400mm 2.8 II

I got an amazing deal on this lens so I had to jump on it. The first two outings with it was a learning curve. Even though it is lighter than the Mark I version, it still is a handful.

After the third for forth attempt, I did manage to get a pretty sharp pictures of a squirrel in the back yard. This was at 1/800 F5.0 handheld.

I got one recently, you do get looks from general public of "WTF". I have still to take mines out for an athletics event as I am waiting for a big one. There was a recent one with circa 400 people so stuck with the 70-200 and even that is enough to get looks!

The lens is stupidly sharp. I think it's Canon's sharpest. Even with the extenders it's still stupidly sharp

Well, I'm jealous. It's the one lens I've been lusting after for a while. I'll be shooting soccer on a full-size field more this Fall and would love to have one for that. I'm extremely curious as to what sorts of deals people are finding on this lens because even with my crazy gear list, the full price on this thing makes my knees wobble. If you feel like it, send me a PM to satisfy my curiosity! Congrats on the new lens!

londonbairn wrote in post #15470830
I got one recently, you do get looks from general public of "WTF".

LOL - I think my wife had the same comment

Don't be shy... you don't need a press pass with a 400, it IS the press pass.

woodzy wrote in post #15472342
LOL - I think my wife had the same comment

Haha my g/f thinks it is crazy. I brought it to show my family at Christmas and they thought it was hillarious.

More or less! When I was out with it, a guy with a DSLR and (much) smaller lens asked me if I was a professional nature photographer.

To be fair at the Olympics, where I had a 7D and 70-200mm f2.8 IS II, the volunteers often thought I was press, and often at running events I go to they think I am local press...

The 400 2.8L II is incredible!! I love mine. It is tack sharp image after image in servo mode!!

Yup it is great...I just got it and it's big brotha (you think the 400 is a draw..)

my dream lens!! I don't shoot nearly enough sports or wildlife to justify violating my bank account in such a cruel way, but I just don't care. I will own it sooner or later.

convergent wrote in post #15472361
Don't be shy... you don't need a press pass with a 400, it IS the press pass.

Yes!

Maybe one for the physics/optical experts, but is the fantastic performance with extenders due to the fact that with the say 600/800 lenses, the extra focal length is due to the optics at the mount rather than the end (given it has such a beautiful large element :P )

woodzy wrote in post #15470823
I got an amazing deal on this lens so I had to jump on it. The first two outings with it was a learning curve. Even though it is lighter than the Mark I version, it still is a handful.

After the third for forth attempt, I did manage to get a pretty sharp pictures of a squirrel in the back yard. This was at 1/800 F5.0 handheld.

After talking to a few friends they said that a gimbal head was the way to go so I found a used one. This really make this a breeze to use.

Now, I think I need to go out and take some pictures but with this lens, you are self conscience about people's reactions due to it's size? You almost think you need some lanyard around you neck with a bunch of press passes.

I'm also not real thrilled with the Canon case this comes with - it is very big and would rather have a hard case just big enough to hold the lens and hood securely. Any ideas?

Thanks,

Holy S**T, that is the nicest squirrel shot I've ever seen... that is saying something, I hate squirrels!

Here is a picture of this monster looking at the front element. A dime is suspended to give you some scale of size. It screams "Look at me".

woodzy wrote in post #15470823
I'm also not real thrilled with the Canon case this comes with - it is very big and would rather have a hard case just big enough to hold the lens and hood securely. Any ideas?

Thanks,

I use a peli 1514 for my 300 with hood attached. Your 400 should fit nicely. I fill up the extra room with the extenders and other stuff.

How do you like the new foot? I really wish I could get any version of this lens... Haha enjoy it for all of us!!