Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM

[Pauly_G]

Great duck!

Well the lens got its first proper outing this weekend. Haven't had a chance to process all the shots, anyway here's one to provide a taster. Really enjoyed using this lens.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4082/4782557989_35535934a9_b.jpg

[frizzle]

From Philip Island on the weekend. All shot with a 7D

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4114/4779371501_133ed863bf_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4080/4779678230_4c4ebe39ac_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4121/4779372541_3b512a25cb_b.jpg

[Pauly_G]

Right, here are a few more from the weekend that I have processed.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4094/4787322575_bd75c989af_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4094/4787954968_f11f5a45dc_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4078/4787954448_e7fc2c64f6_b.jpg

[KayakPhotos]

^^^^
Very nice images so far!

Here's my first real try at birding.

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk2/D40riggs/Birds/flyinthemouth.jpg

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk2/D40riggs/Birds/antbirdweb.jpg

[wtlwdwgn]

Wow, great shots for a first time. This lens is for the birds! :D

[KayakPhotos]

Wow, great shots for a first time. This lens is for the birds! :D

Thanks. And yes, this lens is probably the best bird lens for the price available.

[Rafromak]

A 4-legged bird :)
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y51/Rayfromalaska/MyPictures/Moose/Moose_2760.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y51/Rayfromalaska/MyPictures/Birds/Bird_2446b.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y51/Rayfromalaska/MyPictures/Birds/Bird_2432b.jpg

[wtlwdwgn]

Beeyooteefull! :D You might consider putting an extra line between your images to separate them.

[noahcomet]

The kind of shot you can only get with a long FL like this one. A captive animal behind a wire-mesh fence---managed to get the lens (more or less) shooting through one of the meshes. This is downscaled but not cropped.

[mackguyver]

My poor baby took a nose dive into a rock pile while on the tripod this weekend and took it on the chin (lens hood). The lens survived just fine (not a scratch or any other damage) and went on to get some great sharp shots, but the hood won't retract and is dented in so it's going to Canon in the morning for repair :cry:. Here are some of my most recent shots - I have to say that I absolutely love this lens - the color, contrast, and sharpness (don't believe the stupid photozone & slrgear reviews) are amazing. Here are some shots from my last two outings. It's my first photo gear casualty so wish me luck and a reasonably-priced repair - will update when I get the estimate:

Closest I've gotten to an Osprey...
http://www.iandigital.com/Other/Recent-Work/MG0654ID/938789142_MqmLn-L-1.jpg

Very large gator - based on the size of his head, I'd guess he was 10-12 ft long. He scared the crap out of me when I saw how camouflaged he was and realized I had walked by him 3 times without seeing him...
http://www.iandigital.com/Other/Recent-Work/MG0565ID/938788272_ggqt5-L-1.jpg

Little guy - maybe 6ft long about 20 ft away
http://www.iandigital.com/Other/Recent-Work/MG0512ID/938786944_HE2df-L.jpg

Unusual plumage on this great blue - not sure if it is something special, but he was huge, so I don't think he's a juvenile
http://www.iandigital.com/Other/Recent-Work/MG0195/939004614_KpDdM-L.jpg

If only the wind wasn't causing the ripples
http://www.iandigital.com/Other/Recent-Work/MG9996/939003293_QtrUZ-L.jpg

I love the cormorant's eyes - they look awesome in large prints
http://www.iandigital.com/Other/Recent-Work/MG0026/939003761_FJgfD-L.jpg

[wtlwdwgn]

Those are beauties mackguyver! I really like the 2nd gator with its reflection. The birds are great too. :D

[Ed Rotberg]

Mackguyver: Your GBH actually looks like a Cocoi Heron (or White-necked Heron)- which are native to South America. That's a long way off from Florida. Also, it's not quite right as I'd expect the cap to be much darker, but it's definitely not a GBH, and the Cocoi are really big as well.

= Ed =

[mackguyver]

Steve - thanks for the nice comments. As for the shot of the green gator - a close up with a wide angle showing how well it blended into the pond would have been ideal but alas it might have been my final shot!

Ed - I thought it might be a non-breeding plumage or something but it's unlike any GBH I've ever seen. It was huge - at least 3-4 feet tall and unlike every GBH I've run into, it wasn't wary at all. I got some tight headshots within about 15-20 feet which is a little closer than 200 yards that GBH's seem to freak out at. I checked the bird list for St. Marks NWR near Tallahassee, Florida where is shot this and don't see any mention of those other birds. It would be cool if I got some photos of a really rare bird!

[Ed Rotberg]

Mackguyver: I wouldn't call them rare, though they are certainly not normally found as far north as Florida. FWIW, here is a photo taken of a Cocoi a number of years ago. I think yours might be a juvi.

http://www.edrotberg.org/images/Cocoi%20Heron.jpg

= Ed =

[mackguyver]

I guess I meant rare for this area (I'm sure there are a ton of them in S. America!), and thanks for sharing the photo.
I'll dig up my other photos tonight to see if I have any other angles that show it better. Thanks for bringing this up - I really enjoy learning about the birds I'm able to photograph.

[Rafromak]

Alaska moose:
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y51/Rayfromalaska/MyPictures/Moose/Moose_3273.jpg

[noahcomet]

Love the moose shot. Hey, have you ever compared results between the 400 5.6 and the 200 2.8 with a 2x TC? I've sometimes wondered whether there would be a significant difference---enough to offset the benefit of also having the shorter, faster 200, too. (Not that I'm planning to unload my 400 anytime soon!)

[Rafromak]

Love the moose shot. Hey, have you ever compared results between the 400 5.6 and the 200 2.8 with a 2x TC? I've sometimes wondered whether there would be a significant difference---enough to offset the benefit of also having the shorter, faster 200, too. (Not that I'm planning to unload my 400 anytime soon!)

I haven't, maybe because I have both lenses. What I usually do is to switch to the 200 when the subject is too close, or when darker outdoors. But I have used the 200 with a 12mm Kenko tube for close-up shots of flowers, and it does an excellent job at that. Both lenses are fast-focusing and sharp, while the 200 is a lot faster in low light.

[Methodical]

With a name like Mackguyver, I would think you could fix the lens with a match and some aluminum foil.;)

Nice shots. The 400 is a nice lens to have in one's arsenal.

My poor baby took a nose dive into a rock pile while on the tripod this weekend and took it on the chin (lens hood). The lens survived just fine (not a scratch or any other damage) and went on to get some great sharp shots, but the hood won't retract and is dented in so it's going to Canon in the morning for repair :cry:. Here are some of my most recent shots - I have to say that I absolutely love this lens - the color, contrast, and sharpness (don't believe the stupid photozone & slrgear reviews) are amazing. Here are some shots from my last two outings. It's my first photo gear casualty so wish me luck and a reasonably-priced repair - will update when I get the estimate:

Closest I've gotten to an Osprey...
http://www.iandigital.com/Other/Recent-Work/MG0654ID/938789142_MqmLn-L-1.jpg

Very large gator - based on the size of his head, I'd guess he was 10-12 ft long. He scared the crap out of me when I saw how camouflaged he was and realized I had walked by him 3 times without seeing him...
http://www.iandigital.com/Other/Recent-Work/MG0565ID/938788272_ggqt5-L-1.jpg

Little guy - maybe 6ft long about 20 ft away
http://www.iandigital.com/Other/Recent-Work/MG0512ID/938786944_HE2df-L.jpg

Unusual plumage on this great blue - not sure if it is something special, but he was huge, so I don't think he's a juvenile
http://www.iandigital.com/Other/Recent-Work/MG0195/939004614_KpDdM-L.jpg

If only the wind wasn't causing the ripples
http://www.iandigital.com/Other/Recent-Work/MG9996/939003293_QtrUZ-L.jpg

I love the cormorant's eyes - they look awesome in large prints
http://www.iandigital.com/Other/Recent-Work/MG0026/939003761_FJgfD-L.jpg

[mackguyver]

A week and $460 later, I have my lens back. I hope to head out with it this weekend.

[Randall n LV]

Female American Kestral

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4096/4810850565_69d1dfbd42_b.jpg

[Randall n LV]

A week and $460 later, I have my lens back. I hope to head out with it this weekend.

WOW big bucks to fix just the lens hood!! or did they do some other work too?

[mackguyver]

It was $87 for the hood, $299 for the labor, $18 for overnight shipping back, $30 tax, and $25 to get it there. They also cleaned, aligned, and calibrated the lens. All the same, I'm glad my other lenses have removable hoods!

[FlSHRFun]

I want this lens. :(

[Randall n LV]

It was $87 for the hood, $299 for the labor, $18 for overnight shipping back, $30 tax, and $25 to get it there. They also cleaned, aligned, and calibrated the lens. All the same, I'm glad my other lenses have removable hoods!

That makes more sence. Clean and Calabrate is 300.00

[KayakPhotos]

I sure hope my hood never breaks....

I actually prefer the integrated hood, but I can see how it would be a problem if the lens ever got damaged.

[Methodical]

Wow repair cost must have increased quite a bit. I had my IS motor replaced in the 300 f4 and they cleaned and calibrated made a repair to the lens hood (end piece was loose) and it cost me about $130 including shipping - but this was back in 12/2008. Reminder to self: don't drop any lens. Ouch.


It was $87 for the hood, $299 for the labor, $18 for overnight shipping back, $30 tax, and $25 to get it there. They also cleaned, aligned, and calibrated the lens. All the same, I'm glad my other lenses have removable hoods!

[mackguyver]

That makes more sence. Clean and Calabrate is 300.00

You're kidding me - a Clean & Calibrate is $300? I didn't even ask them to do that. I just said to check it for any other damage. I might have to take this up with their customer service.

[costojanku]

A few
from the local zoo
(mind the rhyme).

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4017/4581014685_63410ffdf6_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3308/4581643900_494ff2f4f6_o.jpg
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4052/4581648292_3a0a9e7bc3_o.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2754/4538341939_3dce19eeee_o.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2732/4538976470_8bed200db7_o.jpg
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4013/4581016031_a35725da3d_b.jpg

[wtlwdwgn]

A very nice series. I especially like #2! Great shot. :D

[mackguyver]

^great shots - I especially like the 2nd one of the vulture - lots of character in the face, clean background, great sidelighting, and the red color & catchlight in the eye really make this photo work.

[lukaatv]

How this lens do with Extender 1.4x Kenko.

[mattlev12]

Iguana.....I enjoy this lens so much!

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4152/4847363002_4042162bc8_b.jpg

[lukaatv]

I photographed this birdie too just with 40D 70-200mm F4 + 1.4 extender.
Settings: 200mm x 1.4=280mm
ISO 160
F6.3
1/160s

1DmkIII, 1/800, f5.6, handheld, ISO 1600

http://www.philhackettphotography.com/img/v8/p838132782-5.jpg

[costojanku]

A very nice series. I especially like #2! Great shot. :D

^great shots - I especially like the 2nd one of the vulture - lots of character in the face, clean background, great sidelighting, and the red color & catchlight in the eye really make this photo work.

Thanks for your appreciative comments :)

One more from the same series (I only moved the gray point slider to the dark side, should somebody ask), once my beloved one:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2349/4531577939_4e6aa0a0f8_o.jpg

[rahil]

http://www.pbase.com/abdulghani/image/123492345/original.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/abdulghani/image/122627816/original.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/abdulghani/image/123359537/original.jpg

[mackguyver]

It's SO nice to have my lens back - it made the shot below possible!
http://www.iandigital.com/Other/Recent-Work/MG1247ID/953867777_LvqB2-L.jpg

[KayakPhotos]

Awesome series!

http://www.pbase.com/abdulghani/image/123492345/original.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/abdulghani/image/122627816/original.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/abdulghani/image/123359537/original.jpg

[phreeky]

With 1.4x:
http://www.clubpoint.net/bluebird/.birds/IMG_1874_800w.JPG

With 2x:
http://www.clubpoint.net/bluebird/.birds/IMG_1930_800h.JPG

With 2x + 1.4x:
http://www.clubpoint.net/bluebird/.birds/IMG_1984_800w.JPG

And all cropped a little ;)

[sanjeedbd]

An Indian Pond Heron:

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_DCvQyHfIF2w/TEzprZ2z1qI/AAAAAAAAB1M/8fB8wokdjPo/s800/MG1938b.jpg

[Methodical]

What kind of bird is this? It sort of favors the Thrasher here in the States.

With 1.4x:
http://www.clubpoint.net/bluebird/.birds/IMG_1874_800w.JPG

With 2x:


And all cropped a little ;)

[nightcat]

Rahil.. Your shots are magnificent!

[Pauly_G]

Some great birds shots above!

Here are a few recent ones from me.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4114/4868504083_4c4a2a531e_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4094/4869118240_4a70b23fd4_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4076/4869118074_3716c06f91_b.jpg

[phreeky]

What kind of bird is this? It sort of favors the Thrasher here in the States.

It's a Great Bowerbird

[sanjeedbd]

The best birding lens in the world gets the least attention. Why? Because it's unglamorous and affordable? I want Canon to hear clearly that there are thousands of users and admirers of this lens and will be many more whether they talk about it or not. So, please continue production of this legend. I think you already know this from the fact that your distributors' shelves are depleted fast upon its arrival.

Here's another shot with it mounted on EOS 50D quality sRAW1 (7 megapixel), no cropping:

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_DCvQyHfIF2w/TF9nLljXM-I/AAAAAAAAB6g/3xZ88oFd9Xw/s800/MG2012b.jpg

[frizzle]

The best birding lens in the world gets the least attention. Why? Because it's unglamorous and affordable? I want Canon to hear clearly that there are thousands of users and admirers of this lens and will be many more whether they talk about it or not. So, please continue production of this legend. I think you already know this from the fact that your distributors' shelves are depleted fast upon its arrival.

Here's another shot with it mounted on EOS 50D quality sRAW1 (7 megapixel), no cropping:

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_DCvQyHfIF2w/TF9nLljXM-I/AAAAAAAAB6g/3xZ88oFd9Xw/s800/MG2012b.jpg


Great post sanjeedbd & great shot too.

[Invertalon]

I know that a lens without a TC will always be sharper for the most part, but why would one chose the 400 f/5.6 over the 300 f/4 IS + 1.4x TC combo?

Most people can not add a TC on the 400 without loosing AF, and you can never add IS to the lens. With the 300, with a 1.4x TC you have an effective 420mm f/5.6 IS that is still excellent wide open. So you end up with basically the same lens but with IS and slight hit in IQ. Stop it down a hair, and really would only be splitting hairs. Not to mention the excellent macro ability of the 300. Why would one chose the 400 over the 300? I am just curious! :D

Hopefully one day Canon can add 4-stop IS to the 400mm and update the 300mm f/4 along with it! They are incredible lenses! I would of bought the 400 over the 300 for sure if it had IS... Even with the older, 2-stop IS it makes a big difference!

[sanjeedbd]

I know that a lens without a TC will always be sharper for the most part, but why would one chose the 400 f/5.6 over the 300 f/4 IS + 1.4x TC combo?

Most people can not add a TC on the 400 without loosing AF, and you can never add IS to the lens. With the 300, with a 1.4x TC you have an effective 420mm f/5.6 IS that is still excellent wide open. So you end up with basically the same lens but with IS and slight hit in IQ. Stop it down a hair, and really would only be splitting hairs. Not to mention the excellent macro ability of the 300. Why would one chose the 400 over the 300? I am just curious! :D

Hopefully one day Canon can add 4-stop IS to the 400mm and update the 300mm f/4 along with it! They are incredible lenses! I would of bought the 400 over the 300 for sure if it had IS... Even with the older, 2-stop IS it makes a big difference!

Both these lenses sell at almost same prices. Very logically so.

IS is a very important addition to gears. However, this technology has been around for not so long. Before its introduction, shooters used to capture great images on film cameras. Even a layman like me did so with P&S film cameras.

IS has been made an issue by its manufacturers while its not so for many. In good light and wide apertures (f/5.6 in this case) the shutter speed shoots to well beyond 1/800 even at ISO 200 wherein IS has no role to play. That speed is fast enough to freeze action as camera shakes are not recorded at such speeds (my Egret shot above was captured at shutter speed 1/1600, aperture 5.6). But slower speed may be required for sitting birds particularly on the ground. In such case I mount it on a tripod. True I could handhold it had it incorporated IS. But that's a reality I can live with mainly bcos I get 400mm without extender and this legend is optically superb.

When it comes to low light action photography; there's no choice but to get one of these two workhorses - EF 300mm f/2.8L IS USM or EF 400mm f/2.8L IS USM.

[sanjeedbd]

Great post sanjeedbd & great shot too.

Thank you very much for the kind appreciation. U know sometimes I look like a fool to myself as to why I'm advocating this lens so much! Canon doesn't pay me for that. May be when good images are turned out by amateurs; I feel a sense of belonging to the group that didn't make a serious mistake in choosing an affordable super telephoto prime.

[phreeky]

I know that a lens without a TC will always be sharper for the most part, but why would one chose the 400 f/5.6 over the 300 f/4 IS + 1.4x TC combo?

It's a tough choice for many. I don't really find the lack of IS a big deal, it's odd because I often get sharp shots at ~1/250s with the 400mm. I think it has a bit to do with the weight of the lens and its nice balance. Normally I find a sufficient shutter speed easy enough to achieve though, especially with the high ISO performance digital gives us and the typically good light where I live. Not to mention the AF performance of a bare lens versus with a TC.

Most people can not add a TC on the 400 without loosing AF, and you can never add IS to the lens.

Well my "IS" is a monopod. Not as mobile or convenient, but it helps a great deal. As for a TC on the 400, I've started to use the combo quite a bit lately and it's surprisingly useful - got to tape the pins for the 20D to AF, and it's not as reliable, but still get plenty of great shots from it. Even a 2x or stacked TCs are usable if you're prepared to MF.

Hopefully one day Canon can add 4-stop IS to the 400mm and update the 300mm f/4 along with it! They are incredible lenses! I would of bought the 400 over the 300 for sure if it had IS... Even with the older, 2-stop IS it makes a big difference!

If a 400 F/5.6 with IS could be made and sold for a similar price (which I doubt it would) then I'd love it. As it stands though we just have to choose our compromises as it best suits us.

edit: typo

[Invertalon]

Sounds good! I was just curious why one may chose over the other!

Both are excellent lenses for sure! :D

[Pauly_G]

One from yesterday - clearly not a wild bird...shot during a show at a local nature park. Proved pretty difficult to capture - think my choice of lens was a little long for most of the action.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4075/4890794282_0caab7f93b_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/pauly-g/4890794282/)

[KayakPhotos]

A couple from a trek this evening.

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk2/D40riggs/Nature%20Pics/sundownweb.jpg

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk2/D40riggs/Nature%20Pics/redleaf-1.jpg

[mackguyver]

I am amazed by this lens more and more each time I shoot with it - love the bokeh here:
http://www.iandigital.com/Other/Recent-Work/MG2194ID/969702523_qPwfS-XL.jpg
and here:
http://www.iandigital.com/Other/Recent-Work/MG1860ID/953870290_yqXgk-XL.jpg

[dolina]

How slow was the shutter on this Pauly?One from yesterday - clearly not a wild bird...shot during a show at a local nature park. Proved pretty difficult to capture - think my choice of lens was a little long for most of the action.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4075/4890794282_0caab7f93b_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/pauly-g/4890794282/)

[Pauly_G]

How slow was the shutter on this Pauly?

The EXIF says...1/640, so quite a quick little bird!

[Methodical]

White-breasted Nuthatch

http://methodical.zenfolio.com/img/s7/v7/p187190547-5.jpg

http://methodical.zenfolio.com/img/s2/v1/p462975711-5.jpg

[GrizzlyMan]

Wow these are all great. Here is one of mine.

400mm 5.6 early morning with my 7d.

http://www.thrukurtslens.com/img/s8/v12/p864101624-4.jpg

[mackguyver]

^^more great photos all - who needs to drop $4k plus when you can get photos like these! That's a mighty big catfish btw - in comparison to the bird at least.

[GrizzlyMan]

^^more great photos all - who needs to drop $4k plus when you can get photos like these! That's a mighty big catfish btw - in comparison to the bird at least.

Thanks.. your right. if only you could add a 1.4x and still auto focus and hold the F5.6. But for wildlife and getting to remote areas this lens is priceless!

[Methodical]

You can. You have a 1D body.

...if only you could add a 1.4x and still auto focus and hold the F5.6. But for wildlife and getting to remote areas this lens is priceless!

[GrizzlyMan]

You can. You have a 1D body.

True I do with mine but on the 7d it would be nice with the 1.6 crop sensor for that extra reach.

[Methodical]

Gotcha

True I do with mine but on the 7d it would be nice with the 1.6 crop sensor for that extra reach.

[mackguyver]

Does the AF slow down significantly on the 1Ds with the extender? Is Ai Servo still functional for slower things like birds?

[Pauly_G]

A pic to ensure there's at least one picture on this archive page... ;-)

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4142/4926760250_aa62f9e9d7_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/pauly-g/4926760250/)

[phreeky]

True I do with mine but on the 7d it would be nice with the 1.6 crop sensor for that extra reach.

Extra reach of the 7D is cool. With a 7D, 2x, and 1.4x:

http://www.clubpoint.net/bluebird/.misc/IMG_0450_800w.JPG
100% crop: http://www.clubpoint.net/bluebird/.misc/IMG_0450_crop.JPG

And using a 1.4x on a 7D with AF (not super reliable, but it is usable):
http://www.clubpoint.net/bluebird/.birds/IMG_0211_800h.JPG

[cichlid]

Hi all

I'm a Nikon user but I intend to get the Canon 400mm f5.6L for birding.

I will probably buy the lens new and a used camera body. I've in mind, the following bodies: 1000D, 500D, 450D, 40D and 30D.

Which of these bodies give the best value, AF, ISO performance when coupled with lens?

I understand that even with a 400mm lens, one needs to crop the image for a bigger view of the bird. So does getting a higher mega pixel cam as important as well?

Thanks!

PS: Oh, forget to mention, all the images posted in this thread are really good!

[phreeky]

I will probably buy the lens new and a used camera body. I've in mind, the following bodies: 1000D, 500D, 450D, 40D and 30D.

Which of these bodies give the best value, AF, ISO performance when coupled with lens?

I understand that even with a 400mm lens, one needs to crop the image for a bigger view of the bird. So does getting a higher mega pixel cam as important as well?

500D has the high 15.1MP and will probably give the same sort of noise performance as the 40D at the same print/display size. It'll give you more cropping capability but then the noise will be more noticeable, so probably OK for low ISO shots.

I'm guessing AF on the 40D will be better however I've not used a rebel series (i.e. 500D) in a long time, and not for birding.

Of those bodies I'd pick the 40D. I used mine for quite a while on a 20D though, so a 30D will be quite good too.

[mackguyver]

I have the 450D and the 1000D and while the 1000D has a bit more noise, I find the Auto ISO great with this lens. In decent light (read, not darkness) I have used ISO 3200 to make high quality 12x18 prints. This is critical with a lens like this (slow, no stabilization) where you need to shoot at high ISOs to keep the shutter speed up. I find that I need 1/200 for good shots on the tripod, and a minum of 1/600 -1/1000 for handheld shots. I also find the extra megapixels are very useful for cropping, but that's primarily because I make large prints - 12x18 or larger. The AI Servo (tracking autofocus) of both cameras is excellent when used with this lens, but better with the 450D on other lenses. The exposure with the 1000D is much more accurate.

Also, keep in mind that this is a tough lens to shoot with because of the stability and high shutter speed requirement, but with a little practice, you'll be rewarded with amazing images that costs a fraction of the big lenses.

[wtlwdwgn]

You might also keep in mind a used 1D Mk II N one of which I purchased and use with a rented 400 f/5.6. Although only 8 MP it has a slightly larger sensor and I have no real problem cropping and then enlarging. I have a good 16x20 from a crop of an eagle image I took earlier this year. I can also use a 1.4 TC and still AF with the center point. Just my ¢¢.

[cichlid]

500D has the high 15.1MP and will probably give the same sort of noise performance as the 40D at the same print/display size. It'll give you more cropping capability but then the noise will be more noticeable, so probably OK for low ISO shots.

I'm guessing AF on the 40D will be better however I've not used a rebel series (i.e. 500D) in a long time, and not for birding.

Of those bodies I'd pick the 40D. I used mine for quite a while on a 20D though, so a 30D will be quite good too.

Yes, I think the 40D is my best choice in terms of value and performance.

I have the 450D and the 1000D and while the 1000D has a bit more noise, I find the Auto ISO great with this lens. In decent light (read, not darkness) I have used ISO 3200 to make high quality 12x18 prints. This is critical with a lens like this (slow, no stabilization) where you need to shoot at high ISOs to keep the shutter speed up. I find that I need 1/200 for good shots on the tripod, and a minum of 1/600 -1/1000 for handheld shots. I also find the extra megapixels are very useful for cropping, but that's primarily because I make large prints - 12x18 or larger. The AI Servo (tracking autofocus) of both cameras is excellent when used with this lens, but better with the 450D on other lenses. The exposure with the 1000D is much more accurate.

Also, keep in mind that this is a tough lens to shoot with because of the stability and high shutter speed requirement, but with a little practice, you'll be rewarded with amazing images that costs a fraction of the big lenses.

Another good point for getting the 1000D is that it can be had for as little as USD$450 in my country.

You might also keep in mind a used 1D Mk II N one of which I purchased and use with a rented 400 f/5.6. Although only 8 MP it has a slightly larger sensor and I have no real problem cropping and then enlarging. I have a good 16x20 from a crop of an eagle image I took earlier this year. I can also use a 1.4 TC and still AF with the center point. Just my ¢¢.

I love to have the 1 serires cam, but it is way out of my budget.:lol:

I would probably get the lens and cam later this year in Dec and as I'm buying used, I will have to see what's on sale. From the advice given, I think I can't go wrong with any of the cams mention.

Thank you guy for the advice !

[dolina]

hello all,

I am running a survey among Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM owners and would like your input concerning pricing of a possible Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L with 4-stops of IS (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=924322)

[frizzle]

Thanks Dolina I voted for IS.

A couple from Phillip Island circuit today.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4145/4959617520_907991f63c_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4105/4959605426_395feff3e2_b.jpg

[nightcat]

hello all,

I am running a survey among Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM owners and would like your input concerning pricing of a possible Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L with 4-stops of IS (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=924322)

My estimate would be about $1900.00, and at that price I'd keep my present copy without the IS. With my present set up, I find this a hand holdable lens.

[ditchkat]

Just received my 400 f5.6 friday and had her out yesterday for a few hours at the local refuge wasn't a whole lot happening took more pictures of flowers than any wildlife. Of course on my way home from the refuge just before I get into town I spotted some hawks go figure could've stayed home and shot more wildlife pics than at the refuge lol. Great lens couldn't be happier I was a little worried about the prime part ( like animals being to close and not being able to zoom ) but actually could've used more reach. I could see if you were in a blind and you have deer get within 20yards or less you might only get a head and shoulders portrait.








Canon 40d,Tokina 12-24mm F4 DXII,Canon 50mm F1.4,Canon 85mm F1.8,Canon 24-70mm F2.8L,Sigma EX DG 105 F2.8,Canon 70-200mm F2.8Lnon IS,Canon 400mm F5.6 L

MYFlickR (http://www.flickr.com/photos/g_a_photography/)

[eric.brown]

Tracie and I went to the Dallas Zoo this weekend. We checked out the new GIants of the Savanna exhibit and I and captured this elephant peeking at me from around a tree.

Captured with Canon 7D and Canon 400mm 5.6 L handheld.

Gotta love a 400mm Portrait lens :)

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4110/4961423633_0d8a79447b_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ericbrown/4961423633/)
Elephant Eye - Dallas Zoo (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ericbrown/4961423633/) by eric@ericbrown.com (http://www.flickr.com/people/ericbrown/), on Flickr

[KayakPhotos]

Gotta love a 400mm Portrait lens :)


It actually does make a fine portrait lens. It's nice and sharp with great bokeh and colors. This is one of those lenses that is so good you try to find a way to use it for everything.

[Methodical]

http://methodical.zenfolio.com/img/s6/v6/p167727977-5.jpg

[KayakPhotos]

Wow! This should be the pic on the Canon website for the 400....

http://methodical.zenfolio.com/img/s6/v6/p167727977-5.jpg

[Sehfehler]

We need more horses and less birds in this thread!

https://www.me.com/ro/bjorn.belin/Galleries/100030/_MG_2141/web.jpg?ver=12832946190001

https://www.me.com/ro/bjorn.belin/Galleries/100030/_MG_2169/web.jpg?ver=12832946220001

http://gallery.me.com/bjorn.belin/100030/_MG_2437/web.jpg?ver=12832946380001

https://www.me.com/ro/bjorn.belin/Galleries/100030/_MG_2777/web.jpg?ver=12832946530001

https://www.me.com/ro/bjorn.belin/Galleries/100030/_MG_2762/web.jpg?ver=12832946510001

https://www.me.com/ro/bjorn.belin/Galleries/100030/_MG_2712/web.jpg?ver=12832946490001

First time shooting dressage but it was fun nonetheless.

[Leo Stutzmann]

WOW Al, that shot is amazing

[Methodical]

Thanks


Wow! This should be the pic on the Canon website for the 400....

WOW Al, that shot is amazing

[andrewhuxman]

40D- 400MM 5.6

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t47/ahuxman58/2010/IMG_4721.jpg

[Q-Man]

I love my 400 f5.6. It's my favorite "walk-around" lens for the type of shooting I do. Here's some from a brief walk in the park yesterday.

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_sg1dPrWjaZc/TJFX21qzpPI/AAAAAAAAB2s/CWkKTDWpsfw/s912/IMG_0690%20rs.JPG

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_sg1dPrWjaZc/TJFX6zUnz_I/AAAAAAAAB3Y/GBRTRJAdqQA/s912/IMG_0747%20rs.JPG

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_sg1dPrWjaZc/TJFX-M5l2oI/AAAAAAAAB4E/HoXms6_bpAw/s912/IMG_0792%20rs.JPG

[Kroozergirl]

A couple of pics from Spruce Meadows last weekend.

[KayakPhotos]

I love my 400 f5.6. It's my favorite "walk-around" lens for the type of shooting I do. Here's some from a brief walk in the park yesterday.

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_sg1dPrWjaZc/TJFX21qzpPI/AAAAAAAAB2s/CWkKTDWpsfw/s912/IMG_0690%20rs.JPG

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_sg1dPrWjaZc/TJFX6zUnz_I/AAAAAAAAB3Y/GBRTRJAdqQA/s912/IMG_0747%20rs.JPG

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_sg1dPrWjaZc/TJFX-M5l2oI/AAAAAAAAB4E/HoXms6_bpAw/s912/IMG_0792%20rs.JPG

Great shots. I like the flower one best.

[J.Litton]

To those that own this lens, do you ever find yourself wishing you had the 100-400? How do you decide to get this prime distance over the flexibility of the zoom?

[kinghong1970]

i have both... lemme reply to you after the weekend when i have time to play around with em both...

but quickly... i think the 400 5.6 wins...despite lack of IS...

[KayakPhotos]

To those that own this lens, do you ever find yourself wishing you had the 100-400? How do you decide to get this prime distance over the flexibility of the zoom?

There are times that I wish I had a 100-400, but that is mostly due to the lack of IS on the prime. I use mine for wildlife and when in the woods I have to use a tripod about 90% of the time. This isn't a big deal, but it would be nice to have IS so that I wouldn't have to use it as much. There are also times when I wish that the lens had a shorter MFD like the 300 prime, but I think that the short focus distance allows the lens to be much faster focusing (especially tracking).

Other than that, there are a lot of things that I prefer about the prime. I like the built in lens hood. It is solid and doesn't require you to attach anything to the front. All you have to do is slide it up and screw it tight (A very cool design IMO). The autofocus is something you have to experience to appreciate. It focuses quickly on static objects and has the nicest focus tracking of any lens I've used. That is amazing to me since most of the other lenses I've shot are f/2.8 or faster and the 400L still has them beat in the focus tracking department. I have also seen a lot of shots from the 100-400L in busy scenes (mostly tree branches) that have a really strange "busy" bokeh effect. I haven't experienced this with the prime and don't think it is as big of an issue with this lens.

The main factor for me choosing the prime, was that I already was planning on picking up a second body and using a two camera setup, rather than an "all in one" zoom option. This is my preferred method but YMMV. Now I use a 70-200 f/2.8/400 combo for wildlife. This allows me to have more shallow depth of field at the short end as well as a faster zoom when I need one.

In the end, I wanted the best IQ that I could afford in the longest zoom I could afford. In a perfect world I would shoot a 100-400/500 f/4 combo but that's not happening for a while. I felt that all of the zooms were a slight compromise at the long end and decided that I wished to have the best I can get at 400 or longer. That is also why I chose the 400 over the 300 plus TC.

[eric.brown]

To those that own this lens, do you ever find yourself wishing you had the 100-400? How do you decide to get this prime distance over the flexibility of the zoom?

I have both and the only time I wish I had the 100-400 is when at the zoo or another locale that has wildlife / birds closure than when in the wild. Sometimes I wish I had the IS of the 100-400 too but rarely now that I've figured out how to shoot the 400 5.6.

[Q-Man]

Great shots. I like the flower one best.

I've been really surprised by how many great flower shots I've taken with this lens. Thanks for the comment!

Q

[Q-Man]

To those that own this lens, do you ever find yourself wishing you had the 100-400? How do you decide to get this prime distance over the flexibility of the zoom?

I went for best image quality first. The 100-400 is still great, but the prime is sharper. I haven't missed the IS, and I've always been able to back up if I was too close. I use this lens without a tripod/monopod 99% of the time. The only time I use it on a pod is when I'm using a TC and really trying to close the distance. I love this lens because I feel I can still get really sharp images and not be tied to a pod. This is one lens I know I won't be getting rid of.

Here's a shot hand held at about 15' ISO 500 1/400 f6.3. Could it be sharper with IS or a pod? Probably, but I'm happy with it.

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_sg1dPrWjaZc/TDZRKmRkDLI/AAAAAAAABT4/Xb3qL4-zwvo/s912/IMG_7688%20rs.JPG

Q

[frizzle]

^^^^ Beautiful shot Q-Man

[KayakPhotos]

Took this lens out for a spin today. Quickly becoming my favorite lens.

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk2/D40riggs/Nature%20Pics/dragonflyweb.jpg

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk2/D40riggs/Nature%20Pics/bugonlilypad.jpg

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk2/D40riggs/Nature%20Pics/bobberinlilypads.jpg

[vinyleater]

I acquired a copy of this lens about a week ago. At first, I was puzzled because I was not getting the sharpness out of it that everybody talks about. I wondered if I had gotten a soft copy because I had read user reviews here and there complaining about softness. Then I came across a comment in a thread about this lens on Flickr warning about using inferior filters in front of this lens. Sure enough, mine was sold to me with a Tiffen UV filter already on it. Once I removed that filter and re-took my test shots, I noticed an immediate improvement in sharpness. Now I know what everybody is raving about! I learned that the motto really does hold true: "Don't put crappy glass in front of good glass." I replaced the Tiffen with a Nikon clear glass filter, which I expect to provide better results.

Another aspect of this lens which I have yet to master is how to hand hold it to minimize shake. Compared to, say, a Tokina 80-400 zoom, I find it a bit unwieldy due to its size. Anybody got a reference to a post about this or some new tips for a newbie like me? I notice a lot of you are hand holding this lens with no problem. Thanks.

[eric.brown]

Another aspect of this lens which I have yet to master is how to hand hold it to minimize shake. Compared to, say, a Tokina 80-400 zoom, I find it a bit unwieldy due to its size. Anybody got a reference to a post about this or some new tips for a newbie like me? I notice a lot of you are hand holding this lens with no problem. Thanks.

Congrats on the new glass.

My experience with handholding has been poor...haven't been able to get the sharpness I wanted. When I do handhold, I throw the ISO up as high as I can to get at least a 1/800 sec speed. That's about the slowest I can handhold this lens and get a good shot.

I didn't realize how much I moved / shaked while shotting until I bought this lens :)

[phreeky]

I find the balance nice with this lens and can get sharp shots (not consistently, but if I take a burst one normally comes out good) down to about 1/125s.

I have a manfrotto 410pl QR plate on the foot and provides a nice big grip which may be helping my hand-holding. Tuck those elbows in and practice your breathing too. FYI I don't really consider myself a super steady person - I'm absolutely useless with a rifle, for example.

[kinghong1970]

My new 400 5.6L's Obligatory Duck...
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_w9jT_GnjZSc/TJeKRe9GuBI/AAAAAAAABhg/Cl6EFyJ8NcI/s1024/_MG_0994.JPG

and if that won't do... 2 ducks in stealth mode...
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_w9jT_GnjZSc/TJeKQAgwgDI/AAAAAAAABhY/KVFaeNMNuFc/s1024/_MG_0981.JPG

[Mast3rChi3f]

http://img810.imageshack.us/img810/7741/ndsepicodoareeiro166.jpg

http://img693.imageshack.us/img693/3973/ndsepicodoareeiro143.jpg

http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/7818/ndsepicodoareeiro141.jpg

[kinghong1970]

Holy Smokes MasterChief!
that's some dramatic scenery!

[tgamron]

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4104/5006617788_1a9c76baf4.jpg

[g-limited]

Got this lens in today :D Personally I'd like a little more thickness to it so it's steadier to handhold but nothing I can't get use to. Stupid UPS delivered late so didn't have much light to test it out but here's one shot.

1/8000 @ f/5.6 ISO 1600

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4087/5016314801_415582fddb_o.jpg

[eric.brown]

^ nice shot g-limited.

[Ouessant]

What a beautiful shot ! You can thank UPS for that late delivery, the light is perfect ! ;-)

[eric.brown]

First shot taken with my new (to me) 1D Mark III. Taken with 400 5.6 + 1.4x TC in poor light.


http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4084/5015980261_06e805d40c_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ericbrown/5015980261/)
Goose - 1st shot with new 1D Mark III (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ericbrown/5015980261/) by eric@ericbrown.com (http://www.flickr.com/people/ericbrown/), on Flickr

[Leo Stutzmann]

^^^ Those eyes follow me from side to side, I love it. Nice shot

[eric.brown]

^^^ Those eyes follow me from side to side, I love it. Nice shot

Now that you mention it...they do follow me too. :) Thanks!

[g-limited]

^ nice shot g-limited.

What a beautiful shot ! You can thank UPS for that late delivery, the light is perfect ! ;-)

Thanks guys! I can't wait for the weekend to give it more of a workout :)

[KayakPhotos]

Awesome lighting on that one G-limited. Curious why you chose the high ISO when you could have gotten away with a much lower ISO and shutter speed and ISO if you wanted to (even handheld). Great shot regardless, just curious.

[g-limited]

Awesome lighting on that one G-limited. Curious why you chose the high ISO when you could have gotten away with a much lower ISO and shutter speed and ISO if you wanted to (even handheld). Great shot regardless, just curious.

I didn't particularly want the high ISO on that shot. I just switched systems and only got my 7D a few days ago. It was my first time out with it and I was checking ISO performance and getting use to all the controls. I saw the shot and quickly snapped a few without thinking twice about what ISO I had it on :o

[Stevenmens]

Great images all just a question anyone has exp. whit and whitout the hoya Pro1 digital uv filter on this lens ?

[g-limited]

1/800 @ f/5.6 ISO 100

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4144/5038564606_5aca0339c9_o.jpg

[ForcedFire]

I just found a used copy of this lens locally. Went to test it out yesterday but didn't find much. Here's a last resort shot of a duck before the sun went down. Taken with a T2i handheld (I'm going to need a better tripod).

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4133/5038609583_22aa3cb132_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/liteforce/5038609583/)
IMG_0001 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/liteforce/5038609583/) by LITEFORCE (http://www.flickr.com/people/liteforce/), on Flickr

[kinghong1970]

the lack of IS is something to get used to at 400mm... with practice, you can do handheld shots with this lens... as i'm starting to learn... grats on the new lens!

[John the Geek]

Is that shot wide open? I agree, It's a bit soft from handholding, but the duck's face looks like a contrast issue with wide aperture. (if you can call an f/5.6 lens aperture wide...)

[KayakPhotos]

(if you can call an f/5.6 lens aperture wide...)

At 400mm I would compare it to f/2.8 at 200mm. It's not going to have razor thin dof, but if you plan your shots it isn't real hard to get nice bokeh out of it. The quality of the bokeh is excellent if you can get close or provide enough separation. On another note, there is no discernable IQ difference from wide open and f/8..At least on my copy.

[KayakPhotos]

the lack of IS is something to get used to at 400mm... with practice, you can do handheld shots with this lens... as i'm starting to learn... grats on the new lens!

It does take some practice. The biggest thing for me was how much the movement is magnified when using long glass without IS. I just use the techniques I learned shooting rifles and that has helped me out a lot.

[ForcedFire]

Yes it was f/5.6, 1/640 sec, ISO 400. I'll see if I can do better today ;).

[T.R.]

I would say it looks pretty darn good....especially for a first attempt!

[KayakPhotos]

Tried my hand at birding once again.

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk2/D40riggs/Birds/lookinupweb.jpg

[eric.brown]

^^ Very very nice.

[KayakPhotos]

^^ Very very nice.

Thanks, I appreciate it.

[eric.brown]

Here's a nice capture from last weekend with the 400 5.6 + 1.4x TC.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4109/5052332795_f6619646aa_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ericbrown/5052332795/)Cardinal Eating - Spring Creek Nature Preserve (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ericbrown/5052332795/) by eric@ericbrown.com (http://www.flickr.com/people/ericbrown/), on Flickr

[Q-Man]

I don't think I posted this one, but it's a good example of the foreground and background blur that the lens can produce. Are we calling that fokeh and bokeh now? ;o)

This was f6.3 @ 15ft.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4131/5030928163_7f6ca43678_b.jpg

[rjx]

http://img810.imageshack.us/img810/7741/ndsepicodoareeiro166.jpg

http://img693.imageshack.us/img693/3973/ndsepicodoareeiro143.jpg

http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/7818/ndsepicodoareeiro141.jpg

These images are wonderful! I always enjoy when someone uses a tele and isolates an interesting scene instead of trying to cram too much information in a shot with an UWA. Did you hand hold these?

[Tee Why]

shooting a sunset.
http://tomyi.smugmug.com/Street-Scenes/I-Love-LA/TYi-4098/1033859495_8X8RP-L.jpg

[eric.brown]

^^ Very Nice

[trickydan]

I don't think I posted this one, but it's a good example of the foreground and background blur that the lens can produce. Are we calling that fokeh and bokeh now? ;o)

This was f6.3 @ 15ft.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4131/5030928163_7f6ca43678_b.jpg

incredible!! thats seriously some of the best melting of the fence and background! rofl fokeh..

[cichlid]

shooting a sunset.
http://tomyi.smugmug.com/Street-Scenes/I-Love-LA/TYi-4098/1033859495_8X8RP-L.jpg

Wow, I love this shot!

[Mast3rChi3f]

These images are wonderful! I always enjoy when someone uses a tele and isolates an interesting scene instead of trying to cram too much information in a shot with an UWA. Did you hand hold these?

Thanks. Yes these were hand held.
It's easy to hold this lens.

[KayakPhotos]

It's easy to hold this lens.

I agree. The lens feels very light to me and balances well. It's perfect for handheld shooting when there is enough light.

[g-limited]

One shot from Fleet Week here in San Francisco. A solo Blue Angel doing a sneak pass creating some visible shock waves.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4105/5066450037_7924e6e5bf_o.jpg

[oldgear]

a visitor

full size

oldgear

[kinghong1970]

One shot from Fleet Week here in San Francisco. A solo Blue Angel doing a sneak pass creating some visible shock waves.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4105/5066450037_7924e6e5bf_o.jpg

wow! great timing...

[g-limited]

wow! great timing...
Thanks! I'm happy I was able to get the shot :)

[g-limited]

Two from today, Western Scrub-Jay, both shot wide open.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4023/5080162913_74eb387419_o.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4035/5080756274_0cdaaff0fc_o.jpg

[frizzle]

From a very cold Phillip Island

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e64/wofty/IMG_5231.jpg?t=1287203859

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e64/wofty/IMG_8403.jpg?t=1287203953

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4113/5085749315_71f09843a0_o.jpg

[Introverder]

I bought this lens yesterday and haven't really tried it outdoors yet, as I'm sick. But even so, I've made a few shots which gave me a conclusion that this lens/my copy is razor sharp at f/5.6 and if I stop it down I don't see any difference (comparing to shots made at f/8.0) :);)

This lens feels superb for handhold shots (well-balanced and not so heavy), the build quality is marvellous, the focusing ring moves extremely smoothly (yep, just great), my first "L" class lens and I'm seriously amazed :);).

Just waiting to recover and try it on some fields, hoping that everything is ok and now is my task to learn how to use it properly :)..

Watching U shots I have a feeling that using a set-up like C50D + C 400/5.6L + Canon Extender 1.4 II can be a good option to have a really loong range (to extend the "basic" 400 mm FL).

Just have a question - Canon has launched the new 1.4 and 2.0 Extenders (version III).
Does it mean that with them the IQ with C 400/5.6L must be superior to the one which I can get with C 400/5.6L and C 1.4 or 2.0 (v. II)?

I know that I will lose AF but still when I have some static bird on some branch I have plenty of time to focus on object manually properly and as I get it right - using TCs (the good ones like the Canon ones) is better than cropping, right?

Still I guess that if my copy is superbly sharp then with C 1.4 TC attached I will be still able to have really sharp images wide open (f/8.0 then..).

And I guess the IQ - of C 400/5.6L + C 1.4 Ex (second or third version) is still better than using some Bigmas like 50-500 OS or non-OS versions.. And with C 400/5.6L + C 1.4 Ex. I have not 500 mm but 560 mm :);) as is the case :); ). Just I guess a nice option for future if I need some extra range (and to add some additional usage to this glass..) and don't have money for some 500 or 600 mm glasses..
Still it seems that using such big lenses excludes making some long walks and shooting simultaneously and C 400/5.6L seems great for such walkingarounds and even adding TC doesn't change greatly the weight of the set-up ("just" takes 1 EV of light and AF ability but maintain very good IQ (assuming from your shots)).

P.S. I guess that using AF with C50D, C 400/5.6L and C Ext 1.4 (v. II at least) is cumbersome and pointless (AF works really poor I've read at another site and you have to tape the pins), that's why I have spoken about MF with this set-up/gear..

[KayakPhotos]

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk2/D40riggs/Birds/overtheshoulder.jpg

[Q-Man]

I really liked the bokeh in this one.

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_sg1dPrWjaZc/TLjljgA8BoI/AAAAAAAACEM/kfheM64lw_g/IMG_1732%20rs.JPG

[bigphotoguy]

Hi Fizzle,

Great shots from the Moto GP.

I was there too and shot with a hired 400 f5.6 lens. What a great lens, it is on the shopping list for sure.

You look as though you had media accreditation for the event, how did you manage to get photographer access? I have tried several times with no luck.

Colin.

[frizzle]

Hi Fizzle,

Great shots from the Moto GP.

I was there too and shot with a hired 400 f5.6 lens. What a great lens, it is on the shopping list for sure.

You look as though you had media accreditation for the event, how did you manage to get photographer access? I have tried several times with no luck.

Colin.

Hi Colin
No I didn't have media access.
My wife and I booked a corporate package for the high octane club many months ago. The marque was at the bottom of Lukey heights at the MG corner. I always wanted to shoot from this position.

[phreeky]

Still I guess that if my copy is superbly sharp then with C 1.4 TC attached I will be still able to have really sharp images wide open (f/8.0 then..).

It's still very sharp. I use a Kenko rather than a Canon (I see the Canon as a waste of money), I generally have the pins taped so that I can try AF before resorting to MF. AF seems to work OK using the centre zone in AI servo, but MF is better for static stuff.

I've also stacked a 1.4x and 2x behind this lens for moon and planet shots with good results.

[Introverder]

Has anyone compared the IQ of each TC aligned with this lens and also the AF performance? Does the AF effectiveness differ then?

Having 560 mm/f/8.0 is something to be desired in many aspects, especially for more shy birds or smaller birds I guess.

Some people I've even heard were trying (successfully) - to use such a combo handhold. And I guess putting TC (1.4 I mean) between lens and body is a better choice than cropping.

[hammer418]

Has anyone compared the IQ of each TC aligned with this lens and also the AF performance? Does the AF effectiveness differ then?

Having 560 mm/f/8.0 is something to be desired in many aspects, especially for more shy birds or smaller birds I guess.

Some people I've even heard were trying (successfully) - to use such a combo handhold. And I guess putting TC (1.4 I mean) between lens and body is a better choice than cropping.


Unless you have a 1D series camera, you will need to manual focus with either converter. There is a slight loss of IQ, but that's to be expected.
Here's a shot from this Spring, with the 1.4X converter (560mm on a crop camera). The camera was mounted to a tripod. In the wild ...not in a zoo.


http://hammer418.smugmug.com/Nature/Birds/IMG4039/843358402_32Hf2-L.jpg

[RonSmith]

Great eagle, Mike!


Both of these were taken recently with my new 5DII refurb and my 400/5.6.


Sandhill Crane
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4126/5065917832_0980b72693_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ronssmith/5065917832/)

20101009 120a (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ronssmith/5065917832/) by Ronald S. Smith (http://www.flickr.com/people/ronssmith/), on Flickr

Egrit
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4088/5067983887_8119c41b7b_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ronssmith/5067983887/)

20101010 a237 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ronssmith/5067983887/) by Ronald S. Smith (http://www.flickr.com/people/ronssmith/), on Flickr

[Q-Man]

Has anyone compared the IQ of each TC aligned with this lens and also the AF performance? Does the AF effectiveness differ then?

Having 560 mm/f/8.0 is something to be desired in many aspects, especially for more shy birds or smaller birds I guess.

Some people I've even heard were trying (successfully) - to use such a combo handhold. And I guess putting TC (1.4 I mean) between lens and body is a better choice than cropping.

I use the Canon 1.4TC with taped pins and yes I can get it to AF ok. I've used it handheld just to try it and it's really not worth it. It's just too hard to get enough light in most scenarios that will allow a decent shutter speed. You're going to take a performance hit with AF and IQ so only use the combo if you really can't get closer. The only time I use the TC is when I'm taking shots at a great distance and will use a tripod. Most times, cropping is a better alternative for me (if handheld).

Q

[phreeky]

I've pulled off some good handheld shots with a 1.4x with pins taped, but like I said before generally only with AI servo. If you live in a region of good weather you'll probably find it useful quite a bit. i.e.

http://www.clubpoint.net/bluebird/.birds/IMG_9710_800w.JPG

http://www.clubpoint.net/bluebird/.birds/IMG_9889_800w.JPG

[hammer418]

Great eagle, Mike!


Both of these were taken recently with my new 5DII refurb and my 400/5.6.


Sandhill Crane


20101009 120a (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ronssmith/5065917832/) by Ronald S. Smith (http://www.flickr.com/people/ronssmith/), on Flickr

Egrit


20101010 a237 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ronssmith/5067983887/) by Ronald S. Smith (http://www.flickr.com/people/ronssmith/), on Flickr

Nice shorebirds, Ron ! :cool:

As others have now mentioned, it is possible to autofocus with taped pins.
Sorry ... I've never tried that, and it slipped my mind.

[Morlow]

FROGGY!

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4086/5108712861_0c20a68aa5_b.jpg (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4086/5108712861_0c20a68aa5_b.jpg%20400mm%201%20by%20Mor low,%20on%20Flickr) 400mm 1 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/morlow/5108712861/) by Morlow (http://www.flickr.com/people/morlow/), on Flickr