(From Canon lens literature) Quintessential for many sports assignments including baseball, football, soccer and golf, Canon’s professional 400mm ƒ/2.8 lenses provide the light gathering capability and long telephoto reach that photographers need to freeze the action and fill the frame. The Canon EF 400mm ƒ/2.8L IS II USM is the 5th generation in Canon’s 400mm ƒ/2.8 series and the successor to the current EF 400mm introduced in 1999. The new lens has been engineered for the ultimate in optical performance through the use of two fluorite lens elements for improved quality and reduced chromatic aberration. Helping photographers in the field, Canon has reduced the overall weight of the lens by a substantial 28 percent from 189.4 oz to 135.8 oz, making it Canon’s lightest weight 400mm ƒ/2.8 lens ever. The Image Stabilizer provides an equivalent of approximately four full shutter speed steps of shake compensation and has been enhanced through the incorporation of a rolling-ball-friction system in place of sliding parts in the compensation optics barrel for a minimum-friction structure. The overall durability of the lens has also been enhanced through increased usage of magnesium alloy and titanium for lens barrel components, together with weather sealing for all exterior joints and switches and a new fluorine anti-smear coating is applied to the front and rear elements.
The Canon EF 400mm ƒ/2.8L IS USM lens is expected to be available in December for an approximate retail price of $11,000.
