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The EF 200–400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4× is a EF mount super telephoto zoom lens produced by Canon. It is part of the professional L-series and functions with the Canon EOS line of cameras. The EF 200–400mm lens features an ultrasonic motor, image stabilization and weather sealing. It is the first and only EF lens with a built-in extender.
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History
The EF 200–400mm f/4L was first announced to be in development in February 2011 and a prototype was showcased at the 2011 CP+ tradeshow. In November 2011, Canon announced that availability of the lens would be postponed to an unspecified later date. The lens was only released more than a year later in May 2013.
Built-in 1.4× Extender
Although not the first lens to be equipped with a built-in teleconverter, an honour that belongs to the older Canon FD mount 1200mm f/5.6L 1.4× lens, the EF 200–400 is the first to be for the EF mount, and the first to enter mass production. The extender, when engaged, increases the lens' focal length by a factor of 1.4x, while decreasing the aperture by a single stop, changing the lens to a 280–560mm f/5.6 lens. The extender is activated and deactivated by a mechanical switch close to the lens mount.