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08 October 2009

Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS USM Lens

If you're looking to step up from a telephoto zoom lens to something bigger and "badder", this is definitely a step in the right direction. Users of Canon's 70-200 f2.8 IS USM who photograph sporting events or wildlife subjects already appreciate the speed and clarity of Canon's f/2.8 L series lenses. If you haven't experienced the F/2.8 L series lenses, the benefit is awesome light gathering capability and spectacular shots with amazingly sharp subjects surrounded by nicely blurred background. In an effort to extend my reach with the f/2.8 70-200, I purchased the Canon 1.4x and 2x tele extenders, both of which produce as advertised, but at a cost. That cost being light gathering capability. The 1.4x tele extender costs you 1 f-stop and the 2x consumes 2-3 f-stops. The resultant longer lens barrel creates a smaller functional aperture, resulting in less light reaching your sensor. This is fine for bright daylight shots, as lighting is usually not a problem. However as day turns into evening, and evening turns into night, stopping action with a smaller aperture rapidly becomes a finite process. This is where the Canon 400mm f/2.8 IS USM shines. The large aperture at 400mm gives you the ability to reach out and touch your subject like never before with unparalleled light gathering capability. The result is amazingly crisp subjects with the professional background blur seen in sports and wildlife magazines. Sure, flash is possible with lesser lenses, but you can't always count on your flash to give you the fill and lighting you really need, especially at longer subject distances, such as during baseball and football games at night under the lights. I love having the option to leave aperture wide open, have the exposure I need to stop the action, and set ISO such that flash is not a requirement, but rather a luxury. This is not always possible with the tele extenders. On the downside, this lens is heavy and it is expensive. Neither of these issues has proven to be a permanent wall between myself and this lens. The expense is what led me to first purchase the extenders. They're great, but just can't possibly replicate what this lens does alone. For that matter, nothing else can. I strongly considered the 300mm version of this lens as well. It costs less and weighs less, but doesn't have quite the reach. I reasoned if I were going to buy something in this class, I wanted the glass the professionals were using. Many reviews suggest this is the prime telephoto lens most often used by professionals. After much consideration of my needs, I opted for the 400. The price tag was initially a large lump to swallow, but I have not been disappointed. As a matter of fact, the cost is only an after thought now. I have no regrets or any guilt over the expense, thanks to the great capability of this lens and the results I have obtained thus far. Without a doubt it's heaviest lens I have owned. I've never attempted to freehand this lens nor do I have any desire to do so. I removed the stock foot and installed a Wimberly Arca Swiss style replacement. I'm using a Really Right Stuff monopod head and quick release clamp, and a Bogen/Manfrotto monopod. This is a great combination for quick set up, and easy handling in the field. On a tripod, I love the Wimberly Head II for safety and ease of handling. It's firm hold, balance, and two finger control are hard to beat.

11 of 11 found this helpful

08 October 2009

Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS USM Lens

If you're looking to step up from a telephoto zoom lens to something bigger and "badder", this is definitely a step in the right direction. Users of Canon's 70-200 f2.8 IS USM who photograph sporting events or wildlife subjects already appreciate the speed and clarity of Canon's f/2.8 L series lenses. If you haven't experienced the F/2.8 L series lenses, the benefit is awesome light gathering capability and spectacular shots with amazingly sharp subjects surrounded by nicely blurred background. In an effort to extend my reach with the f/2.8 70-200, I purchased the Canon 1.4x and 2x tele extenders, both of which produce as advertised, but at a cost. That cost being light gathering capability. The 1.4x tele extender costs you 1 f-stop and the 2x consumes 2-3 f-stops. The resultant longer lens barrel creates a smaller functional aperture, resulting in less light reaching your sensor. This is fine for bright daylight shots, as lighting is usually not a problem. However as day turns into evening, and evening turns into night, stopping action with a smaller aperture rapidly becomes a finite process. This is where the Canon 400mm f/2.8 IS USM shines. The large aperture at 400mm gives you the ability to reach out and touch your subject like never before with unparalleled light gathering capability. The result is amazingly crisp subjects with the professional background blur seen in sports and wildlife magazines. Sure, flash is possible with lesser lenses, but you can't always count on your flash to give you the fill and lighting you really need, especially at longer subject distances, such as during baseball and football games at night under the lights. I love having the option to leave aperture wide open, have the exposure I need to stop the action, and set ISO such that flash is not a requirement, but rather a luxury. This is not always possible with the tele extenders. On the downside, this lens is heavy and it is expensive. Neither of these issues has proven to be a permanent wall between myself and this lens. The expense is what led me to first purchase the extenders. They're great, but just can't possibly replicate what this lens does alone. For that matter, nothing else can. I strongly considered the 300mm version of this lens as well. It costs less and weighs less, but doesn't have quite the reach. I reasoned if I were going to buy something in this class, I wanted the glass the professionals were using. Many reviews suggest this is the prime telephoto lens most often used by professionals. After much consideration of my needs, I opted for the 400. The price tag was initially a large lump to swallow, but I have not been disappointed. As a matter of fact, the cost is only an after thought now. I have no regrets or any guilt over the expense, thanks to the great capability of this lens and the results I have obtained thus far. Without a doubt it's heaviest lens I have owned. I've never attempted to freehand this lens nor do I have any desire to do so. I removed the stock foot and installed a Wimberly Arca Swiss style replacement. I'm using a Really Right Stuff monopod head and quick release clamp, and a Bogen/Manfrotto monopod. This is a great combination for quick set up, and easy handling in the field. On a tripod, I love the Wimberly Head II for safety and ease of handling. It's firm hold, balance, and two finger control are hard to beat.

8 of 10 found this helpful

08 October 2009

Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L IS USM Lens

If you're looking to step up from a telephoto zoom lens to something bigger and "badder", this is definitely a step in the right direction. Users of Canon's 70-200 f2.8 IS USM who photograph sporting events or wildlife subjects already appreciate the speed and clarity of Canon's f/2.8 L series lenses. If you haven't experienced the F/2.8 L series lenses, the benefit is awesome light gathering capability and spectacular shots with amazingly sharp subjects surrounded by nicely blurred background. In an effort to extend my reach with the f/2.8 70-200, I purchased the Canon 1.4x and 2x tele extenders, both of which produce as advertised, but at a cost. That cost being light gathering capability. The 1.4x tele extender costs you 1 f-stop and the 2x consumes 2-3 f-stops. The resultant longer lens barrel creates a smaller functional aperture, resulting in less light reaching your sensor. This is fine for bright daylight shots, as lighting is usually not a problem. However as day turns into evening, and evening turns into night, stopping action with a smaller aperture rapidly becomes a finite process. This is where the Canon 400mm f/2.8 IS USM shines. The large aperture at 400mm gives you the ability to reach out and touch your subject like never before with unparalleled light gathering capability. The result is amazingly crisp subjects with the professional background blur seen in sports and wildlife magazines. Sure, flash is possible with lesser lenses, but you can't always count on your flash to give you the fill and lighting you really need, especially at longer subject distances, such as during baseball and football games at night under the lights. I love having the option to leave aperture wide open, have the exposure I need to stop the action, and set ISO such that flash is not a requirement, but rather a luxury. This is not always possible with the tele extenders. On the downside, this lens is heavy and it is expensive. Neither of these issues has proven to be a permanent wall between myself and this lens. The expense is what led me to first purchase the extenders. They're great, but just can't possibly replicate what this lens does alone. For that matter, nothing else can. I strongly considered the 300mm version of this lens as well. It costs less and weighs less, but doesn't have quite the reach. I reasoned if I were going to buy something in this class, I wanted the glass the professionals were using. Many reviews suggest this is the prime telephoto lens most often used by professionals. After much consideration of my needs, I opted for the 400. The price tag was initially a large lump to swallow, but I have not been disappointed. As a matter of fact, the cost is only an after thought now. I have no regrets or any guilt over the expense, thanks to the great capability of this lens and the results I have obtained thus far. Without a doubt it's heaviest lens I have owned. I've never attempted to freehand this lens nor do I have any desire to do so. I removed the stock foot and installed a Wimberly Arca Swiss style replacement. I'm using a Really Right Stuff monopod head and quick release clamp, and a Bogen/Manfrotto monopod. This is a great combination for quick set up, and easy handling in the field. On a tripod, I love the Wimberly Head II for safety and ease of handling. It's firm hold, balance, and two finger control are hard to beat.

2 of 2 found this helpful

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