Developers’ Interview for Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM & EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM Lenses

Canon has published a very detailed interview with the developers of the new Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM and EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM super telephoto lenses. In the interview, the developers discuss the dramatic lightweight design and the implementation of their solutions. New challenges lead to new materials, manufacturing processes and functionality.

Some of the design goals and challenges facing the developers:

  • Rather than simply making the lens lighter, we retooled the lens from the ground up for an overall balanced weight.
  • Improved mobility and portability, with reduced weight
  • A significant — not average — reduction in weight
  • We were convinced we could reach our goal thanks to the
    proposal of a new optical system.
  • New challenges, one after the other, with tag-team efforts
    between Optical Design, Mechanical Design, Electrical
    Design, and Production that overcame these challenges.
  • Reducing the number of component s results in both
    a lightweight design and increased strength.
  • Using a new high-strength alloy for the lens barrel
  • Using the latest gyro sensor is insufficient for improved
    IS performance — it was necessary to build a new control algorithm that assumes a variety of situations.
  • Not only has handheld IS performance improved, but it can
    now deal with vibration when using a tripod.
  • Improved lens focus drive speed even when an EF tele-extender is attached.
  • An expert coating team was formed with the cooperation of the
    Mechanical and Manufacturing departments within Canon, to aim
    for an ideal solution.
  • We didn’t compromise on the white color, despite placing
    priority on functionality.

The Full Canon Developers Interview (19.6mb PDF)

Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS III USM Lens: $11,999 at Amazon, B&H, Adorama.

Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS III USM Lens: $12,999 at Amazon, B&H, Adorama.

Learn all about the features in these lighter super telephoto lenses:

Via: Canon, CanonRumors