Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS USM II lens becomes official

Canon is celebrating 75 years of optical innovation with the introduction of the EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II USM lens, a very lightweight and compact super telephoto lens, at Photokina 2014.

This lens has been rumored for a very long time, but good things come to those who wait. The Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS USM II lens is now official, courtesy of the Photokina 2014 event, and it promises to deliver superior optical quality in a compact and lightweight package.

Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II USM lens has been revealed for EOS DSLR cameras in order to deliver superior image quality when compared to its predecessors.

Canon announces new lens with diffractive optics technology: the EF 400mm f/4 DO IS USM II

The second-generation 400mm f/4 DO lens will offer an improved image quality when compared to its predecessor. However, its dimensions are roughly identical to those of the first version, so users will not have to make an extra effort when shooting with this product.

Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS USM II lens now features brand new dual-layered diffractive optical elements. The lens’ optical formula has been altered in order to position the new DO elements deeper into its internal design. This way, flare will be greatly reduced, especially when photographers are taking photos of backlit subjects.

The “diffractive optics” technology is also great at minimizing chromatic aberration, so the image quality will be very high, much to the delight of the users.

Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS USM II lens is here to provide the best possible image quality

Canon’s new lens employs an ashperical element and an Ultra Low Dispersion (UD) element, which will correct optical flaws. Moreover, the EF 400mm f/4 DO IS USM II lens is SWC coated, further reducing flare to produce high quality shots.

The Japan-based company has also added optical image stabilization into the product, that offers up to four f-stops of correction.

The autofocus system is powered by an ultrasonic motor (USM), so focusing will be very smooth as well as silent.

Availability information

Canon has developed the DO system because it offers multiple advantages over regular optical formulas. Beside improved image quality, the EF 400mm f/4 DO IS USM II lens is about 50% lighter than the EF 400mm f/2.8 IS II USM.

This new product weighs 2,100 grams / 74.1 ounces, while measuring 128mm / 50.4-inches in diameter and 232.7mm / 91.6-inches in length.

As stated above, the reduced size and weight is all due to the diffractive optical elements. A drawback can be considered the price, as the Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS USM II lens will be released in November for about $6,899.

Potential buyers can pre-order this optic through Amazon at the aforementioned price.