Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Opinions?

[Pen]

So im looking at this lens, the Canon Lens: Primes - Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM (Tested) - SLRgear.com! from canon and am just wondering if you guys think this is a good one or not? I'm looking for a decent telephoto lens. I would be ok with a 200mm, however a 300 or 400 is what i really want, whether its a prime or zoom doesnt matter to me so much. This lens is about $1350 on adorama so what do you think, this or do you have any other suggestions of a tele lens at about $1400 or under? Thanks!

[takethislife5150]

According to your signature, you have Sony gear, which, correct me if im wrong, isn't compatible with Canon gear.. unless you have canon gear not listed in your signature..

[inkista]

I love the hell out of mine. It's the bird-in-flight lens, but it's not exactly a general-purpose lens. A better choice for a variety of subjects would be the EF 100-400L.IS USM, since it has zoom and IS.

Remember, without IS (or a monopod), you'll be limited to 1/focal_length as a shutter speed to eliminate camera shake blur if you're handholding. Typically with this lens, that means shooting at 1/500s or so. And you're limited to f/5.6 as your max. aperture. So, daytime and outdoors only is pretty much the rule with the 400L. And usually at iso 400-1600.

The other telephoto prime in this price range is the EF 300 f/4L IS USM, which is also slightly more general purpose than the 400mm. If you only think you need 400mm occasionally, then the 300 + a 1.4x teleconverter might be a better fit than going straight for the 400. If, otoh, you plan on shooting birds, 400mm is a better length, since it's harder to fill the frame with a bird.

[Pen]

I shouldve said this in my post, I am looking at a canon camera purchase in the future so I am looking at this lens as a possible tele for that camera.

[gturner]

Originally Posted by Pen

So im looking at this lens, the Canon Lens: Primes - Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM (Tested) - SLRgear.com! from canon and am just wondering if you guys think this is a good one or not? I'm looking for a decent telephoto lens. I would be ok with a 200mm, however a 300 or 400 is what i really want, whether its a prime or zoom doesnt matter to me so much. This lens is about $1350 on adorama so what do you think, this or do you have any other suggestions of a tele lens at about $1400 or under? Thanks!

I would look at the 100-400 with IS. Stick that on a crop frame and you have a 160-640mm with IS, perfect for birds, sport and all hand held for $1600

Here is a review with comparison

[Pen]

i am also looking at the 100-400mm but the 100-400 is $600 or so more and its sharpness at 400mm is not nearly as good as the 400mm prime wide open. The primary use of the lens would be for birds and that type of thing, probably no sports with that lens, so is the 100-400mm worth that extra $600 for the versatility and IS, budget is some of a concern, the 100-400 is right on the upper edge of what i want to pay, and even then that means i will have to wait longer before buying other parts of my gear. thanks!

[ALSto]

I have both the 400mm & the 100-400mm. The 400L is definitely a better lens for both sharpness and AF speed. You did not say what the intended purpose but for birding, you don't really need IS if you keep your speed up as Inkista mentions.

The 100-400mm is also a good lens for general purpose and I have used it for motor sports as well as walkaround. Doesn't AF so fast for birding or wildlife.

Allen...