400mm 5.6L

So after just recently picking up a 300mm f4L (non is) as a upgrade from my 55-250mm I have decided I am going to return it and exchange for a 400mm lens. I am finding myself stuck in the same debate I have read alot about, do I go 400mm prime or 100-400mm zoom. Now I have read all the reasons why people love the prime and why they love the versatility of the zoom. The one aspect that keeps getting me stuck when trying to decide between these two lenses is the minimal focus distance of the 400mm prime. 11.5ft seems really far to me. From personal experience I know most of the time birds are not going to be coming with in that distance of me when I am out walking around due to their nature.

So my main question here is, Does anyone who owns the 400mm prime find the MFD to be hindering in many situations?

Thanks
Aaron

dedicatedphotography wrote in post #16747689
So after just recently picking up a 300mm f4L (non is) as a upgrade from my 55-250mm I have decided I am going to return it and exchange for a 400mm lens. I am finding myself stuck in the same debate I have read alot about, do I go 400mm prime or 100-400mm zoom. Now I have read all the reasons why people love the prime and why they love the versatility of the zoom. The one aspect that keeps getting me stuck when trying to decide between these two lenses is the minimal focus distance of the 400mm prime. 11.5ft seems really far to me. From personal experience I know most of the time birds are not going to be coming with in that distance of me when I am out walking around due to their nature.

So my main question here is, Does anyone who owns the 400mm prime find the MFD to be hindering in many situations?

Thanks
Aaron

Aaron, if you want the bird to come close enough to you, you have to pick a spot and wait patiently. I've learn that the hard way. Also don't dress too colorful. I found that birds come fairly close when I do.

Had the 456 for a couple of years now, have only found the MFD to be a problem once.
This was shooting a least weasel, very small carnivore (about 4 inches long, it's head about size of tip of thumb). Had to rock back a foot and got the shots.
Now this was a very inquisitive animal who was after my beef sandwiches I think, the pictures are amongst my best very sharp and plenty of detail.

The point being I have not got that close to a bird (wild), even a bold robin was about 15 feet.
Keep in mind that I spent much of the two years shooting wild owls hunting, so that isn't really a close up thing! (can never have enough reach birding!).

Oh and never underestimate the awsomeness of the 456 built-in lens hood!

Note I shoot crop body (550D)

I find the 12ft MFD to be the single most annoying thing about this lens. If you're looking to get close to birds smaller than a Kingfisher and keep them full frame then you'll be disappointed.

I can't get any small bird shot without cropping purely because I can't get close enough. My current Flickr images have been shot with the 400 5.6 on the 1D3 and I think you may be ok with a 1.6x crop sensor.

It's an amazing lens right enough apart from that small niggle.

I love my 400 5.6. I don't remember having the MFD come into the picture, I do have Kenko extension tubes that I keep with me at all times, so I can pop one on and lower the MFD.

Paulstw wrote in post #16747772
I find the 12ft MFD to be the single most annoying thing about this lens. If you're looking to get close to birds smaller than a Kingfisher and keep them full frame then you'll be disappointed.

I can't get any small bird shot without cropping purely because I can't get close enough. My current Flickr images have been shot with the 400 5.6 on the 1D3 and I think you may be ok with a 1.6x crop sensor.

It's an amazing lens right enough apart from that small niggle.

I can't get a "trainspotting" image of you hunting kingfishers in Glasgow with a line of dodgy junkies chasing your camera gear!
Sorry about that!

Care to tell us more of this?
I would love to photo kingfishers.

Foggiest wrote in post #16747901
I can't get a "trainspotting" image of you hunting kingfishers in Glasgow with a line of dodgy junkies chasing your camera gear!
Sorry about that!

Care to tell us more of this?
I would love to photo kingfishers.

Aye you do get a few idiots sharing some banter with you about your wellies or 'the size of your lens' but most are gents about it.

What do you want me to share? how to photograph them or where they are?

Thanks for the feedback guys, I've decided to go on and get the 400mm prime. For my budget it seems like the best choice, Now I have to wait for the delivery truck!

Nice choice. The speed of the auto focus is very satisfying.

I also only had the MFD come in play once. A Kestrel landed right above my head in a small tree I was under. Couldn't believe it, by the time I got in proper distance a hummer chased it away!

Even though I recently acquired a 500 F4, I still take the 400 when I am hiking and leave the 500 at home. You appreciate how light that lens is.

Great choice! Your going to be very happy with it.

Consider extension tubes if you find the MFD to be an issue once you get some time using the lens. I shot with the 400mm prime and never had a problem with the MFD...if something gets too close I take a head shot but that's rare in wildlife photography...at least for me.

I love this lens too and never really have a problem with the MFD, i think you made the right choice if that was your only real worry. Congrats on the purchase

It can be very annoying when shooting hummingbirds. But as mentioned earlier you can use extension tubes to take care of that when necessary.

Never owned a 400/5.6 but if I were in your shoes I would've made the same selection. My 500/4 has a 15 ft MFD and that has never been a problem. Getting close? Big problem!

jhayesvw wrote in post #16754695
It can be very annoying when shooting hummingbirds.

I wish I had that problem

I used my 400mm for thousands of shots and never found the MFD to be a problem It's a great combination of reach, I.Q. and light weight, a superb lens for birds and wildlife.