Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM

[pbelarge]

I don't understand why shutter speed is so important - every bird I see on this thread is not moving....;)


I have decided to purchase this lens, I am headed to BH next week. I plan on shooting birds/wildlife - but really am interested in long landscape shots as well - maybe even more so. I am excited to get this, it only took me about 1 year of working out whether or not to get it. I was shooting birds this past 9 months with the 70-200 and 1.4 extender, but we all know what those results were.

[icassell]

I don't understand why shutter speed is so important - every bird I see on this thread is not moving....;)


Is this one moving enough for you?

Canon 7D
Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L Handheld
1/2000 sec f/7.1 ISO 400

http://icassell.smugmug.com/Other/Bosque-2011/i-d67sNrh/0/XL/IMG4532-XL.jpg

Or how about these guys?

1/3200sec f/10 ISO 400

http://icassell.smugmug.com/Other/Bosque-2011/i-WfMSwkW/0/XL/IMG2192-XL.jpg


I don't think you'll be disappointed with the lens.

[pbelarge]

Is this one moving enough for you?



I don't think you'll be disappointed with the lens.


Nice capture Ian. Are you the same Ian I met back at The PhotoForum.com?

[icassell]

Nice capture Ian. Are you the same Ian I met back at The PhotoForum.com?

Yep, that was me.

[PACO11]

Had my first outing with this lens today, this is one at 1/350th and iso800 on the 550D. Not exactly the best day for it but what the hey... anyone know what kinda bird this is???

http://i1234.photobucket.com/albums/ff410/colmrogan/IMG_1552.jpg

[hayath]

Cant really say for sure since the beak is hidden

The plumage reminds me of the "ruddy turnstone", try looking up google images

[nikmar08]

I don't think you'll be disappointed with the lens.
I agree, for the right application (and light), this lens is top-notch. By the way, for some reason, the second shot you posted looked all smudged, don't know why???

[PACO11]

Cant really say for sure since the beak is hidden

The plumage reminds me of the "ruddy turnstone", try looking up google images

Good call, it is a ruddy turnstone indeed!

[CameraMan]

Or how about these guys?

1/3200sec f/10 ISO 400

http://icassell.smugmug.com/Other/Bosque-2011/i-WfMSwkW/0/XL/IMG2192-XL.jpg


I don't think you'll be disappointed with the lens.

Wow! Awesome image!!!

[PACO11]

Here's another one from today, handheld iso 800 and 1/1500...

http://i1234.photobucket.com/albums/ff410/colmrogan/IMG_1593.jpg

[CopperpotPhoto]

I don't understand why shutter speed is so important - every bird I see on this thread is not moving....;)


I have decided to purchase this lens, I am headed to BH next week. I plan on shooting birds/wildlife - but really am interested in long landscape shots as well - maybe even more so. I am excited to get this, it only took me about 1 year of working out whether or not to get it. I was shooting birds this past 9 months with the 70-200 and 1.4 extender, but we all know what those results were.


Shutterspeed matters if you are trying to shoot handheld. I rarely ever put this lens on a tripod or even a monopod and typically try to keep it at 1/800 at a minimum when hand holding. I was in the same boat as you previously--using the 70-200 f/2.8 IS with a 2x converter. I still had AF, IS, and pretty decent shots, but the IQ loss always bothered me.

[nikmar08]

Shutterspeed matters if you are trying to shoot handheld. I rarely ever put this lens on a tripod or even a monopod and typically try to keep it at 1/800 at a minimum when hand holding. I was in the same boat as you previously--using the 70-200 f/2.8 IS with a 2x converter. I still had AF, IS, and pretty decent shots, but the IQ loss always bothered me.
Shutter speed matters even if you are on a tripod/monopod/stable support for shooting anything that moves, IOW, to stop motion. Both shots were taken with this lens and my Kenko 1.4x DGX TC on a monopod. In the first one taken at 1/125s, you can see how the ball is not motion-stopped whereas it is in the second one taken at 1/400s.
http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6175/6224994071_5eb83ef3fe_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/nikhilmarathe/6224994071/)
IMG_0216 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/nikhilmarathe/6224994071/) by nikmar08 (http://www.flickr.com/people/nikhilmarathe/), on Flickr

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6100/6225508512_1c767f6bdf_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/nikhilmarathe/6225508512/)
IMG_0161 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/nikhilmarathe/6225508512/) by nikmar08 (http://www.flickr.com/people/nikhilmarathe/), on Flickr

[N.V.M.]

Snowy:

http://www.epicdevelopements.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/snowowl.jpg

and for what its worth, a 400mm f/5.6 with a new Canon 1.4 TC III:

http://www.epicdevelopements.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/test1.jpg

[N.V.M.]

one more for my favourite lens. however,its just a duck.

http://www.epicdevelopements.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/henduck.jpg

[Airedale1]

A few shots of Mallard chicks. I love this lens.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h33/Airedale1/MallardChick7.jpg

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h33/Airedale1/mallardChick5.jpg

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h33/Airedale1/mallardChick2.jpg

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h33/Airedale1/mallardChick1.jpg

[PACO11]

Few Oystercatchers taking flight at a nearby beach in ireland

http://i1234.photobucket.com/albums/ff410/colmrogan/IMG_1610.jpg

[KT29]

Just playing around with my 400 and trying it out with a Kenko 1.4 DGX. This shot was at ISO 800, AV 8 @640 handheld with my T1i. Seems to work OK.
http://img836.imageshack.us/img836/4809/img2567i.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/836/img2567i.jpg/)

[nikmar08]

Yes that combo does well in good light and contrast. BTW, that would be at 560mm and not 640.

[Sync]

I suspect 640 is the shutter speed.

[nikmar08]

Oops, yes it was the SS, just checked the EXIF!! The mention of a 1.4x TC had the FL math going in my head.

[Airedale1]

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h33/Airedale1/lab1-3.jpg

[Sync]

I was lucky enough to arrive home after work while there was (i) a nice clear night and (ii) a pretty much full moon. Been waiting for this chance for months!

I hereby inaugaurate my 400mm lens! I'm impressed with the sharpness considering this was shot from within an industrial city.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7013/6669661165_0f478a5044_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/canology/6669661165/in/photostream/lightbox/)

[davemill65]

I love this...:D

[PACO11]

no birds at the beach today, but here's a snapshot of winter on an irish beach


http://i1234.photobucket.com/albums/ff410/colmrogan/StuckintheMud2.jpg

[stockshas]

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h33/Airedale1/lab1-3.jpg

That's sharp!

[PACO11]

tried my hand at the moon too, probably inspired by syncs success!


http://i1234.photobucket.com/albums/ff410/colmrogan/IMG_1960.jpg

[Sync]

Check out those sexy craters!

[PACO11]

Check out those sexy craters!

Awwwwwwwww yeah

[weeatmice]

Robin, pretty much at MFD.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7151/6662703291_8b3c869934_b.jpg

[Janika]

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b186/Janika2/Birds/Human-connection-web.jpg

[Janika]

Hey, I owned the 300 f/4L IS and sold it and replaced it with the 400 and never looked back since. This one is so much sharper, oh and it costs less too. I'd dump the 300 and use the money to finance the new 400 :)

Janika

Despite me owning a 300 f/4 L IS, I am really considering picking this one up before the sale is over. The 300 just isn't all that great for me at long distances, and the AF is nearly useless with a 1.4x. Bird photography is one of my biggest passions so I think I'd love it. I have used my friend's copy several times, so I'd know what to expect.

Do you guys think it would be worth owning both the 300 and the 400? The 300 is brilliant for closeups (like insects), but it isn't all that great for birds. I think I could justify having both.

[No Angle]

I am going to try this out tonight with the 400 I just rented. I have done it with my 70-200 and 100% crop and they look ok.

tried my hand at the moon too, probably inspired by syncs success!


http://i1234.photobucket.com/albums/ff410/colmrogan/IMG_1960.jpg

[No Angle]

Here is my moon shot I got tonight with the rental 400. I posted both the RAW PP'd with a layer set to overlay to get rid of the horrible glow and noise from the thin haze in the sky and then another layer for a highpass filter for some sharpening. I did also do some additional noise reduction to it. Then the image right out of the camera to compare it to. I like both for different reasons really. My jpegs from the camera seem to give good results, and my RAW files can never really be as good as I want them to be. Not sure why the one ended up larger than the other when they looked the same cropped in CS5.

Cropped 70% RAW image PP'd
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7022/6693938157_2269f710f1_b.jpg

Cropped 70% jpeg out of camera
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7147/6698220431_885857ba4f_b.jpg

[Coppatop85]

Fantastic Shot No Angle. Great work with the PP, I couldn't clean it up that much at all. Mind sharing your settings? Did you use MF or AF?

[Sync]

We're going moon crazy in the 400mm thread right now! :D

Expecting a crystal clear night tonight so I'm going to be on crater watch.

[No Angle]

Thanks for the kind words. Ya I used manual focus with live view zoomed in 5x which is hard since it is so jittery but to be honest the AF did the job just as well. I tired to hand hold but for some reason last night there was not enough light from the moon to get anymore than 1/125th for a decent exposure. I think becaues the moon was slihtly obscured by a thin cloud haze I was shooting through. It was not 100% clear. My settings were F/13 ISO 100 1/25th on the tripod with remote+mirror lockup set in magic lantern. For PP I had it on faithful setting and adjusted clarity to about 13% then bumped exposure to about +.5, recovery to +47 and left everything else alone and AWB. Then I applied a overlay layer to get rid of the glow with one background copy then I created another copy and set it to overlay and ran the highpass filter for sharpening. After that I was still a little noisy so I reduced it in advanced settings using the RGB layers and di each color individually until I was happy with it. When it was all done I had to reduce the opacity of the Highpass layer to about 65% and applied soft light layer to that specific layer. After that I increased the contrast to bring out the separation in the mountains and valleys a little more. I may of done too much though I dont know. I think you could get a better result just shooting ona night with a 100% clear sky.

Fantastic Shot No Angle. Great work with the PP, I couldn't clean it up that much at all. Mind sharing your settings? Did you use MF or AF?

[fotobuff]

Here's a shot taken with the lens and a Kenko TelePlus MC4 DGX 1.4 TC.

AF has worked everytime so far - no tape required. There is some serious vignetting but easy to crop out.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7157/6694677347_cfd510b869_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/68142425@N05/6694677347/)
northern cardinal - female (http://www.flickr.com/photos/68142425@N05/6694677347/) by lowden2011 (http://www.flickr.com/people/68142425@N05/), on Flickr

[brandon9585]

Just got this lens for race season to compliment my 70-200. I have bad hand tremors and this lens is near impossible for me to hand hold and get a blur free shot at the moment. Hopefully clear shots come with practice or I guess I'll be stuck on a tripod all season. Great shots all around in here though.

[No Angle]

GOt this with 400 I rented this weekend. I got lucky this little guy landed so close to me.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7021/6704097015_600176549b_b.jpg

[2slo]

That's a beautiful shot.

[N.V.M.]

seriously.

[No Angle]

Not sure if you were referring to my post, but thank you if you were. I owe all of it to that little bird being so nice as to sit there for me.:) That was 100% right out of the camera jpeg and cropped 50%.I really want to get this lens but my cheapness is controlling me, and I fear I would hate myself for spending so much, but it would be nice to have it. I have another pic of him on my flickr page with his big mouth shut.


That's a beautiful shot.

[J.A Blix]

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b186/Janika2/Birds/Human-connection-web.jpg

That is an amazing shot.

[J.A Blix]

Question. Do you get more focal length (closer to the object) when using a extension tube?

[PACO11]

No, but you can decrease minimum focus distance, allowing objects that are closer to you to take up more of the frame. If you want extra reach you have to use a teleconverter.

[2slo]

Not sure if you were referring to my post, but thank you if you were. I owe all of it to that little bird being so nice as to sit there for me.:) That was 100% right out of the camera jpeg and cropped 50%.I really want to get this lens but my cheapness is controlling me, and I fear I would hate myself for spending so much, but it would be nice to have it. I have another pic of him on my flickr page with his big mouth shut.

I was referring to your shot yes :) Despite having just bought a 300mm f/4 I may well have to purchase the 400mm f/5.6

[J.A Blix]

No, but you can decrease minimum focus distance, allowing objects that are closer to you to take up more of the frame.

Thanks. Just what i expected. :)

[PACO11]

Ok not taken with the 400 but here it is being used by the girlfriend!

http://i1234.photobucket.com/albums/ff410/colmrogan/IMG_2476.jpg

[No Angle]

Oh thanks then, that is nice to hear. I am just getting started in this hobby actually and I am figuring out what I like to do best and what I am good at. I actually ended up purchasing the 400 today. I just couldnt live without it in my bag:) Not having IS is going to force me to improve my technique I think.I was going to get the 300 with a TC then decide that this lens will be a strict birding lens and IS is not going to be a big factor I think I will have to take it with me when I Finally get over the pond. I am going to need it to take pictures of Jeremy, Richard and James since when I ever I get tickets to Top gear I will certainly be way in the back.lol

I was referring to your shot yes :) Despite having just bought a 300mm f/4 I may well have to purchase the 400mm f/5.6

[2slo]

Oh thanks then, that is nice to hear. I am just getting started in this hobby actually and I am figuring out what I like to do best and what I am good at. I actually ended up purchasing the 400 today. I just couldnt live without it in my bag:) Not having IS is going to force me to improve my technique I think.I was going to get the 300 with a TC then decide that this lens will be a strict birding lens and IS is not going to be a big factor I think I will have to take it with me when I Finally get over the pond. I am going to need it to take pictures of Jeremy, Richard and James since when I ever I get tickets to Top gear I will certainly be way in the back.lol

Not that I'm any expert but if you're going to somewhere like the topgear stage and want to take photos you'll need something with a wider aperture for indoor low light. Maybe borrow a 70-200 zoom or similar (f/2.8 version). That would be my choice anyway.

[No Angle]

No I wouldnt take pics inside they dont let you anyway, but they gather outside before and after the show, and the crowds are huge from what I hear. Usually over a 1000 people. So I would want to be outside and also be able to take pics of the stig going around the track which you are not allowed into, so you have to shoot from outside the gates.

Not that I'm any expert but if you're going to somewhere like the topgear stage and want to take photos you'll need something with a wider aperture for indoor low light. Maybe borrow a 70-200 zoom or similar (f/2.8 version). That would be my choice anyway.

[Methodical]

http://www.methodicalimages.com/img/s11/v36/p783590973-5.jpg

[Airedale1]

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h33/Airedale1/WinterRobin.jpg

[MATT0404]

Great colors and nice capture.

[fotobuff]

It was cloudy and still pretty dark yesterday morning so I thought it would be perfect to take the 400mm out and practice some daylight flash photography. I was happy with the result. - Hand held at 1/200 (thank goodness for the quick flash duration)

Kenko 1.4 TC and tight crop as there was nothing else of interest in the frame....



575005

[icassell]

It was cloudy and still pretty dark yesterday morning so I thought it would be perfect to take the 400mm out and practice some daylight flash photography. I was happy with the result. - Hand held at 1/200 (thank goodness for the quick flash duration)

Kenko 1.4 TC and tight crop as there was nothing else of interest in the frame....



575005

Nice image! I use my 430EX a fair amount with the 400 for fill light (usually with the Better Beamer flash extender). I put the flash on High Speed Synch and can keep very fast shutter speeds.

[No Angle]

Since I just got this lens I was thinking about needing a flash to improve shots in soft light on cloudy days. The thing is, is there around the limited shutter speed? I want to improve the chances of sharp shots handheld. Seems like the 1/200th limit is still going to be hit and miss with sharpness.

Nice image! I use my 430EX a fair amount with the 400 for fill light (usually with the Better Beamer flash extender). I put the flash on High Speed Synch and can keep very fast shutter speeds.

[pbelarge]

Okay, I went out and purchased the 400. I am going out this weekend to see if it works...;)

[icassell]

Since I just got this lens I was thinking about needing a flash to improve shots in soft light on cloudy days. The thing is, is there around the limited shutter speed? I want to improve the chances of sharp shots handheld. Seems like the 1/200th limit is still going to be hit and miss with sharpness.

Absolutely. You are not limited to 1/200 on SS if you set your flash to HSS (High-speed synch). For instructions, see the 430 manual page 16.


http://downloads.canon.com/cpr/software/camera/Speedlite-430EXII.pdf

[No Angle]

Ok so the Flash itself allows the shutter speed to increase and not done in the body? The T2i shows in CFn menu that only 1/200th is max and then in flash control ETTL is greyed out. If it is the 430 or 580 that will actually allow you to increase the sync speed when mounted then that is fine. I read that it is possible to use the full 1/4000th shutter of the T2i with a flash but I was unsure how to do that.

The link you posted did not work.

Absolutely. You are not limited to 1/200 on SS if you set your flash to HSS (High-speed synch). For instructions, see the 430 manual page 16.


http://downloads.canon.com/cpr/software/camera/Speedlite-430EXII.pdf

[icassell]

OK. The link was to the 430 EX II manual. Look on page 16 if you have your copy of the manual. Both the 430 and the 580 allow HSS. You can't do HSS with the built-in flash.

[No Angle]

Ya that much I figured that the built in would not allow it but I do not have a 430 or 580, but I guess I am goig to get one now.

OK. The link was to the 430 EX II manual. Look on page 16 if you have your copy of the manual. Both the 430 and the 580 allow HSS. You can't do HSS with the built-in flash.

[icassell]

http://icassell.smugmug.com/Other/Herons-and-Egrets/i-bWxJqQK/0/XL/IMG9106-Edit-XL.jpg

[Grizz]

Brown truck just left! New toys for me!!! 400 5.6 and Manfrotto 393. Also rain cold and clouds! lol But that is expected. :)

http://www.astroskys.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=732&g2_serialNumber=2

[icassell]

Congrats, Grizz! Welcome to the club.

[Grizz]

Thanks Ian, I'm pumped! I had a 100-400 but sold it a few years ago. I found with it I was at 400 most of the time anyway. I'm very impressed with the IQ from the images posted in this thread. They are impressive!

[icassell]

When I bought mine I wrestled with the decision between it and the 100-400. I decided that I would usually be using it at 400 and I have no regrets! The only thing it lacks, in my opinion, is IS but that would make it heavier and far more pricey.

[2slo]

Brown truck just left! New toys for me!!! 400 5.6 and Manfrotto 393. Also rain cold and clouds! lol But that is expected. :)

http://www.astroskys.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=732&g2_serialNumber=2

Bugger! I had just about resisted temptation until I saw that...

[digital_AM]

Congrats Grizz. I want one so badly but it's not good timing right now.

[Peter2516]

Brown truck just left! New toys for me!!! 400 5.6 and Manfrotto 393. Also rain cold and clouds! lol But that is expected. :)

http://www.astroskys.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=732&g2_serialNumber=2

Congrats....nice set up.

[Grizz]

OK I got out today despite the horrible weather. Rain wind and no sun. But I had fun! :)

The 393 was fun to use and I think I'm going to like it. It pans and tilts butter smooth.

Not much out and about today but I did get the obligatory Duck shots! lol

[frizzle]

A couple from Phillip Island today.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7021/6775036521_b04ccc2a89_b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7008/6775082075_544018bda8_b.jpg

[bradynel]

Here are a couple I shot with my 5d mark II. Photobucket knocks down the iq but you get the idea.

This lens is great.


http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b272/bradynel/pose1.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b272/bradynel/pose2.jpg

[fotobuff]

The cardinal shots are absolutely fantastic! I have the same gear and have never come close to that. It gives me something to work toward.

[MATT0404]

Winter in PA really makes it difficult to appreciate a lens like this. I ordered my 400/5.6L from B&H a few weeks ago and haven't had the opportunity to really allow it to shine. Our typical days are dreary and snowy which don't really allow optimal shutter speeds. I'm really looking forward to enjoying this lens in good lighting. Here's a shot from today. Handheld @ 1/320th. If you can help ID this bird, I'd really appreciate it.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7017/6777874949_0f1a45631d_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/matt0404/6777874949/)
Unidentified Bird (http://www.flickr.com/photos/matt0404/6777874949/) by mkrepp (http://www.flickr.com/people/matt0404/), on Flickr

And another of what I believe to be a Downy Woodpecker:
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7148/6778382309_18508bd4d1_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/matt0404/6778382309/)
Downy Woodpecker (http://www.flickr.com/photos/matt0404/6778382309/) by mkrepp (http://www.flickr.com/people/matt0404/), on Flickr

[akfreak]

I am a member of the club officially, I got my lens today, havent got a chance to play with it much. This thread was the reason I went out and got it, (also some awesome BIF's shots on flickr) . This seems to be the lens of choice for BIF work. I hope it does well for people and sports too. Great motorcycle shots BTW, Someone knows how to pan I see, Great work.

So here is my new baby. http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7172/6781168725_650ab2bc15_z.jpg
And a picture of my oldest baby (5 years old) I love this lens.
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7154/6781262553_db0c0288db_b.jpg

[MATT0404]

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7016/6783962437_d2ac8d64c7_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/matt0404/6783962437/)
Downy Woodpecker (http://www.flickr.com/photos/matt0404/6783962437/) by mkrepp (http://www.flickr.com/people/matt0404/), on Flickr

[pbelarge]

Brown truck just left! New toys for me!!! 400 5.6 and Manfrotto 393. Also rain cold and clouds! lol But that is expected. :)

http://www.astroskys.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=732&g2_serialNumber=2

I have the same Manfrotto 393 and I like the action/control of it a lot.

[nikmar08]

I am a member of the club officially, I got my lens today, havent got a chance to play with it much. This thread was the reason I went out and got it, (also some awesome BIF's shots on flickr) . This seems to be the lens of choice for BIF work. I hope it does well for people and sports too. Great motorcycle shots BTW, Someone knows how to pan I see, Great work.

Hey Tom, congrats!! You finally made it.

[akfreak]

Yes but u sold yours right. Do u miss it? I got mine for a song. I paid 900 new

[nikmar08]

Yep, a gentleman here on POTN bought mine. I got myself a 100-400. Waiting for pics from you then...

[bulldogg7]

Yes but u sold yours right. Do u miss it? I got mine for a song. I paid 900 new

Where'd you find it new at that price?

[Airedale1]

Where'd you find it new at that price?


B&H has it currently in stock with free shipping for $1142.00 which IMO is still an excellent price on an amazing lens. That being said, I paid $900.00 for mine when it was new but that was over six years ago.

Maybe he is referencing what he paid for his awhile back.:confused:

I love this lens.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h33/Airedale1/MallardLakeport.jpg

[icassell]

Bobcat

http://icassell.smugmug.com/Other/Bearizona-Jan-2012/i-RLtzN9M/0/XL/IMG0958-XL.jpg

Bearizona - Williams, AZ

[2slo]

You lot have worn me down. I ordered a 400 f/5.6 this morning :)

[digital_AM]

^ Haha....power of the forum. I'm not far behind you I think. A few more months. Congrats.

[Grizz]

You lot have worn me down. I ordered a 400 f/5.6 this morning :)

Congrats you will love it!

[2slo]

^ Haha....power of the forum. I'm not far behind you I think. A few more months. Congrats.

Congrats you will love it!

Thanks. I hope so. I've seen what you guys can get this lens for. I'm paying £1049 (approx $1646)
Bloody exchange rate >:(

[Grizz]

Ouch! Thats quite a big difference in $$ BUT....you will forget about that after the lens arrives and your out shooting!

[digital_AM]

^ Outstanding Craig. How far were you roughly?

[akfreak]

Thanks. I hope so. I've seen what you guys can get this lens for. I'm paying £1049 (approx $1646)
Bloody exchange rate >:(

come to vegas double your money (exchange rate) and buy a lens then go home.

[akfreak]

Yep, a gentleman here on POTN bought mine. I got myself a 100-400. Waiting for pics from you then...
"Waiting for pics from you then" What does this mean? Why are you waiting on pics from me? I also asked do you regret selling the 400 prime?

[2slo]

come to vegas double your money (exchange rate) and buy a lens then go home.

Yes, believe me I've considered it. If I had the time I'd pay for a flight to the US or Hong Kong (I think their prices are the lowest) get what I want and I'd still be better off than buying in the UK.
The difference in price for the super tele's is even worse. Take the 400mm f/2.8. Best UK price is £8868 ($13980). The same item in HK is £5734 ($9040). B&H in the US quote $11499.
So if I'm ever in the market for a super tele (unlikely) I'd be taking the whole family on holiday and still come back better off. Crazy prices.

[Grizz]

^ Outstanding Craig. How far were you roughly?

Alfredo I was about.....50-60 feet away (If I remember correctly) And I also may have had a 1.4x on at the time (again if I remember correctly) :)

[digital_AM]

Thanks Craig. This lens works with a TC? I have a canon 1.4x.

[icassell]

It works with a TC, but will not AF on a crop-focus camera like the 7D. Some people have tried non-reporting TC's or taping the pins, but most have found that AF that way is far too inaccurate to be generally useful. I've used mine with my Sigma 1.4X and 2x, but only on a tripod. I turn on live-view and blow up the image to get good focus.

This burrowing owl was with the 7D, the 400, and the Sigma 2X on manual focus


http://icassell.smugmug.com/Other/Raptors/IMG0579/1152174452_8Z7hM-XL-1.jpg

[akfreak]

Yes, believe me I've considered it. If I had the time I'd pay for a flight to the US or Hong Kong (I think their prices are the lowest) get what I want and I'd still be better off than buying in the UK.
The difference in price for the super tele's is even worse. Take the 400mm f/2.8. Best UK price is £8868 ($13980). The same item in HK is £5734 ($9040). B&H in the US quote $11499.
So if I'm ever in the market for a super tele (unlikely) I'd be taking the whole family on holiday and still come back better off. Crazy prices.

Or you can find someone you trust here. send them them money and have them mail you the lens.

[nikmar08]

"Waiting for pics from you then" What does this mean? Why are you waiting on pics from me? I also asked do you regret selling the 400 prime?

Waiting for two reasons - one, because you bought a new 400, isn't it? and two, because this is a pictures thread after all ;)

I do regret selling my 400 but then I had to make some compromises as I had been trying to cut my lens collection down to a 2 max. I'm happy with my 100-400 that replaced it.

[Grizz]

Thanks Craig. This lens works with a TC? I have a canon 1.4x.

As Ian said its not supposed to work (AF) with a crop body. I find that with my TC (older Kenko) with the pins taped it works (AF) quite well on a nice sunny day. Its a little slower (AF) than without the TC and is downright horrible in low light! But its doable in certain situations. Your milage may vary. :)

Oh BTW Ian that is a great Owl pic! I love it.

[digital_AM]

Thank Ian and Craig for the insight.

[2slo]

Just got my new 400mm f/5.6 lens today. First impressions: fantastic! I thought my other two L series lenses were sharp, this is on a different level. The light weight (compared to my 70-200) means it's easy to hand hold. The AF is very quick to lock on (really important when shooting small fast birds) and here's something I hadn't considered until I got this: compared to my 300mm + TC (420mm) I'm finding with the 400 that when used in Aperture priority I can get typically 1/200th sec faster at comparable ISOs and the same aperture (f/5.6) again that's really important for small fast birds.
The 400 doesn't have the close focussing distance of the 300mm (3.5m compared to 1.5m) so I can see me opting for the 300mm for closer subjects and the 400mm for those slightly further away.
A quick try with the TC on the 400mm (560mm @ f/8) shows very little loss in image quality just allowing for the limitations of losing AF on my 7D.
Pictures to follow later, just downloading to my PC as I write this.

[Airedale1]

Congrats Mark! You will love it. Here's one from last week:

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h33/Airedale1/MallardLakeport.jpg

[Grizz]

Way to go Mark! Congrats! I'm sure your going to love it. :)

[2slo]

Congrats Mark! You will love it. Here's one from last week:


Thanks Paul, lovely Mallard portrait :)

A couple of my first attempts today, the 1st one of the Great tit is at 400mm:

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7028/6809014795_cdd1520a3e_b.jpg

The next one of a female Chaffinch is using the 400mm + 1.4xTC 111 = 560mm using manual focus:

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7170/6809022575_6fa6a8c078_b.jpg

[2slo]

Way to go Mark! Congrats! I'm sure your going to love it. :)

Thanks Craig. Partly your fault :)

[Grizz]

I accept responsibility. :)

[akfreak]

Waiting for two reasons - one, because you bought a new 400, isn't it? and two, because this is a pictures thread after all ;)

I do regret selling my 400 but then I had to make some compromises as I had been trying to cut my lens collection down to a 2 max. I'm happy with my 100-400 that replaced it.
Ok I am confused, I bought a new lens and now you are waiting on me? LOL. It might be a long wait. I dont post much of my work on the net. I post stuff I want to talk about in a forum or for sale stuff. But the new 400 is one bad ass lens for sure. I got some great humming bird shots. I also got a Better Beamer for catch lights, that thing is amazing, it looks ridiculous but it works.

[sandeep9868]

http://icassell.smugmug.com/Other/Herons-and-Egrets/i-bWxJqQK/0/XL/IMG9106-Edit-XL.jpgthis is insanely sharp.

[stsva]

Ok I am confused, I bought a new lens and now you are waiting on me? LOL. It might be a long wait. I dont post much of my work on the net. I post stuff I want to talk about in a forum or for sale stuff. But the new 400 is one bad ass lens for sure. I got some great humming bird shots. I also got a Better Beamer for catch lights, that thing is amazing, it looks ridiculous but it works.

It's those hummingbird shots we're looking for here! :D I just got my 400 a week or so ago, so little chance for any real shooting, but I want to try for hummingbirds next spring and summer. I'd be very interested in how you're setting up for them.

[HoosierHorridus]

Perfect lens for when I am out in my kayak.
http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa6/ninemmar15/2011-08-11_11-45-33_704.jpg?t=1328404719

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7148/6814660095_f70158fc77_b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7156/6809778963_db155b2403_z.jpg

[SVTmaniac]

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7005/6819106209_94abb66600_o.jpg

[akfreak]

Perfect lens for when I am out in my kayak.
http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa6/ninemmar15/2011-08-11_11-45-33_704.jpg?t=1328404719

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7148/6814660095_f70158fc77_b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7156/6809778963_db155b2403_z.jpg

You use a video tripod head in your kayak? What head , what tripod? Curious how you set this all up in such a small place. Nice pic of the baldy

[2slo]

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7005/6819106209_94abb66600_o.jpg

Very nice. Shoveller or Mallard?
The head looks like a Shoveller and the colours look like a Mallard.

Edit: OK< I see from your post in the bird section it's a Shoveller.

[HoosierHorridus]

You use a video tripod head in your kayak? What head , what tripod? Curious how you set this all up in such a small place. Nice pic of the baldy

The head is a manfrotto 701HDV head on a manfrotto 055x Pro B with the 6" center column. Borrowed from my Canon XL2 camcorder. Tracking birds in flight was easier with the video head, than my ball head. My kayak has a larger cockpit than most other kayaks. The down side is the tripod "traps" me into the kayak when in use. So I am relying on the stability of the kayak, and my kayaking ability to keep me from capsizing.

[MATT0404]

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7142/6823660113_ae42f0de83_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/matt0404/6823660113/)
Common Starling (http://www.flickr.com/photos/matt0404/6823660113/) by mkrepp (http://www.flickr.com/people/matt0404/), on Flickr

[No Angle]

http://racefan.smugmug.com/Birds/Wildelife/i-2TcX7W6/0/X2/RTH-Portrait-X2.jpg

[Peter2516]

No angle nice shot....WOW.

[No Angle]

thanks Peter, One of those rare instances that you get close enough.

No angle nice shot....WOW.

[SVTmaniac]

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7147/6833296921_3efe3ef0fa_o.jpg

[No Angle]

Nice one SVT, what bird is that I just shot a few last weekend and I thought they were Finches.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7147/6833296921_3efe3ef0fa_o.jpg

[SVTmaniac]

Nice one SVT, what bird is that I just shot a few last weekend and I thought they were Finches.

Female lesser Goldfinch

[bulldogg7]

White-throated sparrow
http://www.bullmanphoto.com/img/s11/v36/p1055744897-6.jpg

[2slo]

I'm barely managing to practice with my recently acquired 400mm in the light we have here at present but I have managed a few bird images over the past week such as these Black headed Gulls in winter plumage at Chester le St riverside on 12th Feb:

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7183/6872075241_9959f552e6_b.jpg

[theviper]

I'm barely managing to practice with my recently acquired 400mm in the light we have here at present but I have managed a few bird images over the past week such as these Black headed Gulls in winter plumage at Chester le St riverside on 12th Feb:

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7183/6872075241_9959f552e6_b.jpg

Love it. Great shot.
All the very best.
Vinny.

[2slo]

Love it. Great shot.
All the very best.
Vinny.

Thank you :)

[Grizz]

Mark that shot is really cool!

[2slo]

Mark that shot is really cool!

Thanks Craig, just a chance opportunity getting it :)

[Waranders]

Hi, my name is Anders and I just like to say WOOOW what a lens you guys have, amazing pictures from all of you :) I´m currently saving every penny for this lens, hopefully it wont take too long coz i just cant wait! :O I only have the 70-200mm f/4L lens, and its not particualary great for birds, way too little zoom :/
Well besides that, i´ve been thorugh all the pages of great pictures and comments, but seriously guys, POST MORE AMAZING PICTURES! Love them all! :D

[Grizz]

Welcome to the forums Anders! Hope your savings plan comes to fruition, You will enjoy the lens. I know i do! :) Post up some shots when you get it.

[Waranders]

Thank you Craig :) And what a wonderful shot , simply breathtaking! :D I envy you right now hehe ;)

[Waranders]

Looks like I might be able to get to be a proud owner of this lens within a week! :D Cant wait anymore :O

[PACO11]

A few from a recent trip to central/south america http://i1234.photobucket.com/albums/ff410/colmrogan/533.jpg

http://i1234.photobucket.com/albums/ff410/colmrogan/339.jpg

http://i1234.photobucket.com/albums/ff410/colmrogan/120.jpg

[jodelak]

Excellent shots on this thread, proving this lens is probably the best birding lens at this price range :)

[Grizz]

Excellent shots on this thread, proving this lens is probably the best birding lens at this price range :)

I would agree without hesitation! I'm really enjoying this lens. :)

[jodelak]

Excellent IQ. See how it was able to lock on the junco which almost completely covered by the pine siskin. all shots handheld, ss 1/160, iso 800

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7042/6892935357_32029017e7_b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7064/6892934057_286c8c39ac_b.jpg


Pic of the pine siskin
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7177/6892828711_3b1a61eb3a_b.jpg

[Waranders]

Does anyone here have experience using the Canon 600D/T3i with this lens and is it a good combination? :) Just wondering as that will be my setup soon :D

[Grizz]

Does anyone here have experience using the Canon 600D/T3i with this lens and is it a good combination? :) Just wondering as that will be my setup soon :D

I think No Angle had this combo. He now has a 7D, but his images with the 400 5.6 and the T3i were outstanding! Oops just checked he had the T2i but I'm sure your combo will be just fine. :)

[Waranders]

I think No Angle had this combo. He now has a 7D, but his images with the 400 5.6 and the T3i were outstanding! Oops just checked he had the T2i but I'm sure your combo will be just fine. :)

Thanks Craig, im sure there cant be much difference from the t2i to the t3i regarding image quality :)

[mafoo]

Thanks Craig, im sure there cant be much difference from the t2i to the t3i regarding image quality :)

There is absolutely none. They will take the exact same photos :)

[Waranders]

There is absolutely none. They will take the exact same photos :)

Yeah :) I just hope they are gonna be good :D Cant seem to find No Angle´s pictures from the t2i tough.. :/

[stsva]

I took some shots today to practice handheld shots with the 400mm and to try out my new Better Beamer flash extender (although the EXIF tells me I didn't have the flash on for this shot). There are so many great shots in this thread that I'm a little embarrassed to post this, but wanted to join in on the fun. :)

[akfreak]

I was out last week and did make some Bif images. I was lucky and got to see some neat birds, An Osprey, many ducks and a Great Blue Heron. I have a lot to learn about making pictures of birds in flight.
I might even buy a special head for a tripod but for now I plan to learn to hand hold my 400mm 5.6 for Bif work.

I dont mind posting this image online as it wont be a part of my portfolio. I am just learning and the image has pretty much everything is wrong with it. However it does show the lens is sharp and I can hand hold at less than the reciprocal of the focal length. Iso 160 f10 at 1/320th. Not to bad, I at least nailed the feet in sharp focus ;P
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7197/6901315969_f8b9c2ff8a_b.jpg

[akfreak]

Then there is what Heavy back light with the 400 will do for you. More of my wonderful handy work. I wish I has a Better Beamer and 500 watt seconds of fill flash to light the duck, Doh!
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7043/6901385347_d462ae8bbb_b.jpg

[akfreak]

Last One a 100% crop to Only a little Color Noise reduction (just a little) other than that no post. My 400 is so sharp!
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7067/6901483647_c1f3436c06_b.jpg

[stsva]

Then there is what Heavy back light with the 400 will do for you. More of my wonderful handy work. I wish I has a Better Beamer and 500 watt seconds of fill flash to light the duck, Doh!


I like the duck shot - I think this is fine as more of a silhouette shot with all the specular highlights in the water reflections.

[akfreak]

Thanks for the nice words.

[Waranders]

Ordering my first 400 today and prices here in Denmark are insane.. £1352 for this baby.. better be a good baby! :)

[Airedale1]

Ordering my first 400 today and prices here in Denmark are insane.. £1352 for this baby.. better be a good baby! :)

Glad to see that your dream will soon be a reality. Sorry to hear that it is so costly, but trust me you won't regret it.

[Waranders]

It will arrive in about 3 days and im sure its gonna be an epic moment even for the price :cool:

Glad to see that your dream will soon be a reality. Sorry to hear that it is so costly, but trust me you won't regret it.

[Buttkicker]

Ordering my first 400 today and prices here in Denmark are insane.. £1352 for this baby.. better be a good baby! :)

You should of had a weekend trip to the UK and got it here cheaper than that and still had change
and you will love this lens... I have a 200mm F1.8 & a 300mm F2.8iS and use the 400mm more than the more expensive pair!!