Canon's Ahead-of-Their-Time DO Lenses

Summary

Canon's early Diffractive Optics (DO) lenses, notably the EF 400mm f/4 DO IS USM launched in 2001, featured a groundbreaking optical element that significantly reduced size and weight compared to conventional telephoto lenses. Despite offering comparable image quality, these lenses, distinguished by a green ring instead of the L-series red ring, faced high manufacturing costs and a lack of demand, leading to their discontinuation. Canon only produced three EF-mount DO lenses, and the technology was eventually sidelined as the company shifted focus to its RF mount system.

Key points

• The Canon EF 400mm f/4 DO IS USM (2001) was the first super telephoto lens with Diffractive Optics.
• DO technology allowed for a 26% reduction in length and 36% in weight compared to similar conventional lenses.
• High manufacturing costs and a high retail price led to low demand and discontinuation of Canon's DO lens line.
• Only three EF-mount DO lenses were produced between 2001 and 2014.