Report: The RF 200-500mm f/4L IS USM is delayed until 2025

#7
I still think it is more likely that we are going to get one general purpose RF-s fast prime than anything else. In 2022. and 2023. Canon released two RF-s lenses per year. I doubt that in 2024. they will only release two special purpose dual lenses (one of them fish-eye) this year, without releasing something more universal and for general use in low light conditions. I guess it will be prime in 20-24mm range, with maximum aperture in range f/2 to f/2.8.
 
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#8
AlanF said:
I don't know enough about lens design. Built-in extenders on a zoom just don't sound right to me. If it were possible, a 200-700 with f/ 4-5.6 at 500-700 and f/4 200-500 would seem more logical, but maybe not possible.
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I didn't like the 200-400 at all. It was too big, too heavy and the built-in TC was pointless. A 400 2.8 over it every single time! Second body with the 100-400 instead. With what I use those sorts of lenses for anyway.
 
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#10
AlanF said:
I don't know enough about lens design. Built-in extenders on a zoom just don't sound right to me. If it were possible, a 200-700 with f/ 4-5.6 at 500-700 and f/4 200-500 would seem more logical, but maybe not possible.
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Neither I am a big friend of generic extenders. But in this particular case, it would be an extender specifically designed for that zoom. Quality would very certainly benefit, versatility of use too!
 
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#11
Del Paso said:
Neither I am a big friend of generic extenders. But in this particular case, it would be an extender specifically designed for that zoom. Quality would very certainly benefit, versatility of use too!
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I don't think "versatile" fits because of its size. I use the big whites for Africa and field sports. The 400 2.8 is way better for both than an f/4 zoom and it may be smaller and lighter. Though Canon seems to keep coming up with ways to slash weight.

When in Africa, you don't need reach for mammals if you have a good photocentric guide. If you want to shoot small birds, you have an 800 f/5.6 and the IQ is still top notch. You always have a second body as well and the 100-500 is absolutely brilliant.

There may be things others shoot that would fit a big white f/4 zoom. I'd love to know what people used the 200-400 for, I have seen them in Africa, but other than that, I don't seem to.
 
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#12
Not on my wish list, not in my budget.
For those waiting for it I hope Canon can get more reliable and less delayed with their product availability.

AlanF said:
I don't know enough about lens design. Built-in extenders on a zoom just don't sound right to me. If it were possible, a 200-700 with f/ 4-5.6 at 500-700 and f/4 200-500 would seem more logical, but maybe not possible.
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Best to ask the EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x owners ;)
 
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#13
Canon Rumors Guy said:
I don't think "versatile" fits because of its size. I use the big whites for Africa and field sports. The 400 2.8 is way better for both than an f/4 zoom and it may be smaller and lighter. Though Canon seems to keep coming up with ways to slash weight.

When in Africa, you don't need reach for mammals if you have a good photocentric guide. If you want to shoot small birds, you have an 800 f/5.6 and the IQ is still top notch. You always have a second body as well and the 100-500 is absolutely brilliant.

There may be things others shoot that would fit a big white f/4 zoom. I'd love to know what people used the 200-400 for, I have seen them in Africa, but other than that, I don't seem to.
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It depends. It depends on if you can off-road or not. Many parts of Etosha and Tanzania off road safari is difficult. Many parts of Masai Mara it is possible. In Botswana the more reach you have, the better.
 
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#14
my RF 600/4 works just fine, glad I don't want this. basically 9/10 times my subject is far and I need to crop, when I am way too close for something, I use the compact RF70-200/2.8, which always surprises me on how sharp that thing is.
 
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#15
sanj said:
It depends. It depends on if you can off-road or not. Many parts of Etosha and Tanzania off road safari is difficult. Many parts of Masai Mara it is possible. In Botswana the more reach you have, the better.
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I've never run into "off road" issues. The Serengeti (which I don't like) has basically highways haha. No issues going off-road though... we've even been able to leave the vehicles for sundowners and meals. I generally go to the private part of the Masai Mara area, so there's really no rules.

Botswana we spent most of the time off-road.

South Africa is anarchy!

As you know, nothing fast really happens most of the time. Your guide generally puts you where something is going to happen. Good ones know animal behaviour. So a 400 2.8 is still more vesatile. You have time to TC. If you need reach, it's longer and faster. The added bonus, there are so many 400 2.8s available for various budgets. They all perform well with TCs.

We all have our own preferences though.. hence making all these different lenses.
 
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#18
What is the other white lens that we anticipate if it is not the 200-500 mm f4 L lens? I know that typically Canon announces the big whites in Jan-May of any given year so the delay does not surprise me.

Maybe the recently patented Canon RF 300-600mm F2.8-4.5L.??
 
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#19
neuroanatomist said:
Really?

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Did you ever use it?
I own one. It is great in the middle distance - but:

MFD: 2.0m, Magn: 0.15x which makes a 227mm f4.0 lens at minimum distance.
The RF100-300 offers MFD 1.83m, o.16x -> 218mm f2.8 at min distance.

So the RF without extender provides 1.2kg less weight, 1 stop more speed slightly more magnification, close to the same reach.

--- The internal extender corrupts the usability regarding focal breathing in a non acceptable way! ---
 
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