Lens Summary
Brand: Canon
Also Known As: Canon 200-400mm f/4L
Lens Type: Zoom Lens
Format: Full Frame / FX
Focus: Autofocus
Lens Mount: Canon EF
Release Date: 2013-05-14
MSRP Price: $10999
Made in: Japan
Production Status: In Production
Lens Description: The EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Lens with Internal 1.4x Extender from Canon is a high-performance super-telephoto zoom lens with a built-in 1.4x extender that converts the focal range and maximum aperture to 280-560mm f/5.6. The extender is located at the base of the lens and applied with a simple lever switch.
Photography Life Review Summary: When the Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L 1.4x was first announced it set a lot of buzz within the Canon universe and thankfully the lens doesn’t disappoint. After testing it in many environments and under many different situations around the globe I can say that I have yet to be disappointed by what this lens can produce. Optically, it is extremely sharp throughout its range, telephoto prime level sharp which isn’t something you can say about most zooms. Even with the internal extender engaged the image quality is superb. There is virtually no chromatic aberration, very little flare when shooting against the light and the vignetting is well controlled. Probably the most surprising element is how well the lens can keep focus when photographing erratic subjects as well as shooting in low light situations. In fact, it does so in a way that makes you completely forget that you are shooting with a zoom lens. From my point of view, the EF 200-400mm f/4L is the best lens I have in my bag, one that gives me the kind of flexibility and durability in the field that no other lens has ever given me and for that it receives my highest recommendation. Read the full Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x Review by Photography Life.
Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x Specifications
| Lens Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Lens Type | Zoom Lens |
| Focal Length | 200-400mm |
| Mount Type | Canon EF |
| Format | Full Frame / FX |
| Compatible Format(s) | 35mm Film / Full-Frame Digital Sensor Canon (APS-C) |
| Compatible with Teleconverters | Yes |
| Zoom Ratio | 2x |
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 0.15x |
| Image Stabilizer (Image Stabilization) | Yes |
| Aperture Information | |
| Aperture Ring | No |
| Maximim Aperture | f/4 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/32 |
| Maximum Angle of View (Full frame or larger format) | 12°–6° |
| Optical Information | |
| Lens Elements | 25 |
| Lens Groups | 20 |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 |
| Focus Information | |
| Focus | Autofocus |
| Built-in Focus Motor | Yes |
| UltraSonic Motor (USM) | Yes |
| Internal Focusing | Yes |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 2m |
| Distance Information | Yes |
| Filter Information | |
| Filter Size | 52mm |
| Accepts Filter Type | Screw-on |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Weather / Dust Sealing | Yes |
| Mount Material | Metal |
| Tripod Collar | Yes |
| Dimensions | 128 x 366mm |
| Weight | 3.6kg |
| Other Information | |
| Available in Colors | White |
MTF Chart
Image Samples
I was using both the excellent EF 300mm f/2.8 mk ii and the unbeatable 500mm f/4 mk ii on my wildlife shoots. Then came this amazing zoom lens. There were many sceptics (as there always are for something as radical as this) who expressed “horror” at the price and grave doubts about the quality it would give. I waited till it was reviewed by wildlife photographers who Canon had asked to use the lens anonymously for six months prior to final release. Each and everyone of them (and they included sworn Nikon users) were raving in their reviews when they finally came. The pictures many of them posted in situations where one prime lens would have not done the trick were more than convincing.
I sold both my primes and have never regretted the decision even once. I actually got more money on my used lenses than I paid for the new zoom. By the way, I do miss my 300mm lens for its amazing sharpness and handhold ability, not for wildlife but in general. I have used the 200-400 hand held, even from a dinghy in Galapagos and have been blown away by the results but I am 65 and the weight does matter when wanting to shoot birds handheld for long time. Of course the 300 was short.
I have now bought the new, and much much improved, 100-400 mmii and I think that makes a good companion for the times when I need to hand hold for longer periods.
Of course it is expensive but the primes it replaces are not cheap either and they do not have the versatility. If you can afford it, go for it . . . it will blow you away :)
After recieving this lens in July and mounted it on a Canon EOS 1DC, I’ve got the ultimate tool (in my opinion) for wildlife photo and video. I am studying behavior of primarily deer in Scandinavia with focus on red deer and moose. I use 4K video (with Canon-Log) as the basic documentation. From that I can retrieve resonably good photos by framegrabbing (up to A3 (A3+)). Videos are downscaled to 1920x1080p.
The shapeness of this lens is the best I’ve ever seen from a zoom lens. It produce very good contrast and the dynamic range is OK.
It’s a very versatil lens to work with and using the extender is straight forward and fast. There is basically no decrese in picture quality with this internal extender. The effective focal range is very large and you can add on even external extenders and get a tremendous tele effect.
I have also used this lens on a EOS 5D MkIII (not 4K) and on a EOS 7D (in order to use the 1,6X crop factor).
Since I very often have to work in low light environment I would love to have an 2.8 aperture, but that would be a tremendous big and heavy lens. It is heavy enough as it is. There is always some compromises in every lens.
For wildlife documentation I find this the best you could get today, and I give it 5 stars.