400 prime observations

Well I finally had a great day in the Northwest...nice and sunny but in the 30's. Perfect weather for birding...

I used the 400 5.6 L for the first time today and wow was I impressed. This is one fantastic lens and will post a few of my shots to my zenfolio soon.

I have previously owned the 300F4 L with a 1.4 teleconverter bringing it to 420 zoom and I currently own a Sigma 150-500mm. All of them are solid lenses and the differences more or less might pertain to your needs.

In general I see that the 400 5.6 is real quick for AF...real quick. Much quicker than the 300 and a whole lot quicker than the Sigma. It is easy to see why this is a BIF lens. The quickness is awesome.

A few other things I noticed. The weight of the 400 makes it a lot easier to use than the Sigma. I think the difference is close to 2 pounds. There is no weight difference between the 300 and 400. This makes the lens very easy to point and shoot. The Sigma is manageable but not a lens I would feel comfy with around my neck all day hiking up hills and dales.

The images are nothing less than superb. Love it.... I think the images are clearer / crisper than my 300mm + tc. The same is true for the Sigma although don't get me wrong, you can get equally solid, crisp pictures from all three lenses.

Lack of IS...how much does it affect this lens and images when handheld? This had me worried for awhile. Before the lens came I played with the Sigma 150-500 without IS and found that with the IS turned off and low light...it was difficult to get a non-blurred shot unless I moved ISO up, sometimes way up. With the 400mm, I found I had a few shots today taken at 150-300 shutter speed with ISO 400-800 and the shots were fine. So not sure why this is true but I am pleased.

I am worried as I begin a trip to Ecuador (I partially live in Ecuador so I can afford experimentation with lenses and cameras) that the low light conditions in the mindo valley area etc...will hurt images attained with the 400. I know that I often used my 300F4 without the tc on/off and I was able to get shots in low light that were acceptable. Not sure how the 400 will perform in this category but will see. I often wonder if it would not be a good idea considering the low light in ecuador highlands and mindo valley area to take a chance on a F2.8 70-200 zoom when photographing up close hummingbirds etc in real low light. Will see...or ...I could get a speed light for the 400. that might be more worth the dollars and the ease. More to come once I return from my two weeks in the Quito area.

So all in all...I am real happy with the 400mm F5.6.

Congratulations on the new lens. I suggest you use a good flash. It made a world of difference (for me) when photographing birds, especially hummingbirds.

Looking foward your experiences with it under low lighting if you decide to take it to the trip
Under the canopy I'm all the time at the maximum ISO and speeds lower than 1/100, I use a 70-300 IS and til now I think I couldnt live without stabilizaion

for my next lens I live in doubt between more range and no IS or same range and more speed

lmans wrote in post #11471675
I know that I often used my 300F4 without the tc on/off and I was able to get shots in low light that were acceptable. Not sure how the 400 will perform in this category but will see.

Keeping in mind that the 300 f/4 with a 1.4x TC has a maximum aperture of f/5.6 anyways, I don't see how the 400 f/5.6 would be a problem. I've used a friend's 400 and it is really a great lens. You lose the IS, but I find bird photos are much sharper with a tripod or at least a monopod anyways. I use a Jobu Jr gimbal with my 300 f/4 and TC and it works great, without significantly limiting my range of motion. I even put it on my monopod and brace it between my legs and feet.

I like mine as well. For under the canapy, you will find a monopod VERY helpful. I carry one with me if I am going to be hiking in forests.

DanThoman wrote in post #11473920
Congratulations on the new lens. I suggest you use a good flash. It made a world of difference (for me) when photographing birds, especially hummingbirds.

What flash do you use? Am thinking of getting one.

Great to hear. I have been struggling with this decision for the last few weeks and have now virtually convinced myself that the 400 5.6 is the best birding lens in my current budget range. Next week is my birthday and I want to use my end of year bonus to get myself a birthday present.

bye,
Helen

bettyn wrote in post #11498923
What flash do you use? Am thinking of getting one.

580EXII with BetterBeamer maybe

I took the 400mm 5.6 with me to Ecuador...I am in the highland area and so far, so good. I have no issues. At times under a canopy you need to push up the ISO but that is fine. I don't expect National Geographic shots with anything I can afford underneath a canopy. So I want good ID shots and so far the 400mm is doing nicely. I am not missing the Image Stabilization to be honest, I see no difference. I do get good shots at lower shutter speeds (100's) so

What I do see is a difference in general sharpness of images over the 300mm + 1.4 The 400 just gives me great shots all the time. The other day I shot 300+ images and I would say only a few were blurred due to lack of ISO. If you use a mono-pod while hiking, it is just fine. Also, I find this lens great for BIF...not convinced it is that much different than my old 300mm F4 for BIF though but surely better that the Sigma 150-500.

As my other option was to bring my 150-500, I must say that I do not miss the added few pounds that came with that lens. That goes for 'in the airport' as well as hiking around here in Ecuador. Also, I can see considerable differences in image quality with the 400mm....

So, that is my update. I will be doing a bit more birding over the next 3-4 days so will see how it fairs. Where we go many times will end up as to how the weather is that morning, so can't say I am aiming to go anyplace in particular....

windpig wrote in post #11508513
580EXII with BetterBeamer maybe

Thanks. After some research, I think I will go with this combo.

Now....to save up more money.

The 400 f5.6 is my best birding lens. You will get best results with a good tripod and good light.

DanThoman wrote in post #11473920
Congratulations on the new lens. I suggest you use a good flash. It made a world of difference (for me) when photographing birds, especially hummingbirds.

Hi Dan,
I just got the 400mm f5.6 and have heard the same comment about using a flash.

Can you explain your setup(type of diffuser/bounce) and setting to do these outside shots? I have the 580EXII.

Thanks Charla