Posted by Bret Edge on February 7, 2011 at 1:45 AM
Two new flashes, a couple new prime telephoto lenses and most interestingly (to me any way), a 200-400mm lens w/ an integrated 1.4x extender. Craziness, I tell you!
Here's a link to the press release on the new 200-400mm lens:
Posted by Stan Rose on February 7, 2011 at 4:27 AM
the press release sure sounds impressive--wonder if it will live up to the hype...
Posted by Bret Edge on February 7, 2011 at 5:53 AM
That's always the big question, Stan. It'll be real interesting to see how the IQ stacks up when the integrated 1.4x extender is engaged. If it's the real deal, it could be a game changer.
Posted by John Mumaw on February 7, 2011 at 7:23 AM
Interesting....thanks, Bret!
Sure wish they'd get to work on a wide angle zoom to rival Nikon's much vaunted 14-24 lens.
Posted by Todd Caudle on February 7, 2011 at 7:34 AM
Craziness indeed. I'm with John. Canon has the dream camera for landscape photographers in the 5D2, yet they're releasing a string of new tele lenses. Come on, Canon!
Posted by Bret Edge on February 7, 2011 at 7:52 AM
I agree, Todd & John. I've got the 16-35 f/2.8 MKII and while it's good, it can't hold a candle to the Nikon 14-24mm. I'd love to see a phat new Canon wide angle lens that's sharp as a tack from one corner to the next.
Posted by Koveh Tavakkol on February 7, 2011 at 12:00 PM
Although this new telephoto sounds really interesting, I am a little confused. I'm guessing the integrated 1.4TX is not included in the lens rating, since they mention the 560 reach, which means it is really a 280-560 F5.6 lens? I'm not quite sure I understand the mentality on forcing an integration of a 1.4TX? Why not keep them separate and allow the user to add or remove the 1.4TX that is already available? Seems like it is just making it more inflexible for use. Just doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me, unless I am missing something.
Posted by Scott Bacon on February 7, 2011 at 1:30 PM
Koveh, I'm guessing that the 1.4x in the 200-400mm is specifically matched to the optic design of the lens. This could provide better image quality when compared to the generalized separate 1.4x extender. So the trade-off is image quality vs. versatility.
Scott, interesting point. So I am guessing that you can remove the 1.4TX from the lens? That makes a lot more sense if that is the case, and it would make it a nice lens option. =)
Posted by Scott Fricke on February 7, 2011 at 2:52 PM
The language they used doesn't make it seem like it's removable, as they say it's built-in:
"The new lens will offer exceptional flexibility by incorporating a built-in 1.4x extender that increases the maximum focal length to 560mm for sports and wildlife photography."
I'm wondering how you "disengage" the extender when you don't want it.
Scott, I just heard in another discussion that people are saying it is switchable. If that is the case this is a SWEET lens. =) If you can just flip a switch then this is 200-560 F4-F5.6 lens... now that is what I am talking about. Let's see what we hear!
Posted by Bret Edge on February 7, 2011 at 9:12 PM
As I understand the 1.4x extender is integrated and can't be removed, but you can turn it on or off (for lack of a better explanation). So, the lens focal length is 200-400mm when the 1.4x is not engaged and 280-560mm when it is engaged.
If the image quality is there I may sell my 500mm f/4 and replace it with this lens. Time, tests and gear reviews will tell...
Posted by Koveh Tavakkol on February 7, 2011 at 11:16 PM
Bret, yeah that is what I meant, but I did articulate it very well. =) This article below confirms that the 1.4TX is "Switchable" meaning you can flip a switch and turn it off and on. If the IQ of this lens pans out, then I think I just found my next lens purchase. I wonder how long until it gets released.
Posted by Adam Schallau on February 8, 2011 at 12:36 PM
I think what we are witnessing is Canon preparing for a major jump forward in sensor resolution, by updating their most popular lenses and adding a few new ones. Like Bret, I'm really excited by the EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM EXTENDER 1.4x Lens
Just like everyone else, I'd love to see Canon release an ultra-wide zoom that matches or evens bests Nikon's excellent 14-24/2.8, but I doubt that will happen anytime soon. If you are a landscape shooter (and I know we all are) using Canon bodies, there's always the TS-e 17/4L. Unfortunately I think Canon believes that the 17-40/4L and 16-35/2.8L are good enough for the other genres of photography (e.g. photojournalism, sports, and wedding) where the corners of the image are not as important as in landscape photography.
Posted by Don George on February 12, 2011 at 12:44 PM
Whow this could be a great replacement for the 70-200 especially for wildlife shooting. I guess it will depend on the cost. Don"t believe I'll sell my 500 just yet.
Posted by Bill Pelzmann on February 12, 2011 at 1:06 PM
The new 200-400mm is certainly appealing and innovative. A lot of focal length options in a relatively small package.
However, how many of us mere mortals will be able to afford it?
Based on the speculated prices, the old 500 f4 IS may start looking like a bargain, if you don't mind the size.
Posted by Bill Pelzmann on February 14, 2011 at 5:33 PM
Oops. For some silly reason I thought the new 200-400mm would be somewhat smaller and hand holdable, compared to the 500mm f4.
Discussion
16 repliesHere's a link to the press release on the new 200-400mm lens:
http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/about_canon?pageKeyCode=pressreldetail&docId=0901e02480288844
Sure wish they'd get to work on a wide angle zoom to rival Nikon's much vaunted 14-24 lens.
"The new lens will offer exceptional flexibility by incorporating a built-in 1.4x extender that increases the maximum focal length to 560mm for sports and wildlife photography."
I'm wondering how you "disengage" the extender when you don't want it.
If the image quality is there I may sell my 500mm f/4 and replace it with this lens. Time, tests and gear reviews will tell...
http://www.dpreview.com/news/1102/11020708canon200400mm.asp
Just like everyone else, I'd love to see Canon release an ultra-wide zoom that matches or evens bests Nikon's excellent 14-24/2.8, but I doubt that will happen anytime soon. If you are a landscape shooter (and I know we all are) using Canon bodies, there's always the TS-e 17/4L. Unfortunately I think Canon believes that the 17-40/4L and 16-35/2.8L are good enough for the other genres of photography (e.g. photojournalism, sports, and wedding) where the corners of the image are not as important as in landscape photography.
However, how many of us mere mortals will be able to afford it?
Based on the speculated prices, the old 500 f4 IS may start looking like a bargain, if you don't mind the size.