Canon 400mm 5.6 L Users

GooniesNeverSayDie11 · Apr 2, 2011

I am aware that using the search function brings up some threads that discuss this lens. However, I wanted to start a more update thread specific to myself. I am curious to find opinions on the Canon 400mm f/5.6 L. It would be great for owners to post some shots taken with it. I am getting very close to ordering one and just want to get some last minute opinions. I currently use the 70-200 f/2.8 IS with 2x Extender which works pretty decent considering. However, I want to get the ultimate sharpness at that distance. I do not have the money to buy anything higher priced than this. I definately DO NOT want the 100-400 due to its softness at 400, and its tendency to function as a dust vacuum. I also do not want the 300mm f/4 to use with a TC. ( 300mm won't cut it and I am sure even 400mm will be short at times ).

So I am just going to open this thread to people. Please only respond if you have used or currently use this lens. I do not want a bunch of hearsay.

gsgary · Apr 2, 2011

I don't think you will get any beginners with this lens ' it's a great lens but specialised

Overread · Apr 2, 2011

Here - more photos than you'll ever need from that lens: 400mm f5.6 L - Flickr: Search

For what its worth from your outline of your wants against your choices and options you've already made the choice on the 400mm f5.6 if you want the ultimate sharpness at this range and price point.

The only other combo I'd suggest would be selling and upgrading your 70-200mm f2.8 IS L to the 70-200mm f2.8 IS L M2 - however that only brings it in line with the 100-400mm; which you've already discounted. And with those two and the 300mm f4 out of the running its the 400mm left!

PS get yourself some neoprine covers for the lens - L white is darn cold to hold in your hands and even on a not to chilly day you'll be wanting a glove on your lens hand - the neoprine covers really act as a good barrier against that cold metal. LenCoats are a popular choice and make a whole range of colours (they do plain white and black as well not just camo covers)

GooniesNeverSayDie11 · Apr 2, 2011

As for the flickr search. I did that as well. I was more interested in seeing if perhaps people I know from on here have one. That way there is some weight to their opinions. Besides, there are many people that put hack shots on Flickr, so you see just as much good as you do bad, so again, thats where the weighted opinions come in. I am not really looking for recommendations of alternative lenses. I am more looking to decide whether I will ultimately be disappointed with this lens or not. I am talking the wife into allowing me to drop another grand into a lens after the 70-200 so I don't want to sell it a month from now, because she will freak. I know that I can't afford anything more expensive and know I don't want the other lenses in this class. I appreciate the advice on the covers though, I have thought about getting them for the 70-200 just cause I hate the white more than the cold barrel..

Hardrock · Apr 3, 2011

Icassel uses this lens but usually only post in the nature gallery. I debated on the 300 f4 , 400 f5.6, and 100-400L as well its a tough choice. But really once I rented the 100-400 I realized how dirty that thing is granted it was a rental. It was actually pretty sharp but not as sharp as a prime. I opted for the 300 f4 due to having IS and macro ability. The 300 also works very well with a tc. I didnt like that the 400 had a long minimum focus and no IS. Good Luck with purchase!