Long reach with high quality
Professional photographers, especially sports and nature photographers often need to photograph subjects that are far away and will employ different telephoto prime lenses to capture images at different zoom levels. Frequently shooting in the tough terrains, they are also limited by the amount of portable equipment they can carry. The EF200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x is a new type of lens that combines the convenience of a zoom lens with the high performance of a fixed focal length lens.
By incorporating the internal extender, the zoom range of the EF200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x can be extended from 200-400mm to 280-560mm, making it very effective for a wide variety of shooting situations and saving photographers from needing to carry multiple telephoto lenses and the hassle of switching them during important moments. Equally impressive is the fact that the EF200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x is able to maintain a minimum focal distance of 2m throughout its entire zoom range, even at 560mm telephoto zoom end, further expanding its versatility.
The EF200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x uses a newly developed optics which consists of 25 elements in 20 groups when the internal extender is set to 1x and 33 elements in 24 groups when the internal extender is set to 1.4x to achieve images of high level of resolution and contrast. These lens elements include 1 fluorite lens element and 4 Ultra Low Dispersion (UD) lens elements, providing high levels of resolution and contrast. To reduce ghosting from light sources, Subwavelength Structure Coating (SWC) is also incorporated in the optics. Finally, a 9-blade Electromagnetic Diaphragm (EMD) with circular aperture is mounted to provide the EF200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x with excellent background blur quality. In shallow focus situations, points of light in the background will become attractive nearly-circular blurs.
Better moving images
As professional sports, fast action, media and nature/wildlife photographers are often shooting moving subjects, the EF200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x features a newly-developed compact Image Stabilizer (IS) unit that was created through optimal part placement. For optimal IS performance in different situations, the EF200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x offers 3 different IS modes.
IS mode 1 is designed to shoot still subjects, and achieves image stabilization performance equivalent to a shutter speed approximately four stops faster. IS mode 2 is designed for panning shots, and uses a new algorithm that reduces shocks that can occur when panning. To shoot irregularly moving subjects with unpredictable movements, photographers can use IS mode 3, which corrects against vibrations only during the exposure stage. When the shutter release button is half-pressed, the IS compensation lens is locked, and IS is only implemented when the button is fully-depressed. Thus, photographers will find it easier to track a randomly-moving subject and shake compensation is only calculated when the photographer is committed to the shot.
As movie shooting has become an important part of photography, the EF200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x has a Power Focus (PF) mode particularly useful during movie shooting to create attractive gradual focus shift effect. When PF mode is engaged, rotating the playback ring enables smooth focus shift at a consistent speed. Focus shift speed can also be switched between 2 speeds depending on the angle the ring is rotated to.
Durability, Reliability and Operability
As a professional lens, the EF200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x has to be able to withstand the elements in harsh conditions and different environments. Canon has used magnesium alloy for several parts of this lens to make it both lightweight and structurally strong. Important components like the mount, the switch panel and its switches, the AF stop button, playback ring and drop filter all feature dust-proof and drip-proof construction to prevent water and dust from entering the lens and damaging its internal components.
The operability of the EF200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x has also been improved, with the frequently-used zoom ring positioned near the front of the lens for maximum convenience. The zoom and focus rings make use of a finely-patterned rubber texture for superior grip and comfort. To protect against oil and moisture, fluorine coatings have been applied to the front and rear lenses. This coating has the benefit of allowing the lens surface to be easily cleaned. The new High-performance Super Telephoto Zoom lens will soon be available in India at a price point of Rs 7,35,000/-
About Canon Inc.
Canon Inc. (NYSE: CAJ), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a leader in the fields of professional and consumer imaging equipment and information systems. Canon’s extensive range of products includes copying machines, inkjet and laser printers, cameras, video equipment, medical equipment and semiconductor-manufacturing equipment. Originally established in 1937 as Precision Optical Industry, Co., Ltd., a camera manufacturer, Canon has successfully diversified and globalized to become a worldwide industry leader in professional and consumer imaging systems and solutions. With over 200,000 employees worldwide, Canon has manufacturing and marketing subsidiaries in Japan, the Americas, Europe, Asia and Oceania; and a global R&D network with companies based in the United States, Europe, Asia and Australia. Canon’s consolidated net sales for fiscal 2011 (ended December 31, 2011) totaled $45.6 billion (at an exchange rate of 78=US$1). Visit the Canon Inc. website at: www.canon.com
Canon in India
Canon India achieved a growth of Rs. 1850 crore in 2012 which is 21% growth over last year. Canon focuses on multiple market segments of consumer, SME, B2B, Government & Commercial. Canon’s product portfolio extends over a vast variety such as copier MFDs, fax-machines, printers, scanners, All-in-ones, digital cameras, DSLR, Cinematic imaging products, camcorders, cable ID printers and card printers.
Canon India Pvt. Ltd. is a 100% subsidiary of Canon Singapore Pvt. Ltd., a world leader in imaging technologies. Set up in 1997, Canon India markets over 140 comprehensive range of sophisticated contemporary digital imaging. The company today has offices in 10 cities, warehouses in 13 cities across India and employs over 1100 people. Canon has approximately 400 primary channel partners, 14 National Retail Chain partners, and over 6000 secondary retail points. Canon has over 100 own retail stores called the Canon Image Square across 51 cities in the country. Canon’s service reach extends to over 2800 towns with over 200 service engineers, 7 Canon owned service centers and 37 Canon Care Centers. Visit the Canon India website at: www.canon.co.in
