400mm 2.8L

I'm in the market for a 400mm 2.8L. I'll probably buy new, but I'm open to picking up a good used one. Have improvements been made recently that I should make sure that I get one that was built a certain year or newer? Or are there future enhancements known that I should wait for? Also, does B&H ever run any specials on this lens? I understand that coupons are no longer publicly posted on this forum, but I sure would like to get the best deal possible.

Any advice on how to get the best lens for the least amount of money would be greatly appreciated.

ttt

superteles never have specials, and I highly doubt from what I have seen and heard that the existing models will be updated. Everything I have read and seen from the 300 400 500 600 is just remarkable. Considering that they all have IS too, I cant see any improvements in the near future that would influence your purchase decision. As far as getting a deal on one, it never hurts to ask but dont expect not to get laughed at depending on who you are and your history with whoever you are asking.

There have been no changes to the current model, the EF 400mm f/2.8L IS USM. The previous model was discontinued in 1999 and was the EF 400mm f/2.8L Mark II USM. Both are quite similar in sharpness, though the older lacks IS. But you can pick them up occasionally used for quite a bit off new (all things being relative).

Double Negative is right. There have been three EF 400mm f/2.8 lenses:
EF 400mm f/2.8L USM introduced April 1991;
EF 400mm f/2.8L USM II introduced March 1996;
EF 400mm f/2.8L IS USM introduced October 1999.
They are all physically the same size, but the older ones are even heavier than the current one. I have no experience of them myself but have read many times that IS is a great advantage with lenses like this, even on a tripod.

Thanks, All! This has been a big help.

the older versions are extremely heavy, save for the new versin you wont be dissapointed

CIDER wrote in post #5721146
the older versions are extremely heavy, save for the new versin you wont be dissapointed

+1

I am lucky enough to have one of the new ones.

Mark

If you look at those years, looks like we are overdue for a 400 2.8 IS USM II...

I have the MkII and really like it. It could be lighter, but I am almost always on a monopod anyway. Get the one with IS if you can handle the spendy part... you will not be disappointed. may I suggest that you read Moose Petersons guide to long glass tho it will help lots.

I Googled "Moose Petersons guide to long glass" but didn't see anything that jumped out at me to read. Would you please send me the link?

LBaldwin wrote in post #5721261
I have the MkII and really like it. It could be lighter, but I am almost always on a monopod anyway. Get the one with IS if you can handle the spendy part... you will not be disappointed. may I suggest that you read Moose Petersons guide to long glass tho it will help lots.

BH never have coupon/deal for big white gun. Typical price for a used 400mm f/2.8L IS USM now run from $5600 to $5700 (UU/UV) date code.

I have a 300 2.8L IS and a 400 2.8L IS...both are outstanding.

jharms1 wrote in post #5722131
I Googled "Moose Petersons guide to long glass" but didn't see anything that jumped out at me to read. Would you please send me the link?

Moose Peterson is one of my fav nature shooters and he shoots Nikons, but has taught several of the top shooters in several catagories.

He gives an indepth look at his gear, setups, techniques and how-to's on his website. Here is the long lens technique link. Spend some time looking at his site, if you get the chance attend on of his seminars they are great.
http://www.moosepeters​on.com/techtips/longle​ns.htmlhttp://www.imdb.com/na​me/nm0033837/

pendulum15 wrote in post #5721235
If you look at those years, looks like we are overdue for a 400 2.8 IS USM II...

Next one will have 4-stop IS, judging by the newest 200/2 and 800/5.6 lenses. But maybe I'm just fantasizing.