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Comments on 400m 2.8 IS

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Craig Jacobsen

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I am considering purchase of the 400m 2.8 IS. The longest lens I currently own is 70-200m 2.8 IS with 2x. I would appreciated comments from those who own the 400m on image quality, problems with its weight/size, happiness with value for $$ etc.
 
The image quality of the 400mm 2.8 IS is unparalleled at that focal length. At 11.7 pounds and almost 14 inches long, the size and weight are gargantuan compared to your puny little 70-200. If the size/weight issues of the 400 F2.8 are untenable then either the 300 F4 IS + 1.4x or the 400 F5.6 will potentially give you better image quality than the 70-200 + 2X.
Craig Jacobsen said:
I am considering purchase of the 400m 2.8 IS. The longest lens I
currently own is 70-200m 2.8 IS with 2x. I would appreciated
comments from those who own the 400m on image quality, problems
with its weight/size, happiness with value for $$ etc.
Click to expand...
 
Craig Jacobsen said:
I am considering purchase of the 400m 2.8 IS. The longest lens I
currently own is 70-200m 2.8 IS with 2x. I would appreciated
comments from those who own the 400m on image quality, problems
with its weight/size, happiness with value for $$ etc.
Click to expand...
--
Craig,

What are you going to shoot with the lens?

The EF 400mm f/2.8L IS USM is a fantastic lens by all accounts, but the other alternatives (300/2.8 + 1.4x, or 500/4, or 400/4 DO, etc) may be better depending on your usage...

JT
 
Jim Trunck said:
Craig Jacobsen said:
I am considering purchase of the 400m 2.8 IS. The longest lens I
currently own is 70-200m 2.8 IS with 2x. I would appreciated
comments from those who own the 400m on image quality, problems
with its weight/size, happiness with value for $$ etc.
Click to expand...
--
Craig
Click to expand...
I picked this lens because it's the longest focal length with f/2.8 and very versatile. It's 560/f4 w/1.4x TC, 800/f5.6 w/2x TC, and yet AF w/1D at 1120/f8 with stacked TCs. Yes, it's heavy, but mounted on the Wimberley gimbal head, you don't feel a thing. I'm glad I made the right choice.

Regards,
Wilbert Chan
 
I would use it most for wildlife and surfing photos. I have considered the f4 lenses but have become totally spoiled by the 70-200 2.8 and its speed.
Jim Trunck said:
Craig Jacobsen said:
I am considering purchase of the 400m 2.8 IS. The longest lens I
currently own is 70-200m 2.8 IS with 2x. I would appreciated
comments from those who own the 400m on image quality, problems
with its weight/size, happiness with value for $$ etc.
Click to expand...
--
Craig,

What are you going to shoot with the lens?

The EF 400mm f/2.8L IS USM is a fantastic lens by all accounts, but
the other alternatives (300/2.8 + 1.4x, or 500/4, or 400/4 DO, etc)
may be better depending on your usage...

JT
Click to expand...
 
Did you see the cover article in Dec Peterson's Photographic on dramatic surfing photos? If not, you probably shouldn't read it or you'll be wanting a 600 F4 IS.

:)
Craig Jacobsen said:
Jim Trunck said:
Craig Jacobsen said:
I am considering purchase of the 400m 2.8 IS. The longest lens I
currently own is 70-200m 2.8 IS with 2x. I would appreciated
comments from those who own the 400m on image quality, problems
with its weight/size, happiness with value for $$ etc.
Click to expand...
--
Craig,

What are you going to shoot with the lens?

The EF 400mm f/2.8L IS USM is a fantastic lens by all accounts, but
the other alternatives (300/2.8 + 1.4x, or 500/4, or 400/4 DO, etc)
may be better depending on your usage...

JT
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
Craig Jacobsen said:
I would use it most for wildlife and surfing photos. I have
considered the f4 lenses but have become totally spoiled by the
70-200 2.8 and its speed.
Click to expand...
For surfing shots, try considering either the 600/f4 IS or Sigma 300-800/f5.6 EX for the reach you're going to need. IMO.

Regards,
Wilbert Chan
 
do you have any samples at 400mm F2.8 full size or crop? I am intrested to see if F2.8 would be useable for me for bird photography.
Wilbert Chan said:
Jim Trunck said:
Craig Jacobsen said:
I am considering purchase of the 400m 2.8 IS. The longest lens I
currently own is 70-200m 2.8 IS with 2x. I would appreciated
comments from those who own the 400m on image quality, problems
with its weight/size, happiness with value for $$ etc.
Click to expand...
--
Craig
Click to expand...
I picked this lens because it's the longest focal length with f/2.8
and very versatile. It's 560/f4 w/1.4x TC, 800/f5.6 w/2x TC, and
yet AF w/1D at 1120/f8 with stacked TCs. Yes, it's heavy, but
mounted on the Wimberley gimbal head, you don't feel a thing. I'm
glad I made the right choice.

Regards,
Wilbert Chan
Click to expand...
--
I am not an English native speaker!
http://www.pbase.com/zylen
http://www.photosig.com/go/users/userphotos?id=26918
 
From everything I've ever seen they don't come any sharper. But for birds you wouldn't use it at 400/2.8 would you? Surely you would be using at least with a 1.4X TC. So why not get the 500 F4 IS instead- cheaper and much lighter than the 400 F2.8 + 1.4X.
Daniella said:
do you have any samples at 400mm F2.8 full size or crop? I am
intrested to see if F2.8 would be useable for me for bird
photography.
Click to expand...
 
I saw a review on the web once, of a Sigma f8 mirror vs. the Canon 500mm f4, and there was not much in it. Ok, dohnut highlights and no IS, but cheap and light (ish) weight. Maybe, given the money involved, buy one and see how the length is for you. You can always sell it and loose £50 or so in the deal, and you'll know better what you need.

Excal
Wilbert Chan said:
Craig Jacobsen said:
I would use it most for wildlife and surfing photos. I have
considered the f4 lenses but have become totally spoiled by the
70-200 2.8 and its speed.
Click to expand...
For surfing shots, try considering either the 600/f4 IS or Sigma
300-800/f5.6 EX for the reach you're going to need. IMO.

Regards,
Wilbert Chan
Click to expand...
--
Excal
 
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