Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x finally official

The Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x lens has been finally announced, more than two years after its first official preview.

Canon has been teasing the EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x lens for quite some time. Its first official appearance has occurred in early 2011, making the rumor mill to say that the lens will be released by the end of 2011.

However, 2012 came rather quickly and it seemed like the Japan-based company will finally release the product. Well, surprise, surprise, as the optic has not been released last year. So, here we are, almost in the middle of 2013, with the Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x lens available for pre-order, at last.

Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x lens is finally here. It features a built-in 1.4x teleconverter, taking the focal range up to 280-560mm f/5.6 It is wrapped in a weather sealing package with 4-stop IS and Power Focus support.

Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x lens release date and price officially announced

Analysts do not expect this lens to be sold in too many units, but this is not due to its lack of features. Actually, its built-in capabilities are more than what most photographers can afford and the lens itself is aimed at professional photographers, with a particular interest in wildlife and sports photography.

The Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x lens release date is scheduled for the end of May, most likely May 29. The lens will become available for a suggested retail price of $11,799.

Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM is the first lens to offer an integrated 1.4x teleconverter

This will make a lot of people wonder about its feature list, but be prepared to be amazed. The lens comes packed with a built-in 1.4x extender, meaning that the 200-400mm f/4 can turn itself into a lens with an impressive focal range of 280-560mm f/5.6.

The lens is based on a magnesium alloy construction, with improved coatings and weather sealing.

The weathersealed optic delivers great performance in all environments and conditions, thanks to its Ultra-Low Dispersion (UD) elements. They are aimed at reducing chromatic aberrations and color blurring.

Additionally, the SubWavelength Structure Coating and Super Spectra Coating will cut down flares and ghosting. It is unlikely that customers will remember all these fancy names, but they will definitely appreciate the quality of the end results.

Sports photographers rejoice! New IS technology is great for panning

Canon added that the lens is capable of maintaining the same aperture throughout the entire focal range. This is helpful when capturing photos in low-light conditions at faster shutter speeds.

Sports and wildlife photographers will also benefit from 4-stop Optical Image Stabilizer technology.

The company says that the image stabilization system is brand new and that it will allow photographers to take amazing imagery in poorly-lit environments.

Moreover, the so-called IS Mode 3 can be used to stabilize the shot only during exposure time, which represents a very useful feature for panning.

Premium lens aimed at high-end cameras and professional photographers

Canon advertises it as a high-end lens with premium offerings for professional photographers and cameras. Users of the 1D C and 1D X cameras will also take advantage of the Power Focus mode, which can be used when recording movies.

Power Focus provides pull effects when capturing movies. Cinematographers will simply have to twist the ring, then stop at a predetermined distance.

All in all, Canon says that the lens will be a welcomed addition to any photographer’s kit. Amazon has already started listing the lens for pre-order and says that its release date is June 30 (not May, like Canon) for a price of $11,799.