mkII teles, firmware update!

saw this on NatureScapes.

This just in from Canon USA:

To the Users of the EF300mm f/2.8L IS II USM, EF400mm f/2.8L IS II USM, EF500mm f/4L IS II USM, and EF600mm f/4L IS II USM Interchangeable Lenses for Canon Digital SLR Cameras

Thank you for using Canon products.

Canon has released a firmware update for EF300mm f/2.8L IS II USM, EF400mm F2.8L IS II USM, EF500mm f/4L IS II USM and EF600mm f/4L IS II USM lenses. This firmware update will be performed by Canon Service Centers. Please contact us using the contact information listed at the bottom of this page.

Firmware changes:

Firmware Version 1.1.1 incorporates the following enhancement:

1. Changes the control algorithm of the focus drive, and enhances the drive’s responsiveness for more precise focus and adjustments. In particular, the new firmware enhances the AI servo AF capability of the lenses to track objects that move irregularly in sports events, such as soccer or rugby.

Affected Products:

Firmware Version 1.1.1 is for lenses with Firmware Version 1.0.0. If the lens’ firmware is already Version 1.1.1, it is not necessary to update the firmware. The serial numbers (10 digits) of the lenses equipped with Firmware Version 1.0.0 are as follows:

EF300mm f/2.8L IS II USM:

The third digit in the serial number is either 0, 1, 2, or 3 (xx0xxxxxxx, xx1xxxxxxx, xx2xxxxxxx, xx3xxxxxxx).

EF400mm f/2.8L IS II USM:

The third digit in the serial number is either 0, 1, 2, or 3 (xx0xxxxxxx, xx1xxxxxxx, xx2xxxxxxx, xx3xxxxxxx).

EF500mm f/4L IS II USM

The third digit in the serial number is 0 (xx0xxxxxxx).

EF600mm f/4L IS II USM

The third digit in the serial number is 0 (xx0xxxxxxx).

Lenses with serial numbers other than those listed above are equipped with Firmware Version 1.1.1 or later.

Support

This information is for residents of the United States and Puerto Rico only. If you do not reside in the USA or Puerto Rico, please contact the Canon Customer Support Center in your region.

Please register your EF300mm f/2.8L IS II USM, EF400mm f/2.8L IS II USM, EF500mm f/4L IS II USM or EF600mm f/4L IS II USM. By registering, we will be able to notify you via email when future firmware updates become available.

Thank you,
Customer Support Operations
Canon U.S.A., Inc

Contact Information for Inquiries
Canon Customer Support Center
Phone: 1-800-OK-CANON 1-800-652-2666
TDD: 1-866-251-3752
Email: arecenter@cits.canon.c​om
For additional support options: www.usa.canon.com/supp​ort

Just saw this as well. I sent CPS an email regarding the service to see how it is handled, and waiting to hear back from them.

Here's a link on the Canon-Asia website:

http://support-my.canon-asia.com …nterchangeablel​ensfordslr

Any ideas on how they do a firmware update on a lens? Do they have to disassemble the lens? I'm not crazy about having my brand new $10K+ dust free lens come back full of dust.:o

SQZ wrote in post #14809055
Any ideas on how they do a firmware update on a lens? Do they have to disassemble the lens? I'm not crazy about having my brand new $10K+ dust free lens come back full of dust.:o

Must be able to do it via the EF mount, you would've thought(?).

Just looking at buying a 300L II from B&H, but they won't tell me if they come with the latest firmware.

Has anyone bought a 300L II recently? Is the third digit in the serial number a 4 or greater?

Just want to know if I have to get the firmware updated or not if I make the purchase.

I just bought a 400 f/2.8 L IS II. How can I tell if the firmware has been already updated?

Phil

Look at the ten digit serial number and see if the third digit is a 0, 1, 2, or 3. If it is, it has the old firmware (unless it's already been sent to Canon Service).

If that third digit is any other number, it's already equipped with the new firmware.

If the third digit is one of the above, contact Canon Service. They can check if there is record of it being updated or not, I'm sure.

Has anyone done the firmware update and if so, could you tell a difference in performance?

Phil

mesodan wrote in post #15125102
Just looking at buying a 300L II from B&H, but they won't tell me if they come with the latest firmware.

Has anyone bought a 300L II recently? Is the third digit in the serial number a 4 or greater?

Just want to know if I have to get the firmware updated or not if I make the purchase.

I'll check mine tonight. BTW, will B&H match Adorama's inclusion of the 2XIII extender when you purchase the 300?

rclark wrote in post #15219308
I'll check mine tonight. BTW, will B&H match Adorama's inclusion of the 2XIII extender when you purchase the 300?

Thanks. I was looking at the 'import' option, as I live outside the US, and B&H and Adorama have the same price I think.

I'm very interested it this, I have one of the affected 300's, can't say as I've ever actually noticed any major problems with it; it's just the nicest lens I've ever used.
Canon uk don't seem to have any info up about the firmware update, although from something I read online, forget where, it intimated that the firmware is updated via a 1dx, IF this is so then surely 1dx owners should be able to be given the ability to do this at home rather than send a bulky and valuable lens through the system?

mesodan wrote in post #15221029
Thanks. I was looking at the 'import' option, as I live outside the US, and B&H and Adorama have the same price I think.

You're welcome. I checked mine and it's not in the range; so I must have the latest firmware although I have no way to check it (do I?).

Has anyone had V 1.1.1 firmware update yet. My 300mm mkii needs updated, can it def. be done on a 1dx ?

thanks

It must go back to Canon for the update. The only lens that can be updated with the camera is the 40mm pancake lens.

Mine just returned last week from Canon - sent it on Monday and back on Friday. They paid for shipping both ways.

rclark wrote in post #15225688
You're welcome. I checked mine and it's not in the range; so I must have the latest firmware although I have no way to check it (do I?).

If you know someone with a 1DX or 5DIII they can mount the lens and then when you check the firmware on the camera it will report the firmware on the lens also.