Canon Consumer Grade Long Zoom lens May Come In 2nd Half Of 2018

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II zoom lens

I have just returned from a Wildlife Photo shoot in Hudson Bay, Canada. The action was very good, with encounters of Polar bear sows and cubs, Arctic and Silver foxes, Snowy Owls and Arctic hares.
Once I have time to catch up with my daily routine, I will post some of the latest photos.  You can follow my travels on Facebook , Twitter and see my equipment bag and works on MichaelDanielHo.com

Canon filed a patent for the EF 200-600mm f/4.5-5.6 IS super zoom lens in 2016. The market for a consumer grade long zoom lens is dominated by Sigma and Tamron 150-600mm models right now but Canon is interested in this space and may announce their EF 200-600mm lens some time in the second half of 2018.

Unless, the new lens comes in the professional 'L' grade model, the price point (presumably just slightly higher than or equal to the competing third party models) will not make economical sense for Canon to make the lens a great weather-sealed performer. I am not impressed by the current 'super zoom' models on the market. Adding the Canon name to another consumer model will not make it any better, albeit perhaps a solid performer for its price. There may even be a custom extender as an option to add on the new glass.

The current EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II is a great performer. Even with a 1.4x extender added, the image is still quite acceptable. I hope Canon will release the EF 200-600mm in the 'L' grade and the EF 600mm f/4 DO BR some time next year. I will be a buyer of both glass. 

What To Expect From Canon For the Remainder Of 2017 & Beyond

Steller Sea Eagle flying over the Sea of Okhotsk

I am back from my Japan Wildlife Photo Tour. It will take me a while to catch up on things while I was away and process the photos. So far behind on my editing. This is already my third tour of 2017 and I have another one coming up before the end of March. You can follow my travels on Facebook and Twitter. See my equipment bag and works on MichaelDanielHo.com

What to expect from Canon the remainder of 2017 and beyond

DSLR, Powershot, Mirrorless and Cinema Cameras

• Rebel T7i and T7s APS-C camera - Announced
• EOS Rebel SL2 - Q2, 2017
• EOS-5Ds Mark II? - May be replaced by Super MegaPixel camera in 2018
• EOS-6D Mark II full frame camera - Q2, 2017
• Cinema EOS C100 Mark III - Q3, 2017
• A higher end, APS-C mirrorless camera - Announced
• Full frame, 'pro' model with EF mount - some time in 2018
• Powershot G5X Mark II

EF, EF-S and EF-M Lenses

• EF-S 35mm f/2.8 IS STM
• EF 85mm f/1.4L IS 
• EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III  
• EF 50mm - replacement to EF 50mm f/1.4 and EF 50mm f/1.2L
• New EF-M prime and Zoom lenses

Super Telephoto Lenses

• EF 200-600mm f/4-5.6 IS - Perhaps late 2017
• EF 600mm f/4 DO BR - Perhaps very late 2017. 2018 most likely
• EF 400mm f/2.8L IS + 1.4x and 1.7x Extender - 2018 or later

Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Lens - $839 With Free Shipping

Last month, I came back from my Polar bear photo tour in Hudson Bay, Canada. It was quite a successful trip even though the weather was 'mild' by sub Arctic standard and the bears were not able to find sea ice to hunt seals even in mid November. Came across sows with cubs, sub adult and full grown males with reasonably healthy looking weight, this time of the year.

In past years, they would have been able to start heading out to the bay and try and replenish their weight by actively hunting seals. I came across the BBC2 film crew filming and broadcasting the Arctic Live series on the tundra. See more of my Polar bear photos from past trips.

You can follow my travels on Facebook , Twitter and see my works on MichaelDanielHo.com. For those who are into wildlife photography, Tamron and Sigma make some good long zoom lens at an affordable price, like the 150-600mm. I am not recommending these manufacturers but like the focal length of these design. Canon is expected to announce their Super Zoom - EF 200-600mm f/4.5-5.6 IS some time in 2017 as well.

There is a large, online camera retailer in New York City selling the Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 lens (Contemporary model) for $839 with free expedited shipping. The offer is good for today, till midnight. Act fast if you want a good, consumer grade zoom lens for taking sports and wildlife photos.

You will not find a link to this retailer because I do not accept any advertisement or commissioned link on my Blog or website and do not solicit your email address for future spamming. I am completely unbiased in my reporting, have no conflict of interest and do not endorse any particular company. Find this company on Google yourself easily.  You can see my equipment bag, upcoming wildlife photo tours and works on MichaelDanielHo.com

Canon Patent - EF 600mm f/4 DO IS Lens

Canon EF 600mm f/4 DO BR lens

Canon is working on improving their Super Telephoto lens line with the aim of increasing image quality, focal length and decreasing weight. Their EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II is a fine example of this. I purchased the Series I model over 10 years ago but the Series II is a dramatic improvement and I expect more Diffractive Optics models will be announce in the years ahead.

The EF 600mm f/4 DO BR lens made an appearance in last year's Canon EXPO in New York City. This lens will be announced some time next year, in time for the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea. I am anxious to buy this lens. The patent for the Canon EF 600mm f/4 DO IS is listed below.

Patent publication number 2016-200685 (Google Translated)

• Release date 2016.12.1
• Application date 2015.4.9
• Focal length 585.00
• F number 4.12
• Half angle of view (degree) 2.12
• Image height 21.64
• Lens total length 335.32
• BF 66.92

Canon has big plans for the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan. They will pull out all the stops and announce many exciting high and medium end cameras and lenses prior to that great occasion. Read my earlier post on Canon's roadmap for 2017 and beyond. Keep checking back for the latest information and development. You can see my Canon lens recommendation, equipment bag and works on MichaelDanielHo.com 

Canon Product Announcement RoadMap for 2017 and Beyond

2016 is drawing to an end soon and it has been a busy year for Canon new product announcements. The top-of-the-line EOS-1D X Mark II camera has now been delivered. I have taken it on the Upper Amazon and Peruvian Andes, Southern Africa and sub Arctic wildlife photo tours in the last few months. The EOS-5D Mark IV was also announced recently, together with the EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II and EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III lens.

However, 2017 will be another announcement packed year for new products. Below is a recap of what to expect for next year and beyond. You can read my Canon lens recommendation, see my equipment bag and works on MichaelDanielHo.com

What to expect from Canon in 2017 and beyond. More to come.

DSLR, Powershot, Mirrorless and Cinema Cameras

• Rebel T7i and T7s APS-C camera. Around #CES or CP+Show
• EOS-5Ds Mark II full frame camera
• EOS-6D Mark II full frame camera
• Cinema EOS C100 Mark III
• A higher end, APS-C mirrorless camera
• Full frame, 'pro' model with EF mount coming 2017 - 2018
• Powershot SX70 HS
• Powershot G5X Mark II
• Powershot G9X Mark II

EF, EF-S and EF-M Lenses

• EF 85mm f/1.4L IS 
• EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III 
• EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM kit lens 
• EF 50mm - replacement to EF 50mm f/1.4 and EF 50mm f/1.2L
• New EF-M prime and Zoom lenses

Super Telephoto Lenses

• EF 200-600mm f/4-5.6 IS
• EF 600mm f/4 DO BR
• EF 400mm f/2.8L IS + 1.4x and 1.7x Extender

Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L IS Lens Coming in 2017

Canon is expected to announce quite a few new lenses in 2017. Among them are the EF 200-600mm f/4.5-5.6 Super Zoom, EF 600mm f/4 DO BR and EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III.

Now you can add another to this list - EF 85mm f/1.4L IS. Although this new glass is slightly 'slower' than the current EF 85mm f/.12L II lens, if I were a betting person, I'd say this will be a replacement for the current model. The present EF 85mm Series II lens was announced back in 2006. The new lens will have a 4 stop IS compensation, the latest Air Sphere and Fluorine coatings plus a much improved USM AF system.

In addition, Canon has another Super Telephoto lens with built-in extenders patented - EF 400mm f/2.8L IS 1.4x + 1.7x Extender USM. You can see how Canon manufactures its EF and Super Telephoto lenses by clicking on their video links.

Of course, with estimated product delivery timetables, nothing is set in stone. Delays and changes in production plans may alter the announcement dates but it's safe to say, 2017 will be an exciting year for new lens introduction. You can see my equipment bag and works on MichaelDanielHo.com

Canon DSLRs, Powershots, Mirrorless Cameras and Lenses Coming 2017

Canon EOS Cinema, DSLR, mirrorless cameras and EF lens lineup  

2016 is drawing to an end soon and it has been a busy year for Canon new product announcements. The top-of-the-line EOS-1D X Mark II camera has now been delivered. I have taken it on the Upper Amazon and Peruvian Andes, Southern Africa and sub Arctic wildlife photo tours in the last few months. The EOS-5D Mark IV was also announced recently, together with the EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II and EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III lens.

However, 2017 will be another announcement packed year for new products. Below is a recap of what to expect for next year and beyond. You can  read my Canon lens recommendation, see my equipment bag and works on MichaelDanielHo.com

What to expect from Canon in 2017 and beyond. More to come.

DSLR, Powershot, and Mirrorless Cameras

• Rebel T7 APS-C camera. Around #CES or CP+Show
• EOS-5Ds Mark II full frame camera
• EOS-6D Mark II full frame camera
• A higher end, APS-C mirrorless camera
• Full frame, 'pro' model with EF mount coming 2017 - 2018
• Powershot G5X Mark II

EF, EF-S and EF-M Lenses

• EF 85mm f/1.4L IS 
• EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III 
• EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM kit lens 
• EF 50mm - replacement to EF 50mm f/1.4 and EF 50mm f/1.2L
• New EF-M prime and Zoom lenses

Super Telephoto Lenses

• EF 200-600mm f/4-5.6 IS
• EF 600mm f/4 DO BR
• EF 400mm f/2.8L IS + 1.4x and 1.7x Extender

Canon EF 85mm f/1.4L and Other Lenses Coming in 2017

Canon is expected to announce quite a few new lenses in 2017. Among them are the EF 200-600mm f/4.5-5.6 Super Zoom, EF 600mm f/4 DO BR and EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III.

Now you can add another possibility to the list - EF 85mm f/1.4L. Although this new glass is slightly 'slower' than the current EF 85mm f/.12L II lens, if I were a betting person, I'd say this will be a replacement for the current model. The present EF 85mm Series II lens was announced back in 2006.

In addition, Canon has another Super Telephoto lens with built-in extenders patented - EF 400mm f/2.8L IS 1.4x + 1.7x Extender USM. You can see how Canon manufactures its EF and Super Telephoto lenses by clicking on their video links.

Of course, with estimated product delivery timetables, nothing is set in stone. Delays and changes in production plans may alter the announcement dates but it's safe to say, 2017 will be an exciting year for new lens introduction. You can see my equipment bag and works on MichaelDanielHo.com

New Canon Patent - EF 300mm f/2.8L IS Lens

Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II lens

A new patent for the Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS lens has been uncovered. This may be the beginning of the Series III version of this venerable lens.

I reported recently Canon is reworking the entire line of their Super Telephoto lens with the approaching 2020 Summer Olympics Games in Tokyo in mind. The current EF 300mm f/2.8L IS II is one of the sharpest lens around and a favorite of mine for wildlife photography. You can see my equipment bag and works on MichaelDanielHo.com


Patent Publication No. 2016-173439 (Translated)

• Published 2016.9.29
• Filing date 2015.3.17
• Focal length 292.46
• F-number 2.91
• Angle of view 4.23
• Image height 21.64
• Overall length of the lens 273.95
• BF 60.81

Canon EF 200-600mm f/4.5-5.6 IS Super Zoom Lens Coming

Late in 2015, I reported Canon has filed a patent for a Super Zoom EF 200-600mm f/4.5-5.6 IS lens and is scheduled to release the lens some time in 2017. The EOS-6D Mark II full frame camera is expected to be announced some time in Q1, perhaps before the CP+ Show in Yokohama, Japan.

There is a chance the EF 200-600mm lens may accompany the EOS-6D Mark II during the announcement. My readers know I am not impressed by the Super Zoom models from Sigma and Tamron in the form of a 150-600mm lens. The new Canon lens will not be a 'L' model. That means it will be priced slightly higher than the third parties lens and most probably not weather and dust sealed.

I may be interested in this new lens depending on the built quality but the one Super Telephoto lens I am most interested in is the EF 600mm f/4 DO BR, expected to debut some time next year as well. Keep checking back for the latest info as I receive them.

Latest Update on Canon Lenses Coming in 2016

I have just returned from a rather successful wildlife photo trip to India. Witnessed two tiger kills from beginning to end on a Spotted and Sambar Deer plus Elephants and Monkeys mating, in addition to many new bird species for me. Trying to get back to writing my blog and catching up with the latest photography and NAB 2016 news. It will take me a week or two to get back to speed and precious little time to process the photos because by then, my next tour will be here already. I have a very busy Spring and Summer touring season ahead of me. You can see my works on MichaelDanielHo.com

Canon is planning to announce more EF lens this year. Recently, I reported on the EF 200-600mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Super Zoom lens. This new glass may be a Q4 2016 or Q1 2017 event. I have not decided on whether to buy this lens or not even though I like the focal lengths. The one lens I will definitely buy when Canon announces it is the EF 600mm f/4 DO BR.

The EF 16-35mm f/2.8L Mark III will be announced this year, together with more EF-S shorter zooms and EF-M prime and medium zoom lenses.

Canon Super Zoom Lens Coming in 2017

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II zoom lens

Late last year, I reported Canon has filed a patent for the EF 200-600mm f/4.5-5.6 IS super zoom lens. Word is Canon may now be ready to release this lens to compete with the Sigma and Tamron 150-600mm models on the market.

Unless, the new lens comes in the professional 'L' grade model, the price point (presumably just slightly higher than or equal to the competing third party models) will not make economical sense for Canon to make the lens a great weather-sealed performer. I am not impressed by the current 'super zoom' models on the market. Adding the Canon name to another consumer model will not make it any better, albeit perhaps a solid performer for its price. There may even be a custom extender as an option to add on the new glass.

The current EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II is a great performer. Even with a 1.4x extender added, the image is still quite acceptable. I hope Canon will release the EF 200-600mm in the 'L' grade and the EF 600mm f/4 DO BR some time this year. I will be a buyer of both glass. You can see my equipment bag and works on MichaelDanielHo.com 

Sigma Patent - 120-600mm f/5-6.3 Super Zoom Lens

Sigma 200-500mm f/2.8 EX DG APO lens 

It appears Super Zoom is the new rage for zoom lens going into 2016. Egami, the Japanese photography blog has uncovered a Sigma patent for a 120-600mm f/5-6.3 lens.

Sigma and Tamron already has a 150-600mm f/5-6.3 and shorter super zoom lenses on the market and Nikon has their 200-500mm f/5.6 ED VR lens. Canon has recently patented the EF 200-600mm f/4.5-5.6L IS and EF 24-300mm f/3.5-5.6 lens.

It all started with the Canon EF 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6L IS Super Zoom lens back in 2004. This is my favorite professional grade 'L' super zoom lens for wildlife photography when it is not practical to change lens in the middle of a photo shoot. However, the lens is aging and can benefit from an upgrade. Since the introduction of the unrivaled EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM Extender 1.4x lens back in 2013, there is room for a longer focal length Super Zoom lens in the EF lineup. You can see my equipment bag and works on MichaelDanielHo.com


Patent Publication No. 2015-203827

•     Published 2015.11.16
•     Filing date 2014.4.16

Example :

•     Zoom ratio 4.66
•     Focal length 125.15 250.18 583.80
•     F number 4.86 5.84 6.50
•     Total angle of view 2? 19.47 9.76 4.18
•     The image height Y 21.63
•     Overall length of the lens 314.20 371.31 424.96

Will There Be A Canon EF 800mm f/5.6L II Lens?

Canon EF 800mm f/5.6L IS Super Telephoto lens

In my earlier post, I talked about which cameras and lens to expect from Canon in 2016. The EF 800mm f/5.6L II is considered a long shot. Although Canon has multiple patents covering its replacement, including perhaps a built-in extender version, much like the current EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM 1.4x Extender, it is considered highly unlike such a model will be made due to the optical limitations and added weight. There is however a new Canon patent for the EF 200-600mm f/4.5-5.6L lens but it does not appear to be a Super Telephoto model.

My readers know I am a big fan of Canon Diffractive Optics (DO) lens. I bought their first Super Telephoto EF 400mm f/4 DO in the mid 2000s and was very happy with it even knowing its limitations. As a wildlife photographer, I had to trade a little bit of sharpness for the unmatched mobility the lens offers. Then in 2014, Canon announced the EF 400mm f/4 DO IS II and the tradeoff is gone. It has been almost 15 years since Canon released the first DO lens and they have pretty much perfected the technology. Recently, at the Canon Expo 2015, they exhibited the EF 600mm f/4 DO BR lens.

Together with the EF 200-400mm f/4L IS USM 1.4x Extender, EF 600mm f/4L IS II and EF 600mm f/4 DO BR lens, the need for a big EF 800mm diminishes. That is why I am not certain Canon will even announce a replacement to the current EF 800mm f/5.6L IS lens any time soon. More to come . . . . .  

Announcements To Expect From Canon in 2016

Canon EOS-1D X Mark II full frame DSLR?

The following cameras and lens are expected to be announced by Canon in 2016. Some are more likely than others. The first three cameras are full frame DSLRs, follow by APS-C, mirrorless and Powershot cameras.

• Canon EOS-1D X Mark II
• Canon EOS-5D Mark IV
• Canon EOS-6D Mark II
• Canon EOS-80D
• Canon Rebel SL2
• Canon EOS M4
• Full frame mirrorless camera (if Nikon decides to announce one as well)
• Powershot G17

Predicting which glass Canon will announced is tough. The following lens may be available for sale some time in 2016. The EF 800mm f/5.6 and EF 200mm f/2 are least likely, followed by the EF 200-600mm f/4.5-5.6 and EF 600mm f/4 DO. The other EF lens are better than even chance we will see some time next year. I am very eager to get my hands on the EF 600mm DO and EF 200-600mm lens.

EF, EF-S and EF-M Lenses

•     Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III
•     Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III
•     Canon EF 200-600mm f/4.5-5.6L IS
•     Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM
•     Canon EF 600mm f/4 DO BR IS
•     Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L III
•     Canon EF 200mm f/2L IS II
•     Canon EF 800mm f/5.6L IS II

Canon Patent - EF 200-600mm f/4.5-5.6 IS Lens

Egami, the Japanese photography blog has discovered a Canon patent for a EF 200-600mm f/4.5-5.6 IS zoom lens. Sigma and Tamron both have consumer grade 150-600mm lens on the market and they seem to sell quite well because of their low price.

Canon recently showed off the EF 600mm f/4 DO BR lens during the EXPO Show in September but it will be another Super Telephoto lens and may be out of reach for many photographers. An 'L' grade long zoom like the EF 200-600mm may be within reach for more buyers. Depending on weight, I may be interested in this lens if it comes to market but the EF 600mm f/4 DO BR is definitely on my buy list.

    Patent Publication No. 2015-212724

•         Published 2015.11.26
•         Filing date 2014.5.1

    Example 1

•         Zoom ratio 3.00
•         Focal length 200.00 340.00 600.00
•         F-number 4.60 4.60 5.20
•         Angle of view 6.18 3.64 2.07
•         Image height 21.65 21.65 21.65
•         Overall length of the lens 355.16 355.16 355.16
•         BF 65.16 65.16 65.16