US PR

Most professional photographers need to carry multiple lenses in their camera bags. Helping to lighten their load, Canon U.S.A. Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, introduces two new super-telephoto lenses, the EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM and EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM. Both lenses possess a dramatic weight reduction and high-image quality, making it ideal for shooters to easily transport and capture images during action-driven scenarios, such as sports and wildlife. Both lenses now hold the title of world’s lightest in their respective focal length*. The weight of the EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM and EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM lenses has been reduced by 2.2 lbs. (more than 25 percent) and 1.9 lbs. (more than 20 percent) respectively.

When developing updates to some of Canon’s most popular legacy lenses, one common question that is asked by photographers was ‘can they be lighter,’” said Kazuto Ogawa, president and chief operating officer, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “The significant reduction of weight in these two lenses addresses this customer need and delivers thoughtfully designed, high-quality optics .”

The new lenses are must-haves for advanced and professional photographers shooting wildlife, aviation, sports and news with Canon’s new EOS R full-frame mirrorless camera (with use of one of the three new Canon mount adapters), as well the EOS 1D and 5D series of DSLR Cameras. Both lenses feature two of Canon’s most advanced propriety lens technologies – Air Sphere Coating (ASC) and Super Spectra Coating (SSC), helping to reduce flaring and ghosting, and suppressing the reflection of light, leading to vivid images. These updated lenses inherit the excellent overall build-quality and ruggedness photographers have come to expect and admire from the Canon EF L series of lenses. In addition, the minimum focusing distance has been improved for both lenses, from 2.7m to 2.5m (8.8ft to 8.2ft) for the EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM and 4.5m to 4.2m (14.8ft to 13.8ft) for the EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM.

Additional noteworthy features of the lenses include:

• Upgraded Optical Image Stabilization from three-and-a-half stops to five shutter speed stops1 of correction over the previous f/2.8 lens
• Improved, flexible focus control with a customizable electronic-focus ring
• Two fluorite lenses and one super UD lens, helping to provide high image quality
• Circular nine-blade aperture
• 17 lens elements in 13 groups
• Heat-shielding paint helps prevent lens temperature from rising during excessive exposure to sun
• Fluorine coating on front and rear optical elements, helps to reduce smears and fingerprints
• Inner focusing system with Ring Ultrasonic Motor

Availability and Pricing

The Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM is scheduled to begin shipping in December 2018 with an estimated retail price of $11,999. The Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM is scheduled to begin shipping in December 2018 for an estimated retail price of $12,999. For additional information regarding the lenses predecessors please visit, visit usa.canon.com.

Hands-on

https://www.ephotozine.com/article/canon-ef-400mm-f-2-8l-is-iii-usm-hands-on-photos-32683

Review

With f/2.8 aperture being so important for this lens, the wide open image quality is what matters most and this lens performs spectacularly at f/2.8, delivering razor sharp details across the entire full frame image circle. Very few lenses perform near their best at wide open apertures, but very little resolution or contrast improvement is seen from this one at f/4 or narrower apertures and none is needed. The only reason to stop this lens down is for increased depth of field and slightly less peripheral shading in the corners. That is the way it should be.

https://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-400mm-f-2.8L-IS-III-USM-Lens.aspx

We have determined that during movie shooting when attached to certain EOS DSLR cameras¹, with the camera’s shooting mode set to M or Av mode, some exposure flicker may happen.

• EOS DSLR Cameras
• EOS-1D X Mark II, EOS-1D X, EOS-1D Mark IV, EOS-1D Mark Ⅲ, EOS-1Ds MarkⅢ
• EOS 5D Mark IV（Firmware Version 1.0.2 or later）, EOS 5D MarkⅢ, EOS 5D Mark II, EOS 5Ds, EOS 5Ds R,
• EOS 7D Mark II, EOS 7D, EOS 6D, EOS 80D, EOS 70D, EOS 60D, EOS 60Da,
• EOS Rebel T6s
• EOS Rebel T7
• EOS Rebel T6
• EOS Rebel T5
• EOS Rebel T3
• EOS Rebel T6i
• EOS RebelT5i
• EOS Rebel SL1
• EOS Rebel T4i
• EOS Rebel T3i
• EOS Digital Rebel T2i
• EOS Digital Rebel T1i
• EOS M, EOS M2

Note: This doesn’t occur when shooting still images.

Canon is currently developing a firmware solution, which is expected to be released in the near future.

New firmware

• Focus speed than using with manual focus speed switch 1 and 2 is increased.
  • The speed of speed switch 3 on the low speed side does not change.
• In handheld shooting mode with EOS 5D Mark IV, EOS 6D, and EOS R, we improved image stabilization at low shutter speeds Servo AF + full-time manual service with EOS-1D X Mark II When the lens updated to the above firmware is brought into the company's service window, a full-time manual function during servo AF (function that can be MF with half-press of shutter button after AF) can be added when combined with EOS-1D X Mark II .

Full-time manual override when the EOS-1D X Mark II in all modes, previous worked in one-shot AF setting.

Must be brought to service. Service charge is free (users pay only for shipping etc.). The company will start accepting applications from November 7th. If you bring it to the counter, you can respond on the day.