I've pulled the trigger ... and OMG!

There is the 400mm f/4 DO.

The 400 DO is bloody expensive for what it is...

SiaoP wrote in post #10569434
The 400 DO is bloody expensive for what it is...

Even the 400L F5.6 has better IQ. Save up for that 500L I tell you... Look at the bright side, the Nikon equivalent costs $8000....

Afield wrote in post #10567997
That's awesome. Congrats.

Too bad my wife would divorce me if I bought one.

I snuck mine in under-the-wire (2 months before wedding). Don't tell my wife but there were a few moments on the honeymoon when i was dreaming about my other baby.


Congratulations...enjo​y it in good health.

The 500mm is a life goal for me. I've given my self 10 years or less to get one. Yep I know a long time, but I have a lot of traveling to do. It's certainly a lens that has a rock solid reputation.

nice shots. tack sharp

Very sharp photos, and hand held to boot. Well done. Congratulations on the purchase.
I see that the Kingfisher photo was 1/400 sec and the Grebe 1/2700 sec.
Your doing great handholding but I see a monopod in your future, if you don't already have one.
Roy

Take lots of pix and have fun.

Congrats on the new lens, you'l be in love with it from here on out. We pondered over which lens to get for months and months and finally decided on the 400 f/2.8 on the logic that we could add the 1.4x or the 2x and still have auto-focus and be at a useable f-stop for somewhat lowlight.

After dropping the bomb on that purchase, I wish we would have gone with the 500 f/4

Now my husband swears by the 400 f/2.8 which has become his go-to lens when shooting wildlife, events and birds.

While we were in Yellowstone last season, we were able to use a friends 500 f/4 IS as much as we wanted and I totally fell in love with it

Bonish Photo wrote in post #10573647
Congrats on the new lens, you'l be in love with it from here on out. We pondered over which lens to get for months and months and finally decided on the 400 f/2.8 on the logic that we could add the 1.4x or the 2x and still have auto-focus and be at a useable f-stop for somewhat lowlight.

After dropping the bomb on that purchase, I wish we would have gone with the 500 f/4

Now my husband swears by the 400 f/2.8 which has become his go-to lens when shooting wildlife, events and birds.

While we were in Yellowstone last season, we were able to use a friends 500 f/4 IS as much as we wanted and I totally fell in love with it

Although I couldnt hand hold it for more than a few shots, its amazing how much lighter it is than it seems like it would be. It's just really balanced well for how long it is. Pair it with a WImberley and you'll be in heaven!

Yes, if the main purpose is shooting wild life, the whole idea of more "utilitarian purpose of a 400L F2.8" would not make sense in the real world. First, you would never switch on and off to converter on the fly just because let's say a bear was getting too close. In fact, you don't want to get too close to begin with. You don't have time to switch to either a 1.4x or 2x converter. Either you put it first before you shoot or you don't. I am pretty sure the converter would be on the lens most of the time. So, you are shooting at 560mm at F4, versus with a 700mm (500L + converter) at F5.6. The 400L would make sense if you shoot motorsports or sports in general and maybe once in a while shooting some wild life.

Grats on the purchase! It's going to be a long while before I can pull that trigger.

TooManyShots wrote in post #10574312
The 400L would make sense if you shoot motorsports or sports in general and maybe once in a while shooting some wild life.

Most of our jobs are Event Coverage, so this was the reason for the 400L

Congrat on the purchase! that's my dream lens. I have been eyeing the 500mm for a long time. I too have the 100-400 which I bought 10 years ago. It's a bit soft at the 400mm when wide open. I rented the 400 DO a month ago and I liked it but I wish for a little more reach. Renting a 500mm F/4 IS and a wimberley II next week and see how it goes for BIF. Do you guys think Canon will come out with a new supertele this year?

Tim_L wrote in post #10578710
Congrat on the purchase! that's my dream lens. I have been eyeing the 500mm for a long time. I too have the 100-400 which I bought 10 years ago. It's a bit soft at the 400mm when wide open. I rented the 400 DO a month ago and I liked it but I wish for a little more reach. Renting a 500mm F/4 IS and a wimberley II next week and see how it goes for BIF. Do you guys think Canon will come out with a new supertele this year?

No....

Wow. a $6k lens. nice!!!