This document provides instructions for the Canon RF 70-200mm F4L IS USM telephoto zoom lens, designed for use with EOS R series cameras.
Function Description:
The Canon RF 70-200mm F4L IS USM is a telephoto zoom lens equipped with Image Stabilizer (IS) and an Ultrasonic Motor (USM) for autofocus. The lens allows for both autofocus (AF) and manual focus (MF) operation, selectable via a focus mode switch. It features a zoom ring for adjusting the focal length from 70mm to 200mm, and a focusing ring for manual focus adjustments. A control ring is also present, which can be assigned various camera functions such as shutter speed and aperture settings. The lens incorporates an Image Stabilizer to correct vibrations during hand-held shots, offering three modes tailored for different shooting conditions: Mode 1 for still subjects, Mode 2 for panning shots of moving subjects, and Mode 3 for irregularly moving subjects. A custom lens hood is included to reduce flare and ghosting and protect the front of the lens from environmental elements.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Focal Length/Aperture: 70-200mm f/4
- Lens Construction: 11 groups, 16 elements
- Maximum Aperture: f/4
- Minimum Aperture: f/32
- Angle of View: Horizontal: 29° - 10°, Vertical: 19° 30′ - 7°, Diagonal: 34° - 12°
- Min. Focusing Distance: 0.6 m/1.97 ft.
- Max. Magnification: 0.28x (at 200 mm)
- Field of View: Approx. 279 x 184 - 127 x 84 mm / 10.98 x 7.24 - 5.00 x 3.31 in. (at 0.6m/1.97 ft.)
- Filter Diameter: 77 mm
- Max. Diameter and Length: Approx. 83.5 x 119 mm / 3.29 x 4.69 in.
- Weight: Approx. 695 g / 24.5 oz.
- Hood: ET-83G (WIII)
- Lens Cap: E-77 II
- Case: LP1319
- Lens Length Measurement: From the lens mount surface to the front end of the lens. Add 24.2 mm/0.95 in. when including the lens cap and dust cap.
- Extenders: Cannot be used with this lens.
- Firmware: Requires the latest version of camera firmware for optimal performance.
Usage Features:
- Attaching and Detaching: Always set the camera's power switch to OFF. Align lens and camera mount indexes, then turn clockwise until a click is heard to attach. To detach, press the lens release button and turn counterclockwise.
- Focus Mode: A switch allows selection between autofocus (AF) and manual focus (MF). In AF mode, manual focus is possible after autofocusing is completed (full-time manual focus), though camera settings may need adjustment. The focusing ring is electronic, and quickly turning it may result in delayed focus.
- Zooming: Turn the zoom ring to adjust focal length. It is recommended to finish zooming before focusing, as zooming after focusing can affect focus. Rapid zooming may cause temporary blurring. Users should be careful not to get fingers caught between the lens' front and the control ring during zooming.
- Zoom Ring Lock: The zoom ring can be fixed at the wide end (70mm) to prevent the lens from extending, which is useful when carrying the camera on a strap. To lock, turn the zoom ring to 70mm and slide the zoom ring lock lever. To release, slide the lever in the opposite direction.
- Focusing Distance Range Selector: A switch allows setting the focusing distance range to either FULL (0.6m/1.97 ft. - ∞) or 2.5m/8.20 ft. - ∞. This feature helps prevent the lens from focusing on unintentional subjects at different distances.
- Control Ring: This ring can be customized to control various camera functions like shutter speed or aperture. It provides a tactile "click" sensation for precise adjustments. The sound of control ring operations may be recorded when shooting movies.
- Image Stabilizer (IS): Activated via a STABILIZER ON/OFF switch. Three modes are available:
- Mode 1: Corrects vibrations in all directions, ideal for still subjects (e.g., semi-darkened areas, indoors, night, low light, uncertain footing, when fast shutter speeds cannot be used).
- Mode 2: Corrects vibrations at right angles to the panning direction, suited for panning shots of moving subjects (e.g., vehicles, trains).
- Mode 3: Corrects vibrations only during exposure, similar to Mode 2, suitable for irregularly moving subjects (e.g., sports photography, animals).
- The IS cannot compensate for blurred shots caused by subject movement and may be less effective with large shake, fast vibration, or panning in Mode 1. It is recommended to turn IS OFF when using a tripod.
- Hood Attachment: Align the red attachment position mark on the hood with the red dot on the front of the lens, then turn the hood in the direction of the arrow until a click is heard. To detach, press the button on the side of the hood and turn. The hood can be reverse-mounted for storage. Improper hood attachment may cause vignetting.
- Filters: Only one filter can be attached to the 77mm filter mounting thread. If a polarizing filter is needed, use the Canon Circular Polarizing Filter PL-C B. The hood should be detached when adjusting a polarizing filter.
- Close-up Lenses: Attaching a 500D (77 mm) Close-up Lens enables close-up photography, providing a magnification of 0.14x to 0.51x. MF mode is recommended for accurate focusing with close-up lenses. The Close-up Lens 250D cannot be attached.
Maintenance Features:
- Contacts: Scratched, soiled, or fingerprinted contacts can lead to faulty connections or corrosion. Clean contacts with a soft cloth if they become soiled.
- Rubber Ring: The lens mount has a rubber ring for improved dust and water resistance. While this may cause friction marks on the camera's lens mount, it does not affect usage. These rubber rings can be replaced at a Canon Service Center (chargeable).
- Control Ring Click Sensation: The clicking sensation of the control ring can be removed by the Canon Service Center (chargeable).
- Environmental Precautions: Avoid leaving the lens in excessive heat (e.g., in a car in direct sunlight) to prevent malfunction. When moving the lens between cold and warm environments, place it in an airtight plastic bag to prevent condensation. Do not look directly at the sun or strong light sources through the lens, and do not leave the lens in the sun without the lens cap attached, as this can cause loss of sight, malfunction, or fire. Avoid exposing the product to extremely high or low temperatures to prevent burns or injury. Do not insert hands or fingers into the product.
- General Handling: Grasp and turn the base of the hood when attaching and detaching it to prevent deformation.
- Firmware Updates: Users should check the Canon website for the latest camera firmware and update it as needed.