Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM

Great pictures here! Do any of you guys use this lens handheld? How does it fare?

mek501st wrote in post #13314232
Great pictures here! Do any of you guys use this lens handheld? How does it fare?

All my shots with the 400mm have been handheld so far, yet to use my monopod, it's not a heavy lens, very easy to handle.

mek501st wrote in post #13314232
Great pictures here! Do any of you guys use this lens handheld? How does it fare?

I tend to use a monopod.

A couple of random shots from the local wildlife safari park. This lens takes a while to get used to. BUT when you get a hold on it - it will serve you well..

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …nkphotography/6​082717663/

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …nkphotography/6​083256930/

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …nkphotography/6​082719851/

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …nkphotography/6​083254386/

Hey guys, between this lens and the 100-400L, which would you get? I know probably the wrong thread but this lens is on my buy list soon. Thanks so much.

spacemonkey_ wrote in post #13322298
Hey guys, between this lens and the 100-400L, which would you get? I know probably the wrong thread but this lens is on my buy list soon. Thanks so much.

Get the prime. It will produce better IQ.

There is no doubt that the 400 is a fantastic lens but if money is not an issue, get the 100-400. The slightly better IQ of 400 (which IMO is hardly noticeable to the human eye) gets offset by the versatility and IS. It is a bit heavier and larger though.

Got lucky yesterday... with a Kenko 1.4 Pro 300 DGX

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …nikhilmarathe/6​295658670/

Fantastic!

Glad you like it. I should have gone gambling yesterday, got lucky to capture a pic of this guy too (usually difficult to spot one during the day). It was touch and go, so did not have much time to change my settings, so it turned out soft.

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …nikhilmarathe/6​295631348/

Think for handheld, this turned out ok.

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spacemonkey_ wrote in post #13322298
Hey guys, between this lens and the 100-400L, which would you get? I know probably the wrong thread but this lens is on my buy list soon. Thanks so much.

There are a few threads on this, have a search as there will be more info there.

Summary: The prime is lighter, has quicker AF and slightly better IQ (as a result it takes extenders slightly better). The Zoom has IS obviously, and also being a zoom it allows better framing. The Zoom allows you to locate a plane/bird/fast car at 100mm then zoom in, it can be tricky to find these things with the prime. For what you shoot with a long tele, is 400mm ever too close? for me thats never but I only use it for small birds or other wildlife.

Thank you guys for the feedback. Some good data to consider. I already own the 70-200 mark II so the 100-400L will overlap some so that's why I was considering the 400 prime.

To answer your question weeatmice, I shoot birding and my 70-200 + 1.4x III is not enough. I need at least 400mm in most cases.