Melville, NY—The Canon EF 100–400mm f/4.5–5.6L II USM lens is a second-generation compact super-telephoto zoom lens boasting advancements in optical quality, image stabilization performance up to four steps, and a rotating zoom-ring design. The lens features Canon L-series weather resistance and a rugged magnesium housing to meet the needs of wildlife and sports photographers or photojournalists working out in the elements.
Fully compatible with all EOS cameras, the lens has a completely redesigned optical formula containing one fluorite and one super-UD lens element—a combination Canon says is unique to lenses in this focal range—to help deliver sharp images with high resolution and contrast. These elements also suppress chromatic aberration throughout the entire zoom range.
“The Canon EF 100–400mm f/4.5–5.6L II USM is the logical evolution of the very popular EF 100–400mm f/4.5–5.6L IS USM introduced 16 years ago,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, president and COO, Canon USA, Inc. “This long-awaited, next-generation lens was developed to be a highly portable and adaptable telephoto zoom lens for today’s modern professional and advanced amateur photographers.”
For photographers who want to work as closely as possible to their subjects, the minimum focusing distance of the lens has been reduced to 3.2 feet, resulting in a maximum magnification of 0.31x. The original EF 100–400mm f/4.5–5.6L IS USM was known for its push-pull zoom adjustment, but this new iteration uses a rotation-type zoom ring to allow for more precise adjustments, easier handling and consistent weight balance during handheld photography. In addition, the lens offers an improved zoom torque adjustment ring to enable the easier setting of zoom tension based on personal shooting preferences.
Other features include: a nine-bladed, circular aperture, electro-magnetic diaphragm that helps to enhance softly blurred backgrounds; an inner focusing system; a quiet ring USM; a high-speed CPU; optimized autofocus algorithms developed for fast and accurate autofocusing in various shooting situations; and Canon’s new Air Sphere Coating (ASC) to help reduce backlit flaring and ghosting.
Also notable is the EF 100–400mm f/4.5–5.6L II USM lens’s three image stabilization (IS) modes: standard, panning, and during exposure only. Each IS mode is individually engineered to handle a variety of shooting situations as well as to serve the personal preferences of photographers based on the type of IS they desire. The optical IS provides up to four shutter speed steps of correction, increased from 1.5 steps in the previous model.
As with all L-series lenses, this lens is resistant to dust and water. Fluorine coatings on the front and rear surfaces can repel dust particles and water droplets, as well as make smears and fingerprints easier to remove without the use of lens cleaning fluid.
Included with the lens is the new ET-83D lens hood, which offers a convenient side window that permits users to adjust specialty filters while the lens hood remains in place. In addition, a newly designed detachable tripod mount can be removed to reduce weight during handheld operation.
The Canon EF 100–400mm f/4.5–5.6L II USM super-telephoto zoom lens is scheduled to be available in December 2014 for an estimated retail price of $2,199. usa.canon.com
