Canon EF 400 f/4 DO IS input

[Harvey_G]

I have also posted this in the 'Lens Forum' but thought there might be some users that frequent the bird forum, but not the lens forum. If a mod feels this should be removed, just dump it. Thanks.

Can anyone out there provide a first hand opinion of the Canon EF 400 f/4 DO IS lens. I'm particularly interested in your experience with one that has a recent date code.

I've read mixed reviews on this lens and have seen hints that recent versions may have been improved.

I presently shoot a 1D MKIII with a 300/2.8L IS, 500/4L IS and a 400/5.6L.

I find the 500 getting to heavy to lug very far and shoot handheld, and the 300 too short as well as still heavy after toting it for any length of time. The 400/5.6 is okay but lacks IS and is slow. I'm not as steady as I once was.

On paper, the 400 f/4 DO IS looks like a good compromise but I am concerned with image quality.

I would appreciate any unbiased opinion from users of this lens.

Thanks,
Harv

[buddy4344]

I have a 400 DO and also a 500/f4 IS. there is no comparison in weight or size. The 400 is very short. Sitting here, i don't know the date code on my lens, but it is sharp. Slightly more sharp than my 100-400 and of course it is much faster. I have not been real please with how it takes a 1.4 TCon. I can easily hike/hold the 400, but would struggle to stabilize the hand held 500.

Here is a "tip". go to andybiggs.com and look through his gallery. Many of his shots were with the 400 DO (which I bought from him) with a 1D MkIII or 1Ds MkIII. In case you don't know Andy, he's a pro with some pretty big credits you will see on his site. He is also quite accessible, so give him a call to get an opinion.

[BradM]

I have a copy of the 400mm f/4 DO as well (also the 500mm f/4), my DO is a 2 year old version.

I don't know that I am unbiased as I am more than pleased with it's image quality: with or with using the 1.4x behind it. Usually using it with the 1.4x on it and mounted on a 50D, occasionally on the 1D3, but it really lives on the 50.

IQ really did take a step up with the 1.4x after doing a micro AF adjust on both the 1D3 and 50D.

I got it for a similar reasons as you mentioned, my gf wanted more reach than the 100-400 or 400mm f/5.6 offered but neither could offer AF with the use the 1.4x. The 500mm was just too much in size and weight for her to handle on our treks through the various woodlands and marshes we do.

I did some research on this lens and looked to friends who also used it and decided I would take the complaints of issues with the IQ with a grain of salt and pick it up. I have not found any point or issues that others have made out as concerns with this lens, it works wonderfully.

I have no regrets whatsoever, it is and has been everything I hoped it would be. AF even with the 1.4x is quick and accurate on either body, better of course on the 1D3.

It is seemingly so light in comparison to the 500mm I treat it as a handheld lens for hours. Though the gf uses a tri/monopod with a sidemount when she is shooting it.

In post maybe a touch of curves to boost contrast in some types lighting but otherwise there is no complaints on my part.

[mikeivan]

Well, I don't have much to add to the answers you have received. I am another happy 400 DO owner. It is the perfect lens for me, I prefer to walk and stalk and don't use a tripod, always hand held. I have arthritis in my hands and am a "senior" citizen, no way could I hold a 500, so I can't compare. I only use mine in one configuration: 400 DO + 1.4 + 50D. The entire rig weighs just 7 lbs. and is only 18" long.

I try to keep the sun behind me and am careful with backgrounds, this lens can produce some strange bokeh. My lens is almost 4 years old, I think only the very earliest copies had issues. Compared to other Canon 400's, the DO is outrageously expensive. However, a couple more years and my cost will be down to less than $1000/year. I did have to micro adjust slightly on my 50D.

Arthur Morris is a pro who uses and likes the 400DO: http://www.birdsasart.com/bn287.htm

I will attach two images from last month, both taken the same day, bright overcast conditions, one a life bird, the other a once in a lifetime experience.

376757
Cape May Warbler
f/7.1, ISO 800, 1/640, about 50% crop

376756
Bobcat
f/7.1, ISO 800, 1/800, about 50% crop

I love my 400 DO and it seems to be exactly the right lens for me, of course, YMMV.

[Mtn Breeze]

Ahhhhhhh......soooo......the 500 might be coming my way after all Harv ??!!??!!


( Sorry couldn't resist .........:lol: )

Matt.

[Harvey_G]

Thanks a lot for all the input, folks. It's much appreciated and gives me something to chew on.

Don't start holding your breath yet, Matt. The 500 is not going anywhere any time soon. :)

[Snow Goose]

There is a 400 DO on ebay right now. If I recall the starting bid was/is $4,000. It looks very clean with only a few scratches on the tripod mount. FYI
Bob

[Harvey_G]

There is a 400 DO on ebay right now. If I recall the starting bid was/is $4,000. It looks very clean with only a few scratches on the tripod mount. FYI
Bob

Thanks, Bob. I think for the present time, I'll stick with what I have. I'm still getting mixed response and am not about to spend all that money on a lens that is not a sure thing. I'll put it away for the MkIV. :D