Canon has launched what it’s calling the world’s lightest 400mm f/2.8 and 600mm f/4 lenses, introducing the EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM and EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM, price tags starting at £11,999.99.
Canon says it has used new optical formulas to dramatically reduce the weight of its new telephoto lenses. All in all the new design has reduced the EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM’s weight to 2840g (previously 3850g), and EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM’s weight to 3050g (previously 3920g).
The new EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM and the EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM also both offer five-stop Image Stabilizer (IS) technology.
Another new feature is that the traditional white finish on the Canon L-series lenses now serves as a thermal insulation coating to enable the new telephotos to function in any temperature.
The new protective weather sealing guards against dust and moisture, while a fluorine coating promises easier cleaning.
Fluorite lens elements ‘virtually eliminate’ chromatic aberration, Canon says, while boosting resolution and contrast.
Also, a Subwavelength Structure Coating (SWC) helps to reduce flare and ghosting.
The EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM and EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM both have a nine-bladed diaphragm.
Both new Canon lenses also boast fingertip controls on the barrel allowing focusing to be started, stopped or locked momentarily. There are also two pre-programmed focusing positions that users can recall with a twist of the pre-set ring.
The lens barrels also feature controls for focusing mode, focusing range, focus pre-set recall and IS.
Canon EF 400mm f/2.8 & EF 600mm f/4 Price
Available to purchase from December 2018 with the following RSPs:
The Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM price tag will be £11,999.99/ €13,999.99, while the Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM price will be £12,999.99/ €15,199.99.
Both the Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM, EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM will be released in December 2018.