Canon EF 400mm f/4L IS DO II USM

On Idx II this lens is easier to handhold ( CG falls nearer to the camera as weight of 1DX II is more) than on my 6d.

I guess the less weight of 7d II makes it slightly more difficult to handhold.

best

Anil

John Sheehy wrote in post #18192425
f/8 is a bit quirkier on the 7D2, because only the center point is f/8, and so it doesn't have 9-point mode at f/8. I find 9-point to be useful in situations at f/5.6 where complex scenery depth or very low light and contrast make single-point hunt excessively.

Unfortunately, the 400/4 DO II does not have manual focus override just by turning the focus ring, like all my other lenses do. I am very angry at Canon for this "feature". I reject rear button focus (it is a camera-jostling extra step), and I do not want to reach for one of those buttons near the front of the lens as an extra, camera-shaking step before beginning manual focus. Just turning the focus ring should send a message to the camera to "GTH out of my way and stop trying to AF" until I release the shutter button completely. I have lost so many shots because the 400/4 DO II would not allow me to instantly switch to manual focus by turning the ring, but undid my successful manual focus like a sadistic demon.

The system *does* allow MF after the focus locks, but if it is hunting, it never locks. So, 9-point is useful in hunting-prone situations, because it does lock faster and hunts less, and if it locks on the wrong thing, it only take a small twist of the focus ring to focus on the subject, without the camera re-attempting AF and go hunting when you have already achieved perfect MF.

I am looking forward to a 7D3-like camera with high pixel density, and f/8 at all AF points. Having two shutter buttons right next to each other with two different settings, say AF and no AF, would be too much to ask for, I suppose. Canon wants me reaching all around the body and lens while shooting active subjects in a very narrow FOV.

'7D3-like camera with high pixel density, and f/8 ' and a huge buffer and I'm in

MedicineMan4040 wrote in post #18192506
'7D3-like camera with high pixel density, and f/8 ' and a huge buffer and I'm in

Let's go for f/11 center-point, while we're at it! I'd pay a few hundred extra dollars for that. Even if you never needed it, it would mean that the f/8 AF in the center point should be superb.

MedicineMan4040 wrote in post #18192198
we found the 3 foot tall pigeon with 5 inch long talons

If that's their pigeons I hate to meet their Eagle or something!!!

John Sheehy wrote in post #18192425
f/8 is a bit quirkier on the 7D2, because only the center point is f/8, and so it doesn't have 9-point mode at f/8. I find 9-point to be useful in situations at f/5.6 where complex scenery depth or very low light and contrast make single-point hunt excessively.

Unfortunately, the 400/4 DO II does not have manual focus override just by turning the focus ring, like all my other lenses do. I am very angry at Canon for this "feature". I reject rear button focus (it is a camera-jostling extra step), and I do not want to reach for one of those buttons near the front of the lens as an extra, camera-shaking step before beginning manual focus. Just turning the focus ring should send a message to the camera to "GTH out of my way and stop trying to AF" until I release the shutter button completely. I have lost so many shots because the 400/4 DO II would not allow me to instantly switch to manual focus by turning the ring, but undid my successful manual focus like a sadistic demon.

The system *does* allow MF after the focus locks, but if it is hunting, it never locks. So, 9-point is useful in hunting-prone situations, because it does lock faster and hunts less, and if it locks on the wrong thing, it only take a small twist of the focus ring to focus on the subject, without the camera re-attempting AF and go hunting when you have already achieved perfect MF.

I am looking forward to a 7D3-like camera with high pixel density, and f/8 at all AF points. Having two shutter buttons right next to each other with two different settings, say AF and no AF, would be too much to ask for, I suppose. Canon wants me reaching all around the body and lens while shooting active subjects in a very narrow FOV.

What no FTMF! This is essential for looking lots of action like BIF!!

Lester Wareham wrote in post #18193279
If that's their pigeons I hate to meet their Eagle or something!!!

Sometimes when I am in a group that has gathered around a perched raptor, I ask people if they would be standing there if they were 6 inches tall. No feathers; not much fur; we'd be favored prey!

It is better than the previous version, especially with a TC. Grateful for the thread, as I was wondering whether or not to update.

S.Horton wrote in post #18193333
It is better than the previous version, especially with a TC. Grateful for the thread, as I was wondering whether or not to update.

I'm a big fan. Just got back from Panama. The 400DOii went, the 500ISii stayed at home. Same for many other big trips. The airlines are getting worse but the 400DOii still fits in the overhead even on the puddlejumper with have to use to get out of my home area. Plus I can still handhold it, the 500 only for a minute or two. I'd do the upgrade because it has been my bread and butter lens too many times. I probably waisted a lot of money and effort for the 500 but it is paid for and does get some use when I can drive. The real quandary will be when the 600DO hits the market because I'm really leaning a-mount withe a99ii.

when 600 DO hits the market , 2x converter will be on 600 and 400 shall be a wild life lens...

I tried 500 before deciding on 400 DO II. Was not able to hand hold for more than a minute or two and I always felt tripod is a nuisance (inspite of obvious advantages ). 500 gave me a bette bokeh however.

with 2xIII

with 2xIII

with 2xiii

Icy weather here in Germany heres a Read Bunting from the weekend.

one of the best shots of this thread... lovely colors..

with 2xIII