the release date of the EF 200-400mm f/4L IS 1.4x, one said May 14th the other postponed everything to 2014, a new rumor surfaced and appears to confirm the announcement in May. Beside May 14th (i.e. tomorrow!), the 31st of May is also a possible candidate. In any case, the rumor says there will be a limited supply for the first weeks.

[via CR]