Rate the EF 400 5.6L prime.

inthedeck wrote in post #2132298
Agreed, but I am not a fan of the push/pull design. I used to own a push/pull Canon lens...and was very frustrated with it, most of the time...which is why I sold it. No need for the aggravation ..

That's my basic impression of the lens as well - I'm not really a fan of the push/pull zooming. Call it weird, but although the zooming makes sense (longer focal length as you pull it out) it seems somehow backwards to me... Guess that's what I get for growing up with the FD 70-210mm f/4 lens. I used to like it, but nowadays I really prefer the ring zooms... Plus the fact that the lens stays one length.

The design is great for fast action like motorsports and wildlife though.

Curious, but since it seems that the 400 5.6L doesn't come with a tripod ring, will the one from the 300mm F4 LIS work with it? Are they the same diameter? or will I end up having to get a different one?

inthedeck wrote in post #2133038
Curious, but since it seems that the 400 5.6L doesn't come with a tripod ring, will the one from the 300mm F4 LIS work with it? Are they the same diameter? or will I end up having to get a different one?

No need to worry it does come with a tripod ring, much nicer design than the one on the 100-400 too in that it can be removed without taking the lens off the camera.

Thanks nitsch. One less thing to worry about.

nitsch wrote in post #2132323
It's a good lens, lightweight, sharp and fast focusing - ideal for handheld shooting of birds in flight so I voted no.1 however I don't love it. I like it, I'm glad to have added it to my gear, but the love is saved for the 100-400 which I prefer to use for anything other than birds in flight.

I am just curious why the 100-400 wouldn't be better for birds in flight.

Papaw wrote in post #2134320
I am just curious why the 100-400 wouldn't be better for birds in flight.

the 400 5.6 prime is much faster focusing, and lighter, therefore is better for birds in flight.

gotcha - thanks

Just curious, for those that have this lens, or know about it, is the 400 5.6L weather sealed? Just checking...is all.

nope, but I don't think the 5D is either so it wouldn't really help you unless your planning a new camera too.

No, I know the 5D isn't. But, if one were to upgrade in the future, would the 400 5.6L coupled with a 1 series camera be weather-sealed? I mean, people make such a ruckus about the notion of 'weather sealed' but if it's only the camera...then why isn't the lens also exhibiting the same qualities?

I am sure this is a fine lens, in it's own right. One that I am seriously considering. Just wanted to know, that's all. I do love the 5D though...just got it yesterday, and haven't had enough time to play with it yet.

I don't believe the 400mm f/5.6L is weathersealed. If it were, there would be a rubber ring surrounding the lens mount...

Naturally, if you need this kind of protection you pair up weathersealed lenses and bodies. All my L zooms along with the 1D2N are weathersealed... It's nice to know when out in the woods somewhere that a rain or snowstorm isn't going to dampen my fun.

Even if just the camera or lens are weathersealed, it's better than not having any at all...

Double Negative wrote in post #2146446
If it were, there would be a rubber ring surrounding the lens mount...

Aha! This is what I was looking for...as to 'how' the lens is 'sealed.' Check the thread here...and add comments...

http://www.photography​-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=229796

Thanks for the info.

Just keep in mind that there's much more to weathersealing than just that rubber ring... That's just the seal for the lens mount. There are also seals around buttons, zoom and focus rings, etc.

Hope mine resists the elements to some extent...

Ordered my 400mm 5.6L, Wednesday...has not shipped out to date...Hope to see it by end of next week...I've already added it to my signature, ha, ha...

Well, I decided to pull the trigger on one of these. Should be here in a week, or so. Got it for a great deal, new, with warranty. Coupled with the double rebates...should come in at a pretty good price.

Hope it gets here, before the trip to Cali.