Canon 400mm f/5.6L

[Rich S]

I have a 300mm f/4L and shoot a 5D. How much better is the 400mm f/5.6L ? Is it really much better than the 300 with a 1.4x ? It is about $1200 ...I am wondering about cost vs use???? I have the money...but, not sure low light issues, no IS etc...Thanks ...Rich

[TooManyShots]

On a full frame body? 400mm isn't long enough. Save your money and get a 1.4x converter for your 300mm if you want 400mm reach. In either case, you have to struggle to close get some descent crop.

I have a 300mm f/4L and shoot a 5D. How much better is the 400mm f/5.6L ? Is it really much better than the 300 with a 1.4x ? It is about $1200 ...I am wondering about cost vs use???? I have the money...but, not sure low light issues, no IS etc...Thanks ...Rich

[Bubble]

I have a 300mm f/4L and shoot a 5D. How much better is the 400mm f/5.6L ? Is it really much better than the 300 with a 1.4x ? It is about $1200 ...I am wondering about cost vs use???? I have the money...but, not sure low light issues, no IS etc...Thanks ...Rich

YES (regardless of which body you're using)

[gasrocks]

Nothing is ever long enough, get the 400/5.6.

[vkalia]

The 400 has much faster AF than the 300/4+TC, for sure. In all other respects, I do prefer the 300/4. But the slightly extra reach and faster AF are enough to justify keeping the 400 as well.

Vandit

[yonni]

The only bad thing about the 400 5.6 in the long mfd. If I keep missing shots because of that I'm going to switch to the 100-400.

[nwyman]

The only bad thing about the 400 5.6 in the long mfd. If I keep missing shots because of that I'm going to switch to the 100-400.

but be warned that the 100-400 takes forever to autofocus if you are using the IS. I've got both and prefer the prime. I only keep the 100-400 as a backup in the event something awful happens to the 400.

[BradM]

but be warned that the 100-400 takes forever to autofocus if you are using the IS. I've got both and prefer the prime. I only keep the 100-400 as a backup in the event something awful happens to the 400.

I own both as and I would agree that the AF is a bit slower for the 100-400mm than the 400 f/5.6 but it isn't terrible, in fact it is my perferred lens in the 400mm category regardless of the body I am using it on.

[Fiddlefingers]

I have the 300mm f4 IS and regularly use it with a 1.4 TC. Recently I also bought the 400mm f5.6 so that when I use it with the 1.4 TC I have the extra reach. I tape the 3 pins on the TC so that autofocus still works (even in what I would consider to be quite poor light). I also use the 400mm with extension tubes in my garden so that the minumum focus distance is reduceed. I have to say that I'm very impressed with my new lens and I don't regret buying it.

[Froggeh]

Brad - bokeh is better on the 400mm f5.6 though :)