New super Teles from Canon - 300mm and 400mm

[Chris Dodkin]

Canon has announced that its EF300mm f/2.8L IS II USM and EF400mm f/2.8L IS II USM telephoto lenses – which feature completely redesigned optical systems, the latest Canon Image Stabilization (IS) technology, new IS and AF Modes and improved build quality

The development of these high quality telephoto lenses was revealed in autumn 2010 and they are now available to meet the demands of professional photographers, with an obvious appeal to those photographers who shoot nature, wildlife or sports. The lenses offer optical excellence, consistently high performance, super-telephoto focal lengths, fast f/2.8 apertures and outstanding image quality to provide exceptional results and reliability.

300mm: http://cpn.canon-europe.com/content/product/lenses/EF300mm_f_28L_IS_II_USM.do

400mm: http://cpn.canon-europe.com/content/product/lenses/ef400mmf28lisiiusm.do

F1 photographer Frits van Eldik has written up an article on the new 400mm, based on using it at the 2011 F1 Hungarian Grand Prix.

http://cpn.canon-europe.com/content/education/technical/shooting_f1_action.do

The great big difference to start with as soon as you pick up the new one [400mm lens] is that it’s almost 1.5 kilos lighter – that already makes you smile. This also ‘worked’ when I handed it [the lens] to some colleagues to hold it and to feel it – they all immediately smiled and said: “this is much more friendly to use”. That’s the big difference.

 

[Pete Askew]

Very, very impressive. Have you got yours on order Chris?

I guess this was one of the lenses in the 'complete collection' that guy in Australia was claiming to have. Did the photo ever turn up?

 

[Chris Dodkin]

Very, very impressive. Have you got yours on order Chris?

I wish!

 

[Hamish Gill]

What sort of ££'s

 

[Chris Dodkin]

300mm - Estimated Retail Price: $7,299.00

400mm - Estimated Retail Price: $11,499.00

 

[Darren Bradnock]

Nice, but i would have to be making money off it to upgrade from my MK1.

 

[Chris Dodkin]

I think that's the case for many - as the image quality of the MKI lenses is already so good, and the cost of the MKIIs is so high.

Of course, the service issue may eventually force a change, as you know well!

The silver lining may well be that as the pro-media and well-to-do folks upgrade, there should be a flood of quality used lenses onto the market - time to watch EBAY if you're in the market for a super Tele!

 

[Ralph Thornton]

Man that 400 mm looks so good! I'm going to start saving up for one right now! Hopefully by 2016 I'll be there.