400 f/2.8 prime question

[Todd]

Greetings All,
Looking for someone whom has used the following: 70-200 f/2.8L, 100-400L, and 400 f2.8L. I've got the first two and wanted to know how the 400 prime compared as far as servo tracking and image quality. The lens primary use will be motorsports. I've gotten greats shots with the 100-400, though focus is hit or miss and an overcast day just kills the lens. When it rains, the 70-200 has to go on and it just doesn't have the reach.

Thanks
Todd Asher

Note: E-Mail address incorrect, unable to edit my profile!

[mebow]

I use the f2.8 L 400MM IS for wildlife and birds. I have, under protest, hand held the unit to catch Artic terns in mid flight, have used it on mono pod and on a large Gitzo tripod. I have had solid luck with good images in panning using Al Servo (1Ds) and IS #2. All in all it is a good lens but like most big glass you will pay the price.

Mike

[Todd]

Thanks for the reply, Mike
I would have to believe that initial autofocus would be better than on a zoom along with the tracking, I just wonder how much better than on the 70-200 f2.8? It is the next logical step to go with primes, but it is a REAL jump in price. I do like how someone on this forum put it...something to the effect that Canon could just give the bodies away and make their money off the lens sales!

Thanks
Todd Asher

Note: E-Mail address incorrect, unable to edit my profile!

[Canuck]

Todd wrote:
Thanks for the reply, Mike
I would have to believe that initial autofocus would be better than on a zoom along with the tracking, I just wonder how much better than on the 70-200 f2.8? It is the next logical step to go with primes, but it is a REAL jump in price. I do like how someone on this forum put it...something to the effect that Canon could just give the bodies away and make their money off the lens sales!

Thanks
Todd Asher

Note: E-Mail address incorrect, unable to edit my profile!

Hi Todd,
Have you looked into the Sigma 120-300 F2.8 EX? It shorts you 100mm on the high end, but w/ a 2x tc, you get out to 600 at F5.6, then add on the 1.6 multiplier and it is a whopping 960mm. Could you possibly need or get more for about $2500? BTW, the 105mm UV is about $110 and the CPL is about $170. I got mine from B&H in Aug, 03. I love it and is a smashing lens!! It weighs in at 5.75 pounds, or 92 oz. That is between 2.5kg and 2.6kg, if you go metric. This was the first pro lens I ever got and it delivers!