Canon is set to release a new L-series zoom lens with a built in 1.4x telephoto extender. The EF200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x is the world’s first super-telephoto zoom lens to incorporate an internal extender which extends the zoom range from 200–560mm.
Designed for use with Canon's full-frame and APS-C digital EOS SLRs, the new lens allows users to change the lens’s range from 200–400 mm to 280–560 mm with the flick of a switch. An additional external 1.4x extender (sold separately) can be added to boost the focal length further to 784mm, though with a reduced maximum aperture of f/8.
The lens includes a compact image stabilisation unit that delivers stabilisation equivalent to approximately four shutter-speed stops. Users can choose from three different IS modes, including IS Mode 2, which is designed for panning applications, such as when shooting motor sports and moving trains; and IS Mode 3, which provides optimal image stabilisation when capturing moving subjects.
The EF200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x uses a fluorite lens and four UD (ultra-low dispersion) lens elements. Canon claims the lens produces high-resolution, high-contrast images comparable in quality to large-diameter super-telephoto prime lenses.
The Canon EF200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x super-telephoto zoom lens is expected to be available in Australia from the end of May with pricing at dealer discretion.
While Australian pricing has not been announced the lens is expected to retail for a whopping £12,000 (A$18500) in the UK!
