When are they coming?
I have confirmed that the new EF 200-400 f/4L IS 1.4x will indeed hit some retailers before the end of May, and for the others the first week of June. Canon Canada expects and is telling retailers that they will have limited stock on May 27, 2013 in their warehouse. Retailers will have theirs a few days later.

There will not be a lot of lenses available on the initial run, most reps are saying only “preordered” quantities will be available until at least the middle of July.

If you have your preorder in, it looks like you should expect your new lens quite soon.

Canon EF 200-400 f/4L IS 1.4x $11,799

• USA: B&H Photo | Adorama | Amazon | Norman Camera
• Canada: Camera Canada
• Europe: PhotoCineShop

If you don’t mind being gouged, you can also get one from a 100% ebayer that will ship it to you on May 31, 2013 from Japan.

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New arrival at B&H Photo
The Canon CN-E 14mm T3.1 L F Cinema Prime is now in stock at B&H Photo and includes free shipping.

Buy The Canon CN-E 14mm T/3.1 for $5220 at B&H Photo

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Canon still working on Foveon Technology
Canon has been working on 3 layer Foveon sensor technology for a while now, it still hasn’t appeared in a camera and we haven’t heard anything to say it will. However, the fact they continue to spend resources on it, tells us there is definitely a good application for the technology.

Patent Publication No. 2013-93553 (Google Translated)

• Publication date 2013.5.16
• Filing date 2011.10.4

Imaging element of three-layer structure

• Photodiode deep layer (hereinafter, PD) in the charge is diffused into the substrate
• Thus sensitivity is poor red

Canon patent

• I as a photonic crystal of irregular shape, the boundary surface of the PD of red or green,
• In the periodic structure of uneven spacing, less than twice the 1/4 times or more the wavelength of light, or I shall be two times or less 1/2 times or more
• Irregular shape has the properties to be spatially-localized or resonant light
• The incident light is diffracted, it combines with the light of the boundary plane, the resonant
• Prolonged exists than normal, the light becomes easy to be absorbed by the PD Thus

Source: [EG]

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Marketing for the new camera now under way
We’re told that the EOS 70D is in final testing and in the hands of some ‘Explorers of Light’. Canon is currently in the middle of production on a few commercials for the 70D that have been shot at various spots around the globe.

It currently looks like July is when we’ll see the replacement to the 60D finally get announced.

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DO appears to still be alive
More patents for large Canon DO lenses. The one of note is the 500 f/5.6, a lens that would be a very solid follow-up to the EF 400 f/4 DO IS.

We’ve seen a lot of these patents in the past, and none of them have ever come to market. It is good to see R&D is still going into DO technology, as I really enjoy the 400 DO.

Source: [EG] via [NL]

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A question I am asked daily
We were told ages ago that any replacement of the EF 100-400 f/4.5-5.6L IS would happen after the EF 200-400 f/4L IS 1.4x had begun shipping. That time is nearly upon us.

The new 100-400 does indeed exist and is being actively tested, however Canon is in no rush to announce the lens. We’re told that the current 100-400 still sells at an amazing clip and outpaces the 70-300L by a 4 to 1 margin.

Canon may also be waiting to see how the EF 200-400 f/4L IS 1.4x sells, would people really hold off buying it if a new 100-400 was available?

With Nikon announcing their new 80-400, 2013 will probably be the year we finally see the new 100-400 from Canon. Here’s a patent for the new 100-400 optical formula, notice that the new design starts at f/4 instead of f/4.5.

Canon EF 100-400 f/4.5-5.6L IS

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Not much buzz
There isn’t much information out there about Canon’s next APS-C cameras. Canon has alluded to the fact that both cameras are coming, we just don’t know when. We’ve been told previously by very good sources that only the EOS 70D will be available in 2013, though the EOS 7D Mark II could be announced in late 2013 for early 2014 availability.

We’re told a “surprise” announcement will be made by Canon in July, what that is we’re unsure. However, the source alluded to it being a camera body. I wouldn’t call the EOS 70D a “surprise”, but we’ll see. Could it be…….. something else?

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New bits about the next EOS M
A new camera and a few lenses should be announced sometime in the summer months. A few new lenses will also be launched. One will be an 18-135 compact zoom as well as a telephoto zoom. It was mentioned that Canon doesn’t have plans currently to launch more EOS M prime lenses, as they see the segment as “entry level”. I’m not sure I agree with that if true.

Is there any chance that the patent recently for plastic elements is for the EOS M?

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New Review
Our review of the Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II has been posted. Both Justin and I think the lens is awesome, although it may not be for everyone.

I think the lens is extremely versatile, and if you can only afford one “big white”, this lens will fit the bill for a lot of people. Although in a perfect world, it pairs quite nicely with the EF 600mm f/4L IS II.

Read the full review | Canon EF 300 f/2.8L IS II at B&H Photo

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A couple deals from eBay
Both deals are from eBay seller 6ave, they have a rating of 99.5% on eBay. These deals include free shipping to the lower 48, and paid shipping to Alaska, Hawaii and Canada.

A note about warranty from 6ave
Our products are covered by a warranty of 1 years parts and 90 days for labor. You may contact us at 800-369-6239 to obtain warranty information.

Canon EOS-1D X Body (Brand New)

• EOS-1D X Body
• 2x 32GB CF Cards
• Camera Bag

Buy Canon EOS-1D X Kit for $5939

Canon EOS 6D w/24-105 f/4L IS (Brand New)

• EOS 6D Body
• EF 24-105 f/4L IS Lens
• 32gb SDHC Memory Card
• 2x LP-E6 Batteries (Not Canon Branded)
• Compact Battery Charger
• 77mm UV Filter
• Camera Bag

Buy Canon EOS 6D w/24-105 f/4L IS Kit for $2384

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A great review
Andy Rouse has spent 6 months with the new EF 200-400 f/4L IS 1.4x and has posted a pretty extensive real world review.

Says Andy….
“It is no secret that I am in the Shakira fan club, you know that by now. Its even less of a secret that I am in the 200-400 fan club, in fact I am a fully paid up lifetime member. I just love this lens. As you have seen above, I have really used it hard in a variety of situations during the 6 months I have had it, and it has simply done everything that I have asked. No failures. Nothing to complain about. I have inspected all of the images that I have taken for any distortion, chromatic aberration or lick marks and I can say, hand on one of my two Vulcan hearts, that I did not find any. And remember I have been using a prototype, your production ones will be mint.”

Read the full review

Preorder the EF 200-400 f/4L IS 1.4x: B&H Photo | Adorama | Amazon

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London, UK, 14 May 2013 – Canon today announces the release of a new in-camera Picture Style pre-set for its range of EOS DSLRs. Created following direct feedback from video enthusiasts, the new Picture Style, called Video Camera X–series-look, enables users to capture EOS Movie footage with lower contrast levels, allowing for easier colour grading during post production processes.

Similar to that available in Canon’s range of X-series camcorders, the new Picture Style works by lowering colour saturation levels and contrast during filming. This makes it ideal for videographers during post production grading processes, especially if complementing with pre-existing footage shot with Canon’s X-series models, or alternatively for those who instantly want to add atmosphere to Full HD movies. In addition, the new Picture Style can also be applied to still images captured in RAW or JPEG formats.

The new Picture Style can be downloaded now from: http://software.canon-europe.com/

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Canon EF 200-400 f/4L IS 1.4x $11,799
USA: B&H Photo | Adorama | Amazon | Norman Camera Canada: Camera Canada Europe: PhotoCineShop

We’re told limited quantities will be available within 2-3 weeks.

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London, UK, 14 May 2013 – Canon today adds a new category to its range of high-performance super-telephoto lenses, with the introduction of the EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x to Canon’s acclaimed L-series. The EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x features a flexible 200-400mm focal range with a fixed f/4 aperture, 4-stop optical Image Stabilizer and for the first time in a commercially available lens, a built-in 1.4x extender. These features combine to provide an outstandingly versatile lens for professional sports or wildlife photographers. A robust magnesium alloy design, environmental protection and specialised lens coatings also make it ideal for mobile use, combining with the finest quality optics to deliver exceptional results, even in the harshest conditions.

Get closer to the action with superior image quality
The reach of the EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x is boosted by its internal 1.4x extender, which is engaged or disengaged at the flick of a lever to provide an extended focal length of 280mm to 560mm – allowing photographers to get even closer to distant action. Ensuring the highest image performance, the optical design includes both fluorite and Ultra-low Dispersion (UD) lens elements, which help minimise chromatic aberration and eliminate colour blurring. Advanced anti-reflection SubWavelength Structure Coating (SWC) and Super Spectra Coating also reduce ghosting and flare. Thanks to the use of the latest optical technologies, image performance is unaffected when the integrated extender is used.

With a constant f/4 aperture the use of high shutter speeds to capture fast-paced action or a low-light scene is possible. A newly designed optical Image Stabilizer, which provides users with a four stop advantage, while IS ‘Mode 3’ applies image stabilisation only at the time of exposure – ensuring that photographers can pan with fast-paced action without IS overcompensating for movement. This feature is ideal for sports photographers, who typically have only a split-second to capture a subject in front of them.

Powerful, flexible focusing
The EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x features Canon’s pioneering ring-type Ultrasonic Motor providing fast, silent autofocusing. For those who prefer to fine-tune focus themselves, full-time manual override allows photographers to manually focus at any moment when using AF. The Power Focus (PF) mode also increases versatility during movie shooting with the EOS-1D C or EOS-1D X, enabling photographers to achieve an accurate pull-focus effect at one of two speeds, simply by twisting the focus recall ring and stopping at a pre-set distance.

High-performance design for professional demands
Designed to answer professional demands for superior image quality and versatile zoom range, the EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x a boasts a premium-quality design befitting Canon’s industry-renowned L-series lenses.

The tough magnesium alloy chassis ensures that, despite the inclusion of the 1.4x extender, the lens is a similar weight to lenses of comparable focal length. Fluorine coatings on the front and rear lens elements also reduce the ability of dirt to cling to the lens surface, while a dust and water-resistant construction allows photographers to shoot in challenging weather conditions. The combination of outstanding optical performance, versatility, weight and tough construction will make it an essential part of any professional sports or wildlife photographer’s kitbag.

EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x key features

• Built-in 1.4x extender, for extra magnification when you need it
• Shoot in low light with four-stop Image Stabilizer
• High image quality using Fluorite lens elements
• Fast AF with USM technology
• Robust design for use in the toughest environments

Preorder the EF 200-400 f/4L IS 1.4x Lens from: B&H Photo | Adorama | Amazon

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