Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x
Announced May 14, 2013
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Strong
The Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x provides exceptional optical performance and a unique integrated teleconverter that allows for a seamless focal range up to 560mm. While it delivers professional-grade results for wildlife and sports, the substantial weight and high cost make it a significant investment.
Weighted from 16 reviewer scores
Pros
- Sharp image quality across the frame
- Durable weather-sealed construction
- Integrated 1.4x extender for versatile focal range
- Fast and accurate autofocus performance
- Effective image stabilization
Cons
- Very heavy and large physical footprint
- Extremely high price point
- Vignetting when shooting wide open
- Difficult balance for handheld use
- Autofocus limitations with extenders
- Launch price $11,799 (USD)
- Focal length & aperture 200-400mm f/4
- Mount & coverage Canon EF Full-Frame
- Stabilization Optical IS
- Close focus 2 m (0.15x)
- Filter thread 52mm
- Autofocus motor Ring USM
- Weight & size 3620g · 128 x 366 mm (5.04 x 14.41 in)
What the Reviewers Say
All 16 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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- PetaPixel 9/10
The inclusion of a built-in extender is a brilliant idea for a super-telephoto zoom, giving you a seamless range from 200mm up to 560mm at the flick of a switch.
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Canon has a reputation for designing spectacularly good telephoto lenses, and from the lab test results and a few handheld shots of static subjects, it’s clear that the 200-400mm is exceptionally good.
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When the Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L 1.4x was first announced it set a lot of buzz within the Canon universe and thankfully the lens doesn’t disappoint.
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Off was my previous choice – I usually need a faster-than-handholdable shutter speed to stop the action I am shooting. But I did see some benefits to using IS mode 3 for action.
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If you can see further than the eye-watering price tag, this lens is a real heavyweight in terms of performance as well as physical construction. It has a 200-400mm zoom range in standard trim with a built-in 1.4x tele-converter or ‘extender’, boosting maximum reach to 560mm.
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The Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x is a long zoom lens with an integrated teleconverter, but its price is higher than competing lenses.
- CNET 8.6/10
You get you what you pay for with the Canon EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4X: superlative performance and flexibility.
- Photo Review 9.0/10
Canon’s EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4X more than satisfies the requirements of its target market.
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So in conclusion, really happy with how this lens performed. Got lots of nice shots, plenty I'm going to add to my catalog.
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This 200-400mm is obviously a lens for full-time sports shooters, and is built to take the beating these guys belt out.
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If the versatility of a zoom is what you need and f/4 doesn’t bother you (and for many of us, it really doesn’t), then the Canon 200-400 f/4 L IS USM Extender 1.4x is, in itself, a bargain.
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While its optical quality is excellent, it's really the versatility of the lens that makes it so useful.
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Having the ability to zoom from 200 through to 560mm with the flick of a switch, knowing that the image quality is as good if not better than my old prime lenses, is revolutionary. The folks at Canon outdid themselves on this one!
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There’s no doubt in my mind that this is Canon’s greatest ever achievement in their lens lineup; an optical masterpiece.
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If it's image quality, then I highly recommend this lens. This is one of the best performing zoom lenses I have used for a DSLR camera.
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This lens is just mind-boggling, and though it's really expensive, it's probably worth its price, especially if you're a professional shooting wildlife or sport.
